From the Valley to the Throne

"If you would know the full beauty of a hymn, hear it in Hawaiian."

-- Emma Lyons Doyle, granddaughter of the Reverend Lorenzo Lyons (Makua Laiana)

• This is the CD that Ata’s family, friends, and fans have waited for, a legacy of gospel hymns collected and in turn shared by his grandfather, the Reverend ChuHing, as he traveled and preached the gospel around the Hawaiian islands.
  
  
• Charming liner notes written by Ata and his mother recreate the fellowship in which these songs were shared.
  
  
• The recording sessions were magical. Prior to striking the first chord of his opening song, Ata remarked that he could " . . . feel the presence of God."
  
  
• Each master vocal track was done in a single take, and arrangements unfolded flawlessly as Ata picked up each instrument in turn.
  
  
• The songs range from contemporary favorites popular among youth today to favorite Hawaiian gospel standards and traditional-style hymns. Several, including the Reverend’s own composition, "He Nani No," have never been recorded before.
  
  
• From the Valley to the Throne was nominated for a Na Hoku Hanohano Award in the Religious Album of the Year category by the members of the Hawaii Academy of Recording Artists.
  
  
• KCRW Public Radio, 89.9 FM (Los Angeles), selected From the Valley to the Throne for their membership gift-pack during their 2001 pledge drive.
  
  
• The appeal of this CD goes beyond a Christian audience to anyone who loves Hawaiian music and culture. Whatever the listener’s personal beliefs, the songs will touch, inspire and comfort while sharing the legacy of this Hawaiian family.

Song Samples

Click to read the lyrics.

1. Pule Kakou –
   Opening prayer.
   
   
2. ‘Ike ‘Oe
   (Do You Know My Jesus) –
   English & Hawaiian lyrics; heartfelt and moving. Ata’s rich tenor slips in and out of a honeyed falsetto.
   
   
3. Iesu No Ke Kahuhipa
   (Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us) –
   Ata’s exquisite rendition breathes new life into this 200-year-old Hawaiian standard.
   
   
4. Take Me Back –
   Uptempo/contemporary favorite written by Andrae Crouch; Ata’s classic Hawaiian piano accompaniment is reminiscent of the best Baptist-gospel playing.
   
   
5. He Punawai I Weheia’e
   (Glorious Fountain) –
   Waltz-time Hawaiian standard with stirring chorus that flows with joy and emotion.
   
   
6. I Didn’t Think It Could Be
   (Somebody Told Me) –
   Contemporary favorite written by Andrae Crouch; infectious and pop-like.
   
   
7. Oh, How I Love Jesus/’Ihi’ihi ‘O ‘Iehova
   Stunning medley, breath-takingly beautiful as Ata transitions to falsetto in the second of the songs; a showcase for Ata’s unique abilities on standup bass.
   
   
8. He Nani No
   Original composition of Ata’s grandfather, the Rev. ChuHing, Martha Kanahele and Momi Kaohelaulii; never before recorded; classic-spirited sound of old Hawaii.
   
   
9. Jesus Use Me
   Old-time favorite with a chorus to bring tears.
   
   
10. ‘O ‘Iehova –
    Joyous, moving and upbeat! Hawaiian lyrics.
    
    
11. Sheltered in the Arms of God –
    A song that soothes and comforts; Ata’s organ accompaniment perfectly complements song and voice.
    
    
12. Lord Help Me Walk –
    Uptempo/contemporary sound.
    
    
13. He Akua Hemolele
    (God Is Holy) –
    Acappella, with compelling drumbeats that call the flock to worship.
    
    
14. I Just Came to Talk With You Lord –
    Thoughtful English lyrics with a lovely falsetto chorus over ukulele, guitar and bass accompaniment.
    
    
15. Without a Mother, Without a Father –
    Unusual in this collection, an almost jazzy piano with saucy, liquid vocals.