Island Mele
Friday, July 27, 2001
"Legally Blonde" is a surprise delight in a generally lackluster summer movie season, and Hoku is part of it because "Perfect Day," her new single, is on the soundtrack. A song by Hoku would have been a natural pick considering that her debut single, "Another Dumb Blonde," ties in perfectly with the story line of the movie. "Perfect Day" is a great pick. "Perfect Day"
Hoku
Geffin/A&M (INTR-10436-2)The song, written by the same team that wrote "Another Dumb Blonde," is also a preview of Hoku's upcoming album. It's a bright power pop tune with a similar catchy uplifting message and a strong empowering hook. It should be a hit wherever teen-oriented pop-rock reigns. Hoku was the only local performer to make the Billboard Hot 100 last year. "Perfect Day" should do it for her again.
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Perfect Day
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www.hokuonline.com
Lei'ohu Ryder's fourth album should establish her as a prominent new voice in modern Hawaiian music. Her concert performances have already won her a following, but she's been somewhat under the radar until now. Give her a listen and these beautiful songs become irresistible. "Lady of the Mountain"
Lei'ohu Ryder
Ululoa (UL102)Ryder has an enchanting voice. The song arrangements here are consistently imaginative. An assortment of acoustic instruments enhances the overall sense of connecting with nature but also creates a cosmopolitan ambience. The language is Hawaiian but the musical horizons extend into other genres. It's not that mandolin, violin and flute are never heard in Hawaiian music. What makes this album such interesting listening is the way Ryder and co-producer Jake Rohrer judiciously fit all the instruments together.
English translations of Ryder's lyrics aren't provided, but the soothing sound of her voice and the tranquil aura of the music transcend the language barrier.
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www.ululoa.com
Amy Gilliom's fifth album is a major milestone. It marks the end of her affiliation with The Mountain Apple Company, the label that launched her as a recording artist with her impressive but unsuccessful "Native Child" album in 1995. It signals as well the end of her working relationship with Willie K, her partner on the albums that made her a Hawaiian superstar after she dropped her sophisticated pop format and reinvented herself as a Hawaiian traditionalist. "Pu'uhonua"
Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom
Hanaiali'i (HR1968)Gilliom has moved on in great form. She sounds as wonderful as ever and is introducing some memorable originals. The sweet and seductive "He Pua Maole No" is one of her best. The joyful energy she brings to "Ku'u Lei Hoku" makes that old standard a highlight as well. Gilliom's update of "Nani Kaua'i" is yet another gem in an album in which almost every song seems more marvelous than the next.
Producer Kenneth Makuakane and a squad of celebrity guest stars give Gilliom excellent support throughout.
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See Record Reviews for some 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 Today
section on Fridays for the latest reviews.
