Cruz brothers touch
heart and soul
Judgment Time: Guy Cruz (Liliko"i Music)
JOHN Cruz fans awaiting his second local album will enjoy the debut of his younger brother. Guy wrote eight of the 10 songs; John was the producer, arranger and core musician. The mood is similar to John's Hoku-winning "Acoustic Soul" with Jamaican rhythms here, touches of gospel there, and bits and pieces of rock, folk, country and acoustic blues in there as well. It adds up to excellent work by John and Guy Cruz.
Guy is an insightful writer. The title track will likely be the one that gets play on Hawaii's island music radio stations, but his other originals match it. "These Are The Oceans" is a cautionary tale directed to native Hawaiians. "Someone For You" offers friendship to a woman who needs a friend. Other originals mourn love unrequited, speak of a barroom tragedy, and depict the hopes that come with a new love. The lyric images touch the heart and the soul.
Tell Me: Cory Robinson (Homeless Records)
CORY Robinson is another Hawaii-based "urban" artist with a mainland quality debut album. Most of the songs are slow romantic originals created by Robinson and his production team. An exception, a remake of George Michael's 1988 hit, "One More Try," also is nicely done.
Guest rapper JayRome gives "Woman4me" an aggressive edge while "Eye On The Sparrow" adds a spiritual lift. "Wind U Up," a seductive invitation to a special woman, compares well to many national "slow jams" heard on I-94. Robinson is ready for national exposure.
A New Song In The Islands: Randy & Gay Hongo (Christian Vision)
THE Hongo family has dominated the "Religious Album" category at the Hoku Awards since the category was added in 1984. Randy and Gay share the vocal spotlight in this beautiful addition to their discography.
Most of the songs are original statements of Christian faith with lyrics inspired by scripture. A live string quartet and a six-piece band adds impact backing Randy's piano.
From the Hawaiian language invocation and light reggae rhythm of the title track through the final chords of the closing hymn this is a standout album in local Christian music.
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.