I believe the steel player is Hal Aloma. I had a chance meeting with him when my parents brought my sis and myself to Disney World in 1971. There was a South sea island themed restaurant that featured a Hawaiian band headed by Hal. I was able just by chance to be able to meet him outside the restaurant one afternoon when he noticed me sitting on a bench near the restaurant where a loudspeaker was playing recordings of his band. He sensed I was listening and asked if this 17 year old Youngman liked the music and I proceeded to tell him how I became infatuated with it through my great grandfather's record collection which was given to me. It contained many classic Hawaiian 78 RPM recordings from the acoustic period right up to the 1940's Hal encouraged me to bring my whole family to the restaurant at night and he would great the entire family and play any of my Hawaiian favorites which did occur that very evening.
Your uncle was a very fine human being, innocent, kind, talented, and full of vinegar, a real pisser. Thank heaven someone saved this film. It's magnificent, pure magic. You have to be able to put yourself in their shoes in that moment, in their lives, young full of life,and optimistic about your future, falling in love, and looking shy with that naughty grin of your uncle. They were no different than you. May this music, and the spirit of these beautiful people echo through the universe for eternity. The man in front Lani Mcintyre only lived to be 48.
Back in the early 1960's I was still in grammar school and had developed a love of Hawaiian music by way of my great Grandfather's 78 rpm record collection which was given to me. There I found the magic of many talented Hawaiian music performers from the early electric recording period. Ii was all alone in my love and excitement of these old recordings which included Lani Mckintire from around the period of this film. To cut to the quick my parents brought me to Walt Disney World in my junior year of high school around 1971. I wondered around the place on my own and found a south east isle looking kind of place which was a restaurant on the Disney property. I was just sitting down on a bench behind this restaurant and I saw a woman dressed in what I would call Hawaiian native garb and she asked me if I liked my stay visit at Disney World. I said I did but I told her I was just sitting here listening to the great Hawaiian steel guitar music being played over the outdoor PA system. She said you are in luck because those recordings were made by the band that plays in this restaurant and the group is led by Hal Aloma. My mind recalled my old 78's where I knew I had listened to recordings done by Hal.This lady then said to come back later in the afternoon and she would arrange for me to meet Hal which happened. He was so gracious to me and we spoke for a time about his career and my love of his music. He invited me to come back later to the restaurant with my family to see his show. My Dad sensing my enthusiasm for my chance meeting with a Hawaiian great steel player did bring me to the restaurant and we heard two shows and Hal recalled some of my favorites and played them. What treasured memories I shall always remember of happy times with my family..
I was thinking haka music sounds like this. I've got Hawaiian ancestry and used to tease my Maori mate calling him, hey cuz, we are Ohana. He wouldn't believe me that Maori's travelled from Hawaii/Tahiti. There are similar words and traditions in both countries. Like cooking- the imu and hangi.
It's amazing. I've watched this video 500 times,and I still love it. It makes me smile. There simply has to be a place in the universe where all these cool people are hiding out so we can be together and smile once more.
This song really brings me to tears. My then girlfriend, later my wife and mother of two wonderful children, used to dance on this song, using split bamboo sticks hitting the floor in tune with the rhythm. I've lost all I had, thanks to the Dutch tax authorities, but they'll never lose my wonderful memories. Thanks for posting this, you've really made my day.
somewhere there is a Harry Owens film with Mikilani Fo (R.I.P.) playing steel guitar.... a wahine back in the day....and there must be other films with Cynthia Reed playing steel guitar (She was known as the "White Queen of the Islands").
Love this Hawaiian Song, from the golden age of Hawaiian music, it's amazing such classical Hapa songs were done back in the day! P.S. investing in a iPod touch with video so can share youtube/ Facebook ect. What you think Bra, and suggestions? Puna Paddy
Such a cool song and a SWINGIN' presentation! I can't get it out of my head! Step on the gas, Pal! Going my way? Fantastic! Dancers are so talented and gorgeous! Ultimate tiki party music!
It's funny that they chose to perform each verse first in an approximation of ancient-style, since the song is about taking a ride in a car - which is not an ancient form of transportation. And of course the "car ride" is actually an allegory for the pleasant movements of sex!
Usually, it just means to go here and there -- like taking a Sunday drive. It doesn't always have to do with sex, except to note that *everything* in Hawaiian music *can* mean something to do with sex.
