Since being involved in Hawaiian music, one dream has been to work with some favorite top Hawaiian musicians on an album. God worked it out beyond what I could imagine, using so many people to make my dream come true. I am so grateful to the Lord for Uncle Ikaika Blackburn, who gave so much of his time and amazing talent to this project. Uncle Ikaika sings three duets with me (don’t you just love his voice?). AND he plays ‘ukulele on most of Nā Mele Punahele. AND God connected me with people I never thought I'd work with through Uncle Ikaika: Uncle Dave Tucciarone, who engineered the various sounds we made into something truly Hawaiian and beautiful; Uncle Ioane Burns, who added cool bass riffs; and Uncle Jeff Au Hoy, who crafted beautiful licks on the steel guitar. I am honored to feature Uncle Michael Keale, a sweet friend to my ‘ohana (family), with his smooth vocals. He encourages me in my music, often inviting me to sing with him at his gigs on Kaua‘i. Uncle Kellen and Auntie Līhau Paik of Kūpaoa encourage me in learning ‘Ōlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language). They helped me paka (edit, correct) my own mele (song) for this album. They have been such a great help and a blessing to me and my ‘ohana. I praise God for connecting me to these talented Hawaiian musicians, language and cultural experts. AND I feel so blessed to call them my friends. Grateful and humbled am I that God gave me this opportunity to record nā mele punahele (favorite Hawaiian songs), with some favorite Hawaiian musicians. Hope you enjoy this collection of traditional Hawaiian songs and experience the culture through the music of Hawai'i. When I was very young, my great-grandfather sang to me when I visited. One of the songs I remember him singing was "Oh Little Playmate", made popular during the era of his younger days. "Great Papa", (as I called him), had a very nice voice. I enjoyed hearing him sing, especially that particular song. During his final days of life, I was able to give this gift back to him by singing to him many of the songs he loved, and he would sing along. I cherish this sweet memory of him to this day. Years later, I discovered that the melody of this classic song could be played in a Hawaiian style. The idea of combining it with the classic Hawaiian tune, "Kipahulu," then came to mind. Hawaiian culture places a lot of importance of honoring our kupuna (elders). I play this fun and creative medley to honor my kupuna (great-grandfather) who loved music and shared this favorite song with me. My original mele composition Ku'u Mama Nani tells of my love and appreciation for my mother, who is kind, gentle, caring and loving to me. She is, indeed, a blessing from God.