Label: Liberty – LSS 14022, Liberty – LSS-14022
Series: Premier Series
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1962
Genre: Jazz, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Hawaiian, Pacific, Easy Listening
Tracklist:
- Blue Hawaii
- Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)
- Pagan Love Song
- My Little Grass Shack (In Kealalekua Hawaii)
- Now Is The Hour (Maori Farewell Song)
- Hawaiian War Chant (Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai)
- The Hukilau Song
- Song Of The Islands (Na Lei O Hawaii)
- Lovely Hula Hands
- Sweet Leilani
- The Moon Of Manakoora
- Aloha Oe
Notes:
Released in 1962 under Liberty Records, 50 Guitars Visit Hawaii by The 50 Guitars of Tommy Garrett is a lush instrumental album that captures the essence of Hawaiian music through a rich orchestral arrangement. Tommy Garrett, known for his ability to blend multiple guitar sounds into a cohesive and immersive listening experience, brings a unique interpretation of island melodies. The album features a collection of Hawaiian classics, reimagined with Garrett’s signature layered guitar approach, creating a warm and atmospheric soundscape.
The tracklist includes beloved Hawaiian standards such as “Blue Hawaii,” “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” and “Pagan Love Song,” each infused with Garrett’s distinctive multi-guitar harmonies. Songs like “Hawaiian War Chant” and “The Hukilau Song” add a lively energy to the album, while “Lovely Hula Hands” and “The Moon of Manakoora” offer a more serene and romantic touch. The arrangements emphasize the interplay between traditional Hawaiian instrumentation and Garrett’s orchestral guitar style, making the album a standout in his extensive discography.
Tommy Garrett’s approach to Hawaiian music on this album reflects his ability to create immersive musical landscapes. By layering multiple guitars, he achieves a depth and richness that enhances the traditional melodies without overpowering them. The production, featuring smooth transitions and carefully crafted harmonies, allows listeners to experience the beauty of Hawaiian music in a fresh and engaging way. This approach made the album appealing to both fans of Hawaiian music and those who appreciated instrumental easy listening.
Over the years, 50 Guitars Visit Hawaii has remained a cherished entry in Garrett’s catalog, reflecting the era’s fascination with exotic soundscapes and island-inspired recordings. While Garrett was primarily associated with his multi-guitar arrangements across various musical styles, this album showcases his ability to adapt and reinterpret Hawaiian melodies with finesse. Whether enjoyed as background music or studied for its musical craftsmanship, 50 Guitars Visit Hawaii continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate the timeless charm of Hawaiian-inspired recordings.