The beautiful music of Polynesia, including Hawaii, has many surprises. At its best, as in this superbly recorded and arranged package, it represents a fusion of the melodic approach of American popular music with the rhythm of the Latin American countries. Similarly, this unusual and brilliant album contains many surprises.

Who would think that The Hawaiian War Chant, for example would make a perfect cha-cha? Would you believe, without hearing it, that "Now Is The Hour" could be played in three-quarter time, and yet not sound like a "waltz" in the traditional Viennese sense? Through the imagination of George Cates, these and many other musical miracles have been achieved. "Now Is The Hour," for example, keeps that same distinctly latin percussive pulse which, although in three-quarter time,
completely removes the feeling of a waltz.

The foundation for all these exciting performances is provided by nearly a score of percussion instruments, some familiar, such as the tympani marimbas and xylophones; some exotic, including the Uli Uli, the Pu Hi, and the Boo-Bams. (A detailed list of all of the percussion can be found below).

Two noteworthy contributions to the melody elements should be mentioned: that of Buddy Cole, who
used his Novachord so effectively, sometimes as a "string section" other times as part of the percussion effect, and often as the melody instrument; the other, the deft use of three soprano voices in combination with an alto flute, in such numbers as The Wedding Song, Beyond The Reef and, of course, Aloha Oe, without which one could hardly depart from this musical visit to those romantic islands. The soloist, Norma Zimmer, incidentally, was also the lovely voice which sang the obligate on George Gates' famous recording of Moonglow, with the added theme from Picnic.

These elements, carefully planned and beautifully executed, add up to a stereo-hi-fi delight.

PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS USED:

Guiro, Boo-bams, Rhythm Logs, Celeste, Marimba, Xylophone, Bells, Pu Ili (or Pui Sticks), Kalaau, Uli Uli, Tympani, Timbales, Conga Drum, Bongos, Maracas, Finger Cymbals (or "Ching-Chings"), Electric Bass, String Bass, and Triangle. Source: 317X