I chose this example of music due to the fact that the performer has made his way into my Instagram reel feed on multiple occasions. Although he is no longer with us in life, his music transcends his death. As I thought of music from Oceania, this artist popped into my mind and this was the first time I was able to look into his discography.
Made popular and performed by Israel “Bruddah IZ” Kamakawio’ole, also known as “Big IZ”, “White Sandy Beach” was originally written by a man whose stage name was “Willie Dann”. The song had grown very popular among Hawaiian musicians and was recorded by Israel and his band in 1991. The song was from the man after he married his then-wife on the beaches of Hawaii. The imagery of the lyrics is that of some of my personal favorite country and bluegrass songs. “I saw you in my dreams, we were walking hand in hand, on the white sandy beach of Hawaii.” As well as: “The sound of the ocean soothes my restless soul, the sound of the ocean rocks me all night long.” Are both lines that provide such imagery and relatable senses to ones mind. I think anyone could picture themselves walking on a beach, or being soothed by the waves on a beach below a purple sky at night. These lines brought to mind lyrics from Hank Williams Sr.’s “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”. Specifically, “The silence of a falling star lights up a purple sky, and as I wonder where you are I’m so lonesome I could cry.”
These verses, coupled with the soothing timbre of Israel’s voice, the sweet harmony lines behind him, and the imagery of the dancers in the video performance cultivate a tremendous ambiance. A calming, soft piece that are coupled with Israel’s tremendous ability to dynamically play his ukulele really bring out a feeling of being on a beach at a luau. The ukulele, is an instrument commonly associated with the Oceanic region and is a popular member of the chordophones that are thought of with Oceania. The dancers are also utilized in a fashion that is commonly associated with Hawaii. The rhythm of the song, the vocal delivery, and the calming feeling are all very indicative of popular Hawaiian music that is recognized as such throughout the world. All the elements from the various voices, dancers, and simple instrumentation really bring the feeling and emotion out of this popular Hawaiian piece.
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