James Michener's Favorite Music of Hawaii.

RCA Victor, 1959. A scarce item for the serious Michener collector. Twelve inch LP, RCA Victor LPM-2150, 1959. Folding album cover is illustrated with color photographs and has extensive liner notes WRITTEN BY MICHENER, including historical observations and commentary on the songs. "Ever since the day I first saw Hawaii and heard its rhythmic melodies, I have dreamed of assembling an album of my favorite Polynesian songs. When it looked as if I would never have a chance to do so, I amused myself by printing the titles of the choicest songs on little cards and shuffling them back and forth until I achieved my ideal album. Now, with the cooperation of RCA Victor, it becomes possible to issue in one album the distillation of my extended picking and choosing from the treasure store of Hawaiian songs. Here are the melodies I have lived with during many happy years. In this record, and for the first time so far as I know, the paramount musical instrument of the southern islands is presented to American listeners. It is a sound I positively love.the sound of Polynesia. It is the imperative hammer of drum sticks against an empty gasoline tin, and it is sweeter to my ears than the sound of soft guitars." [Side one: Beyond the Reef, Hawaiian War Chant (Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai), Blue Hawaii, Te Manu Pukarua (The Birds of Pukarua), The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au), Aloha Oe. Side two: Hawaii Ponoi, Sweet Leilani, Vahine Paumotu (Girl of the Paumotus), Akaka Falls (Ka Wailele O Akaka), Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi, Love Song of Kalua, Maururu A Vau (Farewell For Just A While). The Oratorio Society of Honolulu and The Marie Tarangi Trio under the direction of Jack de Mello.] The record has a significant scratch involving the first track only; otherwise VG+ to near mint. Cover is VG (mild rubbing; moderate edgewear; bottom edge of rear fold is split over about 4 1/2 inches --- neatly repaired internally with a thin strip of archival tape). Externally very attractive (illustrated with color photographs); internally fine (and illustrated with more color photographs).. F.