Label: Sacred Records (4) – LPS 4009
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1960
Genre: Jazz, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Gospel, Easy Listening, Hawaiian, Pacific
Tracklist:
- I Know A Name
- Wounded For Me
- Why Should He Love Me So
- My Jesus I Love Thee
- Jesus Name I Love
- Paradise Isle
- Healer Of Broken Hearts
- Only Jesus
- Beyond The Sunset
- Thine Alone
- Memories
Notes:
The 1960 album Paradise Isles by Bud Tutmarc, accompanied by the Ralph Carmichael Orchestra, is a unique blend of Hawaiian-inspired melodies and gospel themes. Released under Sacred Records, this album showcases Tutmarc’s mastery of the Hawaiian steel guitar, paired with Carmichael’s lush orchestral arrangements. Together, they create a soundscape that captures the serene beauty of the islands while delivering a message of faith and hope.
The album features a diverse tracklist, including songs like “Paradise Isle,” “Beyond the Sunset,” and “Memories,” which evoke the tranquil and romantic atmosphere of Hawaii. Tracks such as “I Know A Name” and “Wounded For Me” reflect the gospel influence, blending spiritual themes with the exotic charm of Hawaiian music. The combination of traditional Hawaiian elements and sacred music creates a distinctive listening experience that sets this album apart.
A standout feature of Paradise Isles is its instrumentation, which includes the steel guitar, harp, vibraharp, ukulele, and celeste. These instruments, under Carmichael’s direction, create a rich and layered sound that transports listeners to the idyllic shores of Hawaii. The album’s production emphasizes the harmonious interplay of these elements, showcasing Tutmarc’s skill and Carmichael’s innovative arrangements.
Paradise Isles remains a cherished piece of Hawaiian and gospel music history, reflecting the era’s fascination with the exotic and the spiritual. Its timeless appeal continues to captivate fans of Hawaiian music and sacred melodies, offering a nostalgic journey to the golden age of island-inspired gospel music. This album is a testament to Bud Tutmarc’s artistry and his dedication to blending faith with the beauty of Hawaiian music.
