Ka 'Ano'i
Better known among his fans as "Iz," Israel Kamakawiwo'ole was a phenomenon in the Hawai'ian Islands totally below Mainland radar. So important was Iz's singing to Native Hawa'ians and Hawai'i residents alike that Governor Ben Cayetano declared a statewide day of mourning when Iz passed away in 1997--this despite his controversial Hawai'i-sovereignty politics.Ka Ano'iwas the 1991 winner of the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Award for best contemporary Hawai'ian album, and Iz himself won for best male vocalist that year. This album is appealing mainly for its honesty and simplicity: simplicity of tone consistent with the casual ukulele and slack-key sound, and honesty of voice through Hawai'i-enhanced allegorical tracks like "Coney Island Washer Woman" and "I'll Be There." A later version of Iz's "Over the Rainbow" was featured in the 1998 filmMeet Joe Black, as well. Despite his imposing stature, Iz was an embodiment of the simplicity and gentleness in the music itself, more noticeable in this early album than in his later work.--Erik Macki