Album Notes

It was the music of Hawaiian slack key legend Keola Beamer that originally drew Richard into Hawaiian slack key guitar approximately 10 years ago. Since then, Richard has studied with Keola and with Big Island slack key master John Keawe. Strongly influenced by Keola Beamer's "dream guitar" sound, Richard has developed his own individual voice in the smooth and relaxing style referred to by Hawaiians as "nahenahe." Richard also has studied Hawaiian language and culture with the Beamer family, and hula with kumu hula Poniana Van Handel. These studies have lent a depth and from-the-heart feel to his music. In 2004, he was honored with the gift of his Hawaiian name -- Kaulele (soaring; over and above the ordinary) -- by Hawaiian kupuna (elder) and cultural icon Nona Beamer, and he embraces the challenge and kuleana (responsibility) of trying to grow into and live up to that name.

This CD, Richard's second, includes eight of Richard's own arrangements of classic and beautiful Hawaiian songs, and four originals, including the title cut, Molokai North Shore Flight. Richard hopes that these songs will relax you and transport you to the islands.