A valuable liner booklet provides lyrics and translations; the 21 titles play like a relaxing recital tracking the curve of Kapi'olani's indelible history. But the CD is more academic — a learning tool to foster the appreciation and understanding of hula — than entertaining.

The simple chant-with-ipu format retains a sense of formality and instruction, but this results in an underlying sameness to the process.

Still, this is an aural primer, if you will, suggesting how chants and mele are the foundation of hula ... fostering knowledge and artistry in the process.

The fare ranges from the lilting "No Kohala," performed by veterans Mary Ann Lim and Elmer Lim Jr., to the vibrant and gutsy "Lei O Hilo Ka Ua Pe Ka Uahi" chant rendered by students from Hawai'i Community College led by Kekuhi Kanahele Kealiikanakaoleohaililani and Taupouri Tangaro. Darlene Ahuna is represented with "Pua O Ka Makahala" and John Keawe's ki ho'alu supports his voice on "Hawai'i Island Is My Home." Diana Aki's "Ka Lei E" is hula-worthy in the old-fashioned style; Keoki Kahumoku brings his new generation stance to "Kealia," which has the spirit of yesteryear.

The mix of talent — male and female, award-winning and up-and-coming — helps speak to both the younger and the older generation. While liner notes offer brief bios of the performers, lyrics to the tunes or why they were selected are sorely missing.