With today’s entry, two thoughts take the forefront. First, don’t let the word “novelty” in the name of today’s group fool you. The work of Sol Ho’opii is important, and earned him a place in the pages of history as a Hawaiian musical genius. Second, this piece just oozes a summertime vibe, with its leisurely pace and instrumentation. Hopefully the music inspires beach scenes for you, as it did for me.
Born in 1902, Sol was taught the instruments of his native Hawaii, but later made his way to Los Angeles, where he collided with the sounds of jazz. His work on this song shows that he likely faced little challenge in fusing the sounds of Hawaii with that of the greater United States. Of course, for composing the Hula Blues, we must look to Johnny Noble. Born a decade before Ho’opii, Noble had worked in Hawaiian hotels, and was taught the emerging “Half-Hawaiian” style. Ho’opii first played with Noble before coming to the continental U.S. His recording of Hula Blues comes from 1920, just a year or so after its initial composition.
The lyrics of the song also work within the concept of “fusion”. It speaks of the hula, a traditional Hawaiian dance, but places it in the context of the blues. The song also makes mention of Okolehao, a Hawaian alcoholic beverage. By mixing these elements in with a sound that was so American, Noble and Ho’opii could make more continental Americans familiar with Hawaian culture and concepts.
Music Through the Mists of Time 