A String Posted July 4, 2006 Posted July 4, 2006 I heard Israel's version of "Over The Rainbow" and I gotta say, I liked it. It's played on a Uke, but it seemed to fit. I've been thinking of picking up an album, but I've never heard of the guy before I heard this song. Is the rest of his stuff any good or is it mainly just fluff? Anyone heard of him? Can anyone pronounce his name? Craig Stringnetwork on Facebook String Network Forum My Music
TimEm Posted July 4, 2006 Posted July 4, 2006 It's funny, but this is the third or fourth time he's come up in the last week or so - Guess I'm on a Iz kick. If memory serves, his last name is pronounced "Ka-maka-we-wah-oh-way" - We were stationed in Hawaii for a while when I was a kid... That version of Over The Rainbow seems to be everywhere lately but didn't really get any play until after he passed away it seems... He was a really cool guy and big proponent of the Hawaiian culture and keeping the culture and traditions alive. I have a couple albums and he's not really a virtuoso as far as the uke goes, but he has a great voice - surprisingly melodic and high given his size. Most of his stuff would probably rate a 6 or 7 on the fluff-o-meter musically but his stuff is pretty heart-felt and the vocals are really sincere. Aloha, Brother Iz.... http://starbulletin.com/97/06/26/news/izb.gif Go that way really fast. If something gets in your way, turn.
caprae Posted July 4, 2006 Posted July 4, 2006 Back to the fat fingers/speed theory from another thread! Raise your children and spoil your grandchildren. Spoil your children and raise your grandchildren.
Tedster Posted July 4, 2006 Posted July 4, 2006 I love that version of "Over the Rainbow". So simple and yet eloquent. First time I heard it, I think I musta gotten something in my eye, y'know. Or maybe I'm just an old softie. "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine"
A String Posted July 4, 2006 Author Posted July 4, 2006 Naw, I loved it so much, I had to track it down and get a copy. Like you said, it's so simple, but I've always thought that song was special. One of those magical songs that has it's own appeal, regardless of who's preforming it. Did I say that out loud?!? Craig Stringnetwork on Facebook String Network Forum My Music
skipclone 1 Posted July 5, 2006 Posted July 5, 2006 Wow, when you said big proponent you weren`t kidding. Not familiar with him, but the uke can do amazing things in the right hands. I have pretty much totally changed my view of it over time. Same old surprises, brand new cliches- Skipsounds on Soundclick: www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandid=602491
picker Posted July 5, 2006 Posted July 5, 2006 Braddah Iz died a while back, for some pretty obvious reasons. But his music is till being sold various places. Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else.
gitfidler Posted July 5, 2006 Posted July 5, 2006 I don't know what makes for a 'classic' song, but maybe it's how many reincarnations it survives -- good and bad. 'Over the Rainbow' is still there; Izzy's is good, K. McPhee is another tired rehash, but since Judy Garland's version, no one can touch Eva Cassidy's cover. I hope recording the song doesn't portend an early demise!?
Guitar55 Posted July 5, 2006 Posted July 5, 2006 Originally posted by A String: I heard Israel's version of "Over The Rainbow" and I gotta say, I liked it. It's played on a Uke, but it seemed to fit. I've been thinking of picking up an album, but I've never heard of the guy before I heard this song. Is the rest of his stuff any good or is it mainly just fluff? Anyone heard of him? Can anyone pronounce his name? I'll bet that his version of "Rainbow" has been used in more movies and TV commercials than any other single recording. Just a guess, but it's been used a LOT! Mostly the intro before you know what song it is.
fantasticsound Posted July 6, 2006 Posted July 6, 2006 My favorite use of that song is at the end of "50 First Dates" (a movie I think is very under-rated). I can't describe it. That song.. the story and the visuals all come together perfectly, IMO. It's easiest to find me on Facebook. Neil Bergman Soundclick fntstcsnd
A String Posted July 6, 2006 Author Posted July 6, 2006 That's where I first heard it! That's when it caught my ear as well. It was a great scene. Craig Stringnetwork on Facebook String Network Forum My Music
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