This is perhaps Ata’s finest display of vocal technique and interpretation, with astonishing held notes. Pueo Pata, Heli Silva and Kaiolohia Smith join Ata in this rousing medley they performed for the Hula Bowl.Īta performs this classic party hula song with high energy and soaring vocals, accompanied by Jonathan Ka’onohi (guitar) and Pueo Pata and Kaiolohia Smith (backing vocals). Tom Conway on guitars and the cascading voices of Na Leo Malu join the serenade. An added verse in English takes us on the winding road to Kahakuloa on Maui.Īta speaks an introduction (in Hawaiian) before singing this hula favorite with special reverence for the sea and its gifts.Ī hapa-haole favorite, Ata accompanies himself on 4-string soprano uke, giving the feel of an intimate serenade.
Zacc Kekona’s backing vocals and Joe Kaimana’s steel guitar join Ata in this spirited mele about adventuring with friends in a jeep on rough backroads. Wayne Harada, music critic for The Honolulu Advertiser writes: “ Ata Damasco serves up a musical buffet that reflects his savvy vocal style (textured, with impressive diversity) and his menu (songs from yesterday and today).”.Ata’s mastery and pronunciation of Hawaiian are an added treat for students of the language.“ No question about it, he not only has a beautiful voice but has mastered the technique of breathing and singing simultaneously,” writes John Berger, music critic for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. It is Ata’s fluid, nuanced voice that captivates in every song.He even dusted off his dad’s accordion for one song! Guest artists appear sparingly but with effect: Zacc Kekona, Joe Kaimana, Dwight Takumoto, Cody Pueo Pata, Kaiolohia Smith, Heli Silva, Jonathan Ka’onohi, and more. Ata’s impressive instrumental talents are evident as he accompanies himself on ‘ukulele, guitar, upright bass and piano.It includes hula classics, three songs from Maui’s famed Farden family, and several gorgeous hapa-haole (English language) numbers. Another generous helping from one of Maui’s most talented recording artists, Pa’ina Hou! is a perfect mixture of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian mele.
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