Island Mele

Friday, February 22, 2002

By John Berger

"Hana Hou"

Anelaikalani
(Paradise)

Anelaikalani's long-awaited CD-single comes almost a year and a half after the release of the debut album that established her as Hawaii's most promising young falsetto singer.

The two songs here are new with arrangements burdened with unnecessary add-ons but her singing is all a Hawaiian traditionalist could ask for. Anelaikalani continues to belie her youth as she brings female falsetto forward another generation.

CD-singles are often released in December to give artists a shot at a Hoku Award in a category where competition is often light. Alas for Anelaikalani, producer Kenneth Makuakane dithered so long with her project that he missed the deadline for 2002.

Mpeg Audio Clips: Lei' Ohu Nanea I Kou Nanai Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

"High Surf Advisory"

Kaiser's Surf Crew
(KSC)

Troy Fernandez has been one of Hawaii's preeminent ukulele virtuosos for a decade and a serious surfer even longer. His second album since the demise of the original Ka'au Crater Boys brings music and the surfers' milieu together. The KSC consists of musically inclined surfers and a few professional musicians. The approach is informal -- these guys like jam after they pau surf.

Four songs here are originals. The others are pop, rock or country hits redone casual-style and often with reggae rhythms. The KSC uses the signature riff from "Wake Up Little Susie" as the intro to "Driving My Life Away," but otherwise this is beach park fun embellished by Fernandez's ukulele virtuosity.

Darrell Aquino's "Rubber Slippah" is a light look at living a hard-knock life in Hawaii. Fernandez's "High Surf Advisory" also merits play on Hawaii's "island music" radio stations.

Mpeg Audio Clips: High Surf Advisory Broken Slippah Kaiser's Surf Crew Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

"They Can't Take the Heart of America"

Courtney New
(Seven Star Productions)

Courtney New was one of several Hawaii residents who followed the example of DisGuyz and the Honolulu Jazz Quartet in writing a song in response to the attacks on New York and the Pentagon last September. New's tune is now available through Olinda Road Distribution as a CD-single two-fer that also introduces singer/songwriter Tommy Chock.

New's smooth pop ballad calls on Americans to unite in easing the grief and standing tall to defend our way of life. A formula karaoke-style arrangement doesn't mar the impact of her voice, and we'll likely hear more from her.

Chock's "Stop the Violence" addresses broader issues and should become an anthem in the continuing effort to reduce domestic violence in Hawaii.

www.olindaroad.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: They Can't Take The Heart Of America Stop The Violence Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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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.