Nearly 22 years have passed since iconic Hawaiian entertainer Israel Kamakawiwo’ole died in Honolulu, but his music continues to find new fans.
For 1994 ‘Iolani School graduate Nate Chinen, whose new book, “Playing Changes,” examines the evolution of jazz music in America from the late 20th century to now, Kamakawiwo’ole transcends traditional stereotypes of how Hawaiian culture is portrayed.
“I just think he’s fascinating because he’s so deeply Hawaiian, in every possible way. The sound of his voice, the way he plays his instrument, his whole perspective and world view,” Chinen said by phone from the east coast, where he now lives with his family while working as director of editorial content at New Jersey jazz public radio station WBGO. “What’s interesting to me about Israel is that he achieved this truly astounding cultural presence. He did so in a way that was deeply true to the foundation of Hawaiian music, and a lot of this happened after his death.”
Chinen will return to Oahu next week as the featured guest during ‘Iolani’s Keables Scholar Night on Tuesday. He’ll focus on Kamakawiwo’ole’s timeless classic, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
“This really sweet, pretty version of ‘Over the Rainbow,’ I’m going to argue … it’s a song of protest,” said Chinen. “I’ll be unpacking some of the imagery around the song and the album that it’s on, and what it means for an artist like Israel to sing about a land that he dreamed of, once in a lullaby. Hawaii no longer exists the way it once did, and the idea that (this song) can be about anything other than sweetness and light, it takes some people by surprise.”
Tuesday’s free event starts at 7 p.m. in Seto Hall at ‘Iolani; parking will be available in the campus parking structure off Kamoku Street.
Chinen will also be joined on Monday by Hawaii-raised musician Abe Lagrimas Jr. at Blue Note Hawaii for a “Playing Changes” release party and homecoming celebration. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door; visit bluenotehawaii.com for more info.
