Freitas songs
capture local life, timesLocal Folks: Gordon Freitas (MGC MGC)
GORDON Freitas is a talented local troubadour. His self-produced 16-song collection includes vivid original musical snapshots of island life past and present. Freitas sings of good times and bad -- of surfing, paddling canoe, homelessness, the mystical aspects of pig hunting, the spiritual importance of the 'aina, and the social cost of "progress." He recalls the well-documented victory of the paniolo in Wyoming in 1908, and the tidal wave that wrecked Hilo in 1946.
"Haleiwa Bypass Blues" is perhaps his finest statement as an observer of current events. Living on the beach under a "Blue Tarpo'lin" may not be all bad, but there's no good side to a highway that diverts traffic away from struggling local businesses!
Freitas generally keeps the instrumentation simple. Judicious use of various stringed instruments adds textures without bloating the basic melodies. Pictures, song lyrics, performance credits, and brief accounts of the inspiration of each song, complete this excellent debut album.
Somewhere In My Heart: Sabrina (MGC MGC)
SABRINA is the latest karaoke contest alumnus to record an album. Her debut disc finds her tackling a reasonably wide range of pop material.
"Monday Morning Blues," by producer Ken Matsumiya, displays her ability to seductively caress the lyric of an unknown song. Her rendition of "Break It To Me Gently" is straightforward but not a note-for-note copy of Brenda Lee's 1962 hit. "I Know (You Don't Love Me No More)" shows she and Matsumiya have the imagination to find a fresh perspective on a classic (Barbara George's 1961 hit).
A squad of studio musicians likewise makes this more than a karaoke singer's vanity project.
It's Kind Of Personal: Jonny Kamai (MGC MGC)
JONNY Kamai is a multi-faceted guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and record producer. He and co-producer Todd Adamski do a fine job showcasing his talents here. Ten of the 13 selections are originals; Kamai and Adamski prove resourceful in crafting fresh arrangements for Simon and Garfunkle's "Feelin' Groovy" and Lieber-Stoller's classic "Kansas City."
Island music radio stations should go for "Sweet Potato Pie," an obscure James Taylor tune. Kamai's voice fits the arresting lyrics nicely; a catchy arrangement completes the number.
Kamai offers striking originals as well. Several selections are enigmatic; is he singing to a human lover or God? "They Say Lucky You Live Hawaii" is also open to alternative interpretations. The lyrics sound cheerful but the arrangement suggests all is not well. Kamai is certainly a composer to watch.
John Berger, who has covered the local entertainment scene since 1972, writes reviews of recordings produced by Hawaii artists. See the Star-Bulletin's Home Zone section on Fridays for the latest reviews.
See Record Reviews for some of John Berger's past reviews.
