Barber flaunts versatile
range in ‘Sides’The Many Sides of ...: Jennifer Barber (MGC)
JENNIFER Barber's second full-length album reaffirms her status as one of Hawaii's most talented Gen X vocalists. She also wrote or co-wrote six of the 14 songs. Most of the others are by producer Todd Adamski, John Valentine, or MGC artists Gordon Freitas and Timmy Pajimola.
The brightest numbers illustrate her range as a stylist. "Just Can't Wait" opens with a "Footloose" riff but effectively evokes an authentic contemporary country attitude. "Surfer Boy" is cutesy local Oldies-lite with a hook lifted from Melanie Safka's "Brand New Key." A third original, "Love On A Sidewalk," displays her appeal in a harder edged, soulful context, while "You N Me" is a perfect Valentines Day anthem.
Barber is particularly appealing on Pajimola's beautiful "Thoughts Of You." The arrangement would be perfect if all the instruments were acoustic. They aren't, but she makes it fly high as a excellent celebration of traditional American pop.
A few pop chart remakes are evidently fodder for local radio station music directors. The originals are more interesting, but Barber's version of "For The Love Of You" will appeal to those too young to remember the Isley Brothers.
Makahilahila: Joe Makahilahila (Ho'omakamaka Music)
JOE Makahilahila's debut album is a rare example of a committee project turning out well. Five teams of producers worked with six different studio engineers in five studios to complete it. Makahilahila and his committee did good work. Hawaiian lyrics and English translations are the only important components they forgot.
Hawaiian standards and pop chart remakes arranged in the "Hawaiian Country" style popularized here by Melveen Leed are Makahilahila's speciality. His strong falsetto adds drama to "Sweet Dreams" / "Only You," and makes "E Mama E" and "Pua Lilia" two highlight numbers.
Makahilahila went to the pop charts for the Everly Brothers' 1960 hit, "Let It Be Me," and Willie Nelson's signature, "Always On My Mind." He offers alternative visions of both by singing "Let It Be Me" with Loyal Garner and "Always On My Mind" with Leed.
"Tita Boogie Woogie" is a problematic original by Makahilahila and Camille Collins that borrows ideas from several classic rock hits but fails to achieve the raw go-for-the-throat aura of authentic boogie woogie rock 'n' roll.
Makahilahila might have become a powerhouse rock 'n' roll singer in time but the question is moot. He had heart problems and died before the album could be properly released.
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.
