Alone in Iz World (CD - 2001)

Contains an untitled hidden track after "In This Life."

Personnel includes: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (vocals, ukulele); Mel Amina, Barry Flanagan (guitar).

Recorded in Hawaii. Includes liner notes by Jon De Mello.

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.

While the name Israel Kamakawiwo'ole falls trippingly off few tongues, the Hawaiian singer better known as "Iz" was one of the biggest stars in his home state. Iz first came to public attention as a member of the popular Hawaiian group known as the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau. His subsequent solo career brought even greater fame, and countless fans were saddened at his untimely death in 1997. Those who mourn his passing will be gladdened by the posthumous release of ALONE IN IZ WORLD, compiled from various recording session outtakes.

While one might expect a big, deep sound to emanate from a gargantuan-sized body like that of Iz, the hefty singer actually possessed a gorgeous, fragile tenor voice full of tenderness and delicacy. That voice is put to use here on tunes that alternate between voice-and-ukelele solo performances (Iz was no slouch on the uke) and more fully arranged tunes enhanced after the singer's death. Whether crooning in his native tongue or in English, Iz cuts right through to the heart of the listener with his pure, emotive tone. minimize