Single release
expresses a son’s loveThe Love From A Child Is Oh ... So True: Anthony "Tonio" Lani (Lani Boy Records)
ELVIS Presley's first recording was a gift for his mother. Anthony Lani created this self-produced CD-single in the same spirit.
"Mommy" honors his mom with simple but sincere lyrics. "Sing It Again Hank" is a reggae beat tribute to his father's favorite singer (Hank Williams Sr.) that's perfect for "island music" radio.
Lani plays ukulele and sings; Justin Kawika Young adds sequencing and keyboard effects. The disc will appeal primarily to the Lani ohana, but anyone whose parents still live will share the sentiment.
Full Circle: Ben Vegas (Island Groove)
BEN Vegas and his former label pulled his 1997 album off the market by mutual consent. His new album has remixed versions of all those songs plus a new original, two solid pop chart remakes for local radio play, and "Believe In Love," the song he previously released as a fund-raising single for Operation O.U.C.H. and PREVENT Child Abuse Hawai'i.
"Walking In The Light" still has the most power and impact. "Deep in the Heart of Aloha" is a no-brainer pick as an anthem for HVCB, Aloha Airlines or the Aloha Festivals.
Tropical Twilight: Michaelle (Geckophonix)
MICHAELLE Edwards released this album of "Romance & Jazz from Kauai" well over a year ago, but with no promotion or distribution to speak of it remained a Garden Isle secret until she blew out veteran vocalist Shari Lynn for "Best Recording by a Jazz Vocalist" at Johnny Kai Lorance's Hawaii Music Awards in April (Edwards was also named Best New Age Vocalist.)
Almost all the songs are originals by Edwards or members of her production team. "It's Over Mr. Heartache" and "Let's Get Comfortable" define poignant and playful facets of her repertoire. Producer/ arranger Peter Sprague surrounds her enticing voice with live instruments and minimal synthetics. Call her jazz or call her pop, Michaelle won't disappoint.
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.
