Winner of "JPF 2006 Music Awards U.S.A."

A musical collaboration between Fernando Perez & Wendell Peters.
In this CD recorded in the island of Maui, Hawaii, you can hear hawaiian meles (songs) representing different styles from the islands, hulas written in hawaiian, hapa-haole (english lyrics), chants, and even solo pieces performed in the most representative hawaiian instruments such as Ki Ho'alu (Slack Key), Kika Kila (Steel Guitar) and Ukulele.

Wendell Lee Nohealani Peters
  
Born in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. He learned from his mom & dad to play the ukulele from the age of four and it was during his childhood that he learned slack key. At 15 years old he got his first guitar, without taking too long he started applying his ukulele skills and singing. His vast knowledge of his Hawaiian culture combined with talent and heart comes through in his music. The natural quality of his voice is smooth and unique. He sings in his native hawaiian language as well as in english. He was introduced to jazz in the 70's while playing at local island resorts and while listening to his music you can hear how important that influence has been.

"My mom and dad taught me to play the ukulele from the age of four. At fifteen, mom and brother Hanalei bought me my first guitar. With no teacher in Lahaina, I used my ukulele skills on the guitar and it worked out fine. 

In the 70s and 80s I played the tourist resorts and was introduced to Jazz.  About a year ago, I met Fernando and we talked about doing a project together. In June 2004 I heard he was leaving the islands for India, so we got together at his house in Hali'imaile with a conch shell, hollow gourd, ukulele, guitar and his lap steel. In about five meetings we produced this CD with no rehearsal at all, and the ukulele pieces are totally improvised! I like writing poetry and creating melodies, always guided by the Spirit of God. This was a fun project! (Wendell Peters)