Record Reviews
Producer-performer Lester Gantan and composer-performer Cory Oliveros wrote all but three songs on "Feel It," an 11-song sampler by Cory, Lokelani & Travis.Gantan knows the local pop market. Oliveros' "Hold On" and "With My Love" should do well here. An alternative "bonus track" mix of the latter song shows Oliveros has the talent to grow beyond local pop.
Lokelani (Mitchell) distinguishes herself as a featured vocalist. "Hey Local Boy" should be getting play on I-94; it's similar to the local pop sound of I-94's Lori Salvatera but more romantic. "Let's Live for Today" is less of a "kids'" song and beautifully sung. Her voice is the stuff of male fantasies, and she could become a major local artist with luck and the right material.
The high-pitched drone of a synthesized string section defines the music as soft local pop, but a straightforward rendition of "Ikona" adds diversity.
THIS debut album will appeal most quickly to diehard "Jawaiians" with a taste for remakes. Sham-rasta accents percolate through several selections on B.B. Shawn's recording. Caribbean rhythms predominate.The album opens weak. "I Shot the Sheriff" was a white man's indulgence when Clapton cribbed it from Bob Marley 22 years ago. Aside for a few references to "ragamuffin deejays" Shawn offers no new insights either.
The most interesting songs aren't identified with a particular artist. "Henehene" and "Why Walk When You Can Fly" offer cultural diversity and a hint of Shawn's range. So does a straightforward treatment of "Vaya Con Dios."
The important thing is that Shawn has a good voice. He's at his best singing straight, without the sham accent. He also has a creative and imaginative mentor in producer Henry Kapono. The strengths of their collaboration outweigh the album's weaknesses.
The songs aren't hymns in the traditional sense but contemporary celebrations of Christian faith. Almost all are originals. "I Will Follow You" and "My God" are particularly strong.
"Dare To Be a Daniel" examines the challenge of holding on to your religious beliefs at the risk of losing friends who may think God is corny.
Roslyn displayed her talents as vocalist and composer on her underrated 1992 debut, "The Wishing Tree." David Kauahikaua, her arranger and primary musician, returns in the same roles here. Considering his contributions to "Stepping Stones" he deserves a Hoku for this album too.
The event was recorded in the spring of 1974. The performers are a who's who of the grassroots stars of the first Renaissance: Gabby Pahinui, Sonny Chillingworth, Genoa Keawe, "Atta" Isaacs and the Sunday Manoa.
Originally released on vinyl as a double-album, the 21 songs fit easily on a single disc. Concise liner notes put the event in historical perspective.