BIG Island-based record producer Rick Asher Keefer serves up an assortment of local recording artists doing a hodge-podge of music that ranges from high-grade mainstream pop to Jawaiian on "Hawaiian Lite."
Selections include originals, remakes, and remix versions of songs previously recorded by the same acts for another label. Keefer gives no information about the artists but study of the performance credits identify several significant names.
Jennifer's "Sweet Life Hawai'i" is a seductive reggae-lite original co-written by the artist and produced by Keefer to be a perfect pick for island music radio. Jennifer is an artist to watch.
"Revolution in Ka'u," by Paha'o Shift, marks the return of composer Greg Foxx, creative sparkplug of the I.C.U. Band in the mid-1980s. The song combines a lyric endorsement of Hawaiian nationalism with a catchy and commercial arrangement.
Malia's "Call Me (I'll Be Here)" is airy local pop from composer Art Umezu and arranger Marvic Esquibil. It's similar to the synthesizer ballads that dominate "Brown Bags to Stardom" recordings but with a richer sound.
Keefer has never concerned himself with the politics of local radio play - his vision is international - but this song would fit in perfectly on local teen-oriented radio stations like I-94.
Smooth harmonies are the key ingredient on B. Iwalani Kekauoha-Masoe's "Ka Uhiwai 'O Wai-mea." Composer/guitarist Charles Michael Brotman teams up with David Inamine (bass), Jess Gopen (drums) and Keefer (Hawaiian percussion) on an original instrumental, "Pu'u Kawaiwai (The Hill Behind My House)."
Johnson Enos' pointless rehash of the Young Rascals' "Groovin'" does nothing for the song or his reputation. Why bother?
Billy Rodrigues does better with "My Love is Leaving." Eric Peterson gets a second shot at fame for "Sand Dancing" - an original off the self-titled Halema'uma'u album, and island lite remix versions of early '80s hits by Island Band ("How Can I Make U See") and Hawai'i ("Lady of My Heart") may appeal to those too young to remember the originals.
I'll Build You A Rainbow By Kapena (KDE)
THERE are no surprises and no major disappointments on Kapena's newest album. Released without fanfare, it finds the quartet and a squad of guest artists sticking to the basics; Kapena's multi-talented label-mate Sakiusa Bulicokocoko is the most notable guest.
The title song is the story of a dying woman's final words to her young son. Call it saccharin or call it tear-jerking, Kelly De Lima delivers the narration with poignant sincerity. He mentions in the liner notes that the song made him cry. His performance conveys that emotion.
Also notable are a punchy remake of Don Gibson's 1961 country hit, "Sea of Heartbreak," and a new song, "Sons And Daughters," written and beautifully performed by De Lima. The band knocks off a second punchy remake with "Tears On My Pillow," the obscure oldie reintroduced locally by Troy Fernandez and Palolo last year.
Songs in various Polynesian languages will please Kapena fans across the South Pacific.
De Lima continues to be an distinctive vocalist and one of the great ukulele players of his generation. With co-founders Tiva and Timo Tatofi, and drummer Elton "Bruddah 'E' " McKeague, he's leading Kapena into a new decade of original island music.