When the newly founded Panini label approached
Gabby Pahinui in 1971 to record a new album with family and friends, the innovator of the slack-key guitar lately jumped on the opportunity. What evolved was one of the most celebrated recordings in
Pahinui's career. Gabby (also known as "the Brown Album" due to the brown hues of the album cover) was released in 1972 with open arms from the Hawaiian community, and helping him on this project were his sons Bla, Phillip,
Cyril, and
Martin, along with longtime friends Manuel "Joe Gang" Kupahu and Leland "Atta" Issacs. The music itself was full of
Pahinui's wonderful guitar playing and his unique, soulful voice. Includes "Ka Makani Ka'ili Aloha," "Royal Hawaiian Hotel," "Hula 0 Makee," "Aloha O'e," and his trademark song "Hililawe." All contemporary Hawaiian groups owe a great debt to him and this album. ~ John Book