If I could offer you just under two and a half minutes of dreamy escapism, would you take it? Well, here’s your chance, for I am happy to be sharing this sun-drenched, sonic-sojourn into the realms of the Pacific – via the Netherlands, that is!!
Coming together in the early 1950’s, the Mena Minstrels were a group that specialised in all things Hawaiian. So much so, they impressed a record Dutch indie label company called Dureco, who subsequently signed them up! The band were made up of mainly Moluccans from the former Dutch East Indies colony and were led by steel guitarist, Rudi Wairata (though he left the band in 1957).
From 1957 onwards, the band was led by Ming Luhulima and went on to release at least twenty singles throughout the 1950’s! Today’s song appeared in the latter part of their career, long after Rudi Wairata had left and featured a record they released in 1963 called, Mahalo Nui Hawai (though there is a chance it could be earlier, its a little unclear with some of their releases as there are no dates for some?).
South Sea Breeze lives up to its name, gentle and and disarming as it warms the senses and I love how those floaty vocals drift in towards the end…..Check it out above.
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