Partnership pays off
with strong albumRemedy: Mele (MKC Enterprises)
ROY Hamada is a guy neophyte recording artists turn to when they don't have the budget they should have; his electronic gear can simulate anything from a single drummer to a synthetic string section. This album shows what he can do with a decent budget and a multi-talented artist to work with. "Remedy" is a showcase for him as a record producer and a beautiful debut for Mele.
The combination of talent and creativity make this one of the best locally produced pop albums this year. Here's a woman with a memorable voice who also writes and arranges.
She and Hamada co-wrote almost all the songs. They also created the smooth pop-jazz arrangements. Credit her with an appealing style. Credit Hamada with generally utilizing his synthetics to good effect while adding textures with live percussion, bass, guitar and sax. Two remakes are handled with skill -- "Baby I'm A Want You" is particularly good.
Pick a local hit? "Too Hard" has a memorable refrain perfect for play on Hawaii's easy listening radio stations. "His Promises" is a natural for Christian stations. Mele's success at vocally balancing several emotions makes "Tell Me" another strong contender. "He's Got Me So High" is an uptempo change of pace that would have greater impact if a live R&B horn section had replaced the faux horns.
Pahea 'Oe E 'Kalapana: Moki Boy (Bluewater)
NANAKULI forklift operator Moses Kamealoha III distinguished himself by winning the first Frank B. Shaner Hawaiian Falsetto Contest in 1995. An obscure debut single came and went without notice or promotion, but this album more than makes up for that false start.
Kamealoha -- "Moki Boy" -- not only sings beautifully but is also an accomplished grassroots composer. All but two of the songs here are originals.
The most poignant is "Grandma's Voice," It honors the memory of his paternal grandmother, Adenine Manana, who died at the age of 26. "Makanalei" is dedicated to his daughter. "Holy Ghost" shares his joy in Christ; it's a catchy and radio-worthy anthem. Others tell of special moments with family and friends. "Ka'ui O Nalani" is a beautiful vocal showcase even though he didn't write it.
Two songs break the Hawaiian falsetto format. "Hawaiian Kickboxer" is an original song not sung in falsetto. "Ave Nai Folinga" is a Samoan song included for reasons unspecified in the liner notes.
Producer/arranger Kenneth Makuakane wisely avoided studio add-ons. The natural backyard arrangements frame Kamealoha's singing perfectly. Lyrics in the original language complete this notable album.
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.
