E Walea Explained

E Walea is the debut album by Hawaiian singer Kalani Pe'a. It was released on August 5, 2016.^{[1] [2]}

Production

E Walea includes seven original Hawaiian music compositions written or co-written by Pe'a. The album was recorded in Honolulu, Hawaii, produced by Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner Dave Tucciarone and co-produced by Kamakoa Lindsey-Asing and Allan B. Cool.^[3] The English translation of E Walea is "relaxing at ease with the gentle voices of the birds".^[4] AXS wrote, "Kalani Pe'a's music isn't your typical island fare; rather, the Hawaiian singer-songwriter plays with the traditional format with brazen vocals, uncommon compositions and clever reworkings of unlikely hits (like "You Are So Beautiful" and "Always and Forever")."^[5] The album title came from Pe'a's nephew's name Kamali‘ikanekuikekaipu‘oluwaleaokalani.

Awards

E Walea was nominated for a Grammy Award in December 2016,^[6] and won the award in February 2017, for Best Regional Roots Music Album. Pe'a made history, becoming the first Hawaiian music recording artist to win in that category.^{[7] [8]} It was the first time in the history of the category that the award had been won by a Native Hawaiian recording artist. It was also the first time since the category was created in 2011 that the award had not been won by a Louisiana-based Cajun or zydeco album.^{[9] [10]} E Walea also won the 2017 Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Contemporary Album of the Year, making Pe'a the first artist to win both a Grammy Award and Na Hoku Hanohano Award for the same album.^{[11] [12]} E Walea peaked at number 11 on the Billboard charts under World Music Albums.^[13]

Track listing

1. "He Lei Aloha (No Hilo)" 2:49
2. "E Nā Kini" 3:45
3. "He Wehi Aloha" 3:35
4. "Hanalei I Ka Pilimoe" 3:09
5. "You Are So Beautiful" 2:36
6. "Makawalu Ke Ānuenue" 3:42
7. "Always And Forever" 4:27
8. "Noho Paipai" 2:54
9. "Eō Lononuiākea (Mele Oli Aloha No Kona)" 1:03
10. "Ku‘u Poli‘ahu" 3:43
11. "Oli Mahalo No Maui" 1:27
12. "Nani A Maika‘i" 2:51

Notes and References

1. Web site: Kalani Pe‘a - E Walea . . en . 2019-12-22 .
2. Web site: E Walea - Kalani Pe'a . . en-us . 2019-12-22 .
3. Web site: Is Maui singer Kalani Pe`a a game-changer in Hawaiian music? . mauitime.com . 2019-12-22 .
4. Web site: Kalani Pe'a releases debut album . hawaiinewsnow.com . en-US . 2019-12-22 .
5. News: 5 things you didn't know about Kalani Pe’a . . 2019-12-22 . en-US.
6. News: Maui songwriter Kalani Pe‘a nominated for Grammy . 2016-12-06 . . en-US . 2019-12-22 .
7. Web site: Grammy goes to Kalani Pe‘a . en-US . 2019-12-22.
8. News: Kalani Pe‘a of Hawaii receives Grammy Award . Berger . John . 2017-02-13 . . en-US . 2019-12-22.
9. News: Pe‘a wins Grammy for Best Regional Roots Album . Berger . John . 2017-02-12 . . en-US . 2019-12-22 .
10. Web site: 5 Stories from the 2017 Grammys You Might Have Missed . 2017-02-23 . pastemagazine.com . en . 2019-12-22 .
11. Web site: Keauhou scoops up 9 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards . Ancheta . Dillon . hawaiinewsnow.com . en-US . 2019-12-22 .
12. Web site: Kalani Pe'a . 2019-11-19 . grammy.com . en . 2019-12-22 .
13. Web site: Kalani Pe'a. 2021-01-12. Billboard.