Originally released on vinyl as a double-album, the 21 songs fit easily on a single disc. Concise liner notes put the event in historical perspective. The disc is a celebration of love, family, religious faith and Hawaiian heritage, and their choice of material, arrangements, use of guest artists, annotation and album art all help create a sharply focused musical portrait of the artist. Chinky Mahoe is the featured voice on one of Kahiapo's Hawaiian-language originals, but the other guests remain in the background. First of all, Barber has a vocal presence that doesn't come from singing languid ballads or overwrought tear-jerkers in a karaoke bar.
Barber writes memorable lyrics in a comfortable range of styles.
Some of the tracks would benefit from greater texturing, but overall the album is a beautiful calling card. He wrote six of the 10 songs here, and will be a composer to watch in the future. Tape The recordings George Helm made in the final year of his life befit his status as a contemporary Hawaiian legend. Painstakingly remastered and repackaged by Michael Cord and Harry B. Soria Jr., the recording shows that Helm also should be remembered as an accomplished vocalist and musician. Cord's series is rightly known for its high quality.