: Alone in IZ World - Israel IZ Kamakawiwo'ole

Big and broad, along with a gentle voice and mellow ukulele in front of his large
body – that’s Israel 'IZ' Kamakawiwo'ole in brief. Despite of selling millions of
records, great acclaim and admiration, he is still considered as an insider tip by
many.
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole was born into a family of musicians on the Hawaiian island
of Oahu in 1959. At the tender age of 15, he founded the band “The Mākaha Sons
of Ni`ihau” together with his brother Skippy. In 1990, after nine albums and
numerous awards, he decided to try his luck as a solo artist.
A beautiful melody, a message and a musician with his heart in the right place
presenting this gem of pop music with passion. Israel is able to create a direct
connection with his audience through his vocals captivating more and more
people over the years.
Lovingly assembled and notated by producer Jon de Mello, Alone in IZ World is
comprised of both alternate versions of Kamakawio'ole's best-loved songs as well
as tracks never before heard by the public. The latter category includes versions
of "Hanohano No Na Cowboy," the playfully incomplete opening on "Mona Lisa,"
and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," on which IZ takes a rare turn at harmonizing
with himself. In light of his premature passing, devastatingly beautiful alternate
cuts of "Starting All Over Again" and "In This Life" are especially poignant. And the
hit single "Over the Rainbow"--IZ's renditions were heard in Meet Joe Black and
Finding Forrester.