The spectrum is as wide as the diversity of talent. The Brothers Cazimero, a flagship act in the Mountain Apple catalog, open and close the song parade with "Pua Lilia" and "Aloha 'Oe," and there's a wealth of memories inbetween: Kalapana's "Nightbird," Olomana's "Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u," Hapa's "Lei Pikake," Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom's "Palehua," Irmgard 'Aluli's "Puamana." Who can quibble that these aren't among the best of the lot?

'Ukulele stylist Dan Baduria's "My Little Grass Shack in Kealakekua Hawai'i" is the lone instrumental; Palani Vaughan's "Ipo Lei Manu" and Emma Veary's "Ku'u Pua I Paoakalani" are also welcome memories.

For a real oldie, the only Island song ever awarded an Oscar, "Sweet Leilani," introduces Bing Crosby, the originator, to the contemporary crowd who may not know it or him. It was featured in the 1937 film "Waikiki Wedding," and the tune — by Harry Owens — has endured over time.

The liner provides photos and brief details on each song.

The Mountain Apple Co. licensed this disc from the Kaiser Foundation, which released the album when Apaka was the musical magnet at then-Kaiser Hawaiian Village Hotel — well before Hilton took over. Thus the album has historic relevance for fans and collectors of the vintage. The orchestra conductor here is Axel Stordahl, who worked with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Jo Stafford, and such selections as "Hello, Young Lovers," "Almost Like Being in Love," "I Could Have Danced All Night" and "On the Street Where You Live" suggest he had both appreciation and eloquence in The Great Way genre.

The home tunes — "Lei Aloha, Lei Makamae," "My Isle of Golden Dreams," "Akaka Falls," "Mapuana" — anchor him to our shores.

"In the Still of the Night," at 6:17 the longest track, typifies Gurney's ease and comfort — an assured and lovely reading of a beloved favorite, capturing the nuances of nocturnal warmth and wonderment.

Producer Gregg Perry, who also provides marvelous keyboard support, clearly knows Gurney's aptitude. There's classy and classic joy in what she provides here, with more bounce per ounce than many other endeavors. And joy — notice the laughter at the conclusion of "I've Got the World on a String."