DANNY Pearl first surfaced as a recording artist almost 15 years ago with an obscure 7-inch single. His new project finds him at the center of a constellation of local talent. Gordon "G" Olivera and Eddie Maligmat are the other principals. Pearl is the resident composer. The album is a major step forward for him.
The collection is an eclectic one. "Spirit O' Hawai'i" is an expansive anthem that celebrates an idealized portrait of the islands. It is the most instantly impressive song and easily merits play on "island music" radio. Pearl crafts a memorable arrangement. Mike Lundy stars on vocals.
Olivera is featured vocalist on "With My Love (Me Ku'u Aloha" and "Danica's Song. " The former benefits from Pearl's imaginative arrangement. The latter celebrates a father's love for his daughter and is reminiscent in mood to "Partially Mine," Glenn Pinho's ode to his daughter. "Danica's Song" will likely become a local favorite.
Several other songs have a strong '70s-retro sound; a live horn section would improve them. Problematic pieces include a formula Jawaiian-style remake of the Eagles' "Peaceful Easy Feeling" that sounds like an offering to "island radio" program directors; a pointless copy of Steve Wonder's 1977 hit, "Another Star"; and attempts at rap and Rastafarian pop that shouldn't have left the studio.
Reggae for Love By Marty Dread (Corners Records), CD
ONLY a few years ago it seemed like half the young bands in Hawaii were posing as transplanted Jamaicans or rasta-wannabes. The posers are mostly chasing other fads now. That makes more room for serious reggae artists like Dread.
There are a few songs on his new 61-minute album here that Dread didn't write, but he's secure enough as an artist that he didn't plunder the works of Marley, Tosh or Cliff either.
Dread also avoids excess as a vocalist; there's a fashionable hint of the Caribbean in his singing but never to the point of parody. In short, this 14-song collection is one of the year's major local reggae albums.
Dread addresses a wide range of subject matter. Love, sex, rejection, the life of a promiscuous woman, and the magic of finding a special someone, are all part of his lyric tapestry. So are political issues, the importance of honoring Jah (God), and the challenge of applying His Word to life on earth.
Another point in Dread's favor is that he writes of the present rather than wasting space attacking apartheid or other defunct issues.
"Still Playing Reggae" is a heartfelt account of his purposes in playing reggae. It's not the catchiest song but an eloquent statement. "Free And Single" is a quick pick as his secular calling card.