Forte shows growth
in new releaseCome Back/Somehow Someway: Forte (Cinnamon Red)
FORTE'S last release was a CD-single that featured a remake of an obscure Michael Jackson song, along with three songs from their debut album. That was more than a year ago. The quartet's new CD-single is a step forward.
"Come Back (Radio Version)" is a languorous pop ballad with an odd lyric but surprisingly memorable chorus. Additional a capella and "minus one" versions come later. An imaginative remix of the latter, "Come Back (Instrumental)," would be a strong addition to Forte's discography.
The radio version is getting play on teen-oriented I-94 radio but "Somehow Someway" is stronger and more soulful. It hints that Forte is growing beyond synthetic local pop. The cover shot of the group gazing sullenly at the camera reinforces that impression.
After the Rain: Ho'aloha (Fat Katz Productions)
PRODUCER Jeff Rasmussen introduces Ho'aloha with the same proven template that launched their Fat Katz labelmates Kulia: An all-star squad of guest musicians in the studio. Fiji as guest vocalist/rapper. A variety of material. It adds up to a promising debut.
Two originals are particularly notable. Band member Frank Su'a wrote the title song as a family requiem. Jonathan Hermosura's "I'm Your Man" is smooth romantic ballad.
Outside contributions include "Kuliaikau'ilani," a beautiful song written for a band member's daughter. Originals by Fiji and Baba B, a retro-pop tribute to Hawaiian activists, and an interesting remake of an obscure Tower of Power song underscore Ho'aloha's versatility.
The Promise of God's Love: Johnny Lum Ho (Kahalel)
JOHNNY Lum Ho's 1992 album remains one of the most substantial ever released by Kahale Records. It is a welcome re-release on disc. All but one song is original; only two are sung in English. Basic instrumentation (ukulele, bass and guitars) and minimal studio add-ons compliment the falsetto vocals. A closing chant adds variety.
Kahale included lyrics, but no updated annotation to answer questions about the recordings.
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.
