Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (Braddah Iz) - Hot Hawaiian Nights [2002]

In 1993, Israel Kamakawiwoole and I made the decision to work together to launch a successful career for him as a solo artist. As we began to discover each others styles, habits, wants, needs, and goals, an opportunity knocked.....KHNL/K5 invited IZ to be on their hit TV show, Hot Hawaiian Nights, IZ had not yet rehearsed a band, but decided to do the show while he was still at Queen's Hospital. Big boy's attitude and focus began to change as he started to realize that his music had a profoundly positive impact on his health. Immediately upon his discharge from Queen's, IZ headed to the studio to tape this show. With Roland Cazimero and Mel Amina pooling their talents to provide musical support, IZ's renewed energy is apparent as he shines in these early performances.

In 1995, Hot Hawaiian Nights once again invited IZ to appear and this time he and his band were more than ready. IZ had grown comfortable with his status as a Hawaiian, as a musician and as a voice of his people. The band , Mel Amina, Analu Aina, Gaylord Holomalia and Mike Muldoon all fit together and everyone, including the viewer can feel how much fun they have while performing.

We are very grateful for this opportunity to again witness IZ performing. Hot Hawaiian Nights gave local entertainers a ticket into the homes of Hawaii's people while providing our community with the music it sought. From all of us at Mountain Apple Company/Big Boy Records we thank the many people who talents contributed to this work; the producers, directors, cameramen and women, technical and support staff. Without the creative work of all combined, we wouldn't have these two programs that will now again bring IZ and his unique performances into our homes and capture the magic that IZ sought to share with the world.

Jon de Mello
Chief Executive Officer
The Mountain Apple Company.