Local Jamm
true to Hawaii rootsHeart of Gold: Local Jamm (Neos Productions)
LOCAL Jamm doesn't affect bogus Jamaican accents, rehash Top 40 classics, pose as "gangstas," or use synthesizers as low-budget substitutes for other instruments. Deacon (bass), "Jamma" Joe (guitar), Wayne (ukulele) and Alvin (drums) unpretentiously share their feelings about love, family, and living in Hawaii.
All of the songs are original. The clean sound, effective instrumentation and catchy arrangements of "Butterfly" and "Cruzin" certainly merit local radio play.
The title song, in which Joe recalls his father's death and funeral, is a four-hankie tear-jerker of the type that has done well for Kapena, Dennis Pavao and Darren Benitez.
Two other songs are earnest pleas for forgiveness directed to a significant other. They probably won't become classics but unabashed sincerity beats mindless remakes any time.
The Conscious Flow of Dreams: Gerardo Miguel Maza (Earth Wave Productions)
COMPOSER/KEYBOARDIST Gerardo Miguel Maza used an eclectic squad of performers over a three-year period to realize this imaginative cross-cultural odyssey.
The roster includes Carlinhos de Oliveira (percussion), Bob Kindler (cello), Sulubika (flute) and Tokiko DeSola (vocals). The textures range from Maza's electronic gear to bells, gongs, timbales, violin and chant. DeSola's Japanese lyrics add diversity.
Hawaiian Hula Eyes: Brothers Cazimero (Mountain Apple Company)
THIS album won two Hoku Awards following its release on vinyl in 1982. It is now on compact disc and a welcome addition to all collections of modern Hawaiian music.
The duo and producer Jon de Mello present a potpourri of gems by songwriters past and present. The title song is a mid-'50s hapa-haole classic by Randy Oness and William Harbottle. Jon Osorio's "Hawaiian SpiritsLive Again" celebrates the revival of Hawaiian nationalism.
The arrangements capture perfectly the Brothers' charm as an acoustic duo. Osorio, the Gentlemen of Na Kamalei, and Leina'ala Kalama Heine appear as guests. Intrusive synthetics are minimal.
See Record Reviews for some of John Berger's past reviews.
See Aloha Worldwide for locals living away.
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.
