Island Mele
Kanahele's third album is a perfect keepsake for her Big Island ohana. The ohana knows the circumstances that inspired her husband, Kaipo Frias, to write "Palehua O Ka 'Iu Kualono." While they themselves know what makes each song significant, no English translations or background information is provided save for the printed Hawaiian lyrics. "Honey-Boy"
Kekuhi Kanahele
(The Mountain Apple Company)Most local CD buyers will have to appreciate this unique female voice in modern Hawaiian music for its sonic qualities alone. And what a voice it is! Kanahele chants, growls, purrs and croons in so many striking and different ways that she is always fascinating to listen to. She's equally memorable when she sings in English. And check the unlisted 15th track where she interpolates songs by Bo Diddley and the Coasters in a Frank DeLima-style tribute to local "tittrs."
www.pali.net
Mpeg Audio Clips:
Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai
Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info
No ukulele virtuoso records more prolifically than Herb Ohta! His third release of the year was recorded during a show in Hiroshima. The highlights for Ohta-san fans are found in his exquisite work as a solo performer revisiting "Song for Anna" and his interpretations of "Hawaiian Wedding Song," "Hi'ilawe" and "Rhapsody in Blue." Keyboardist Bob Albanese and bassist Bruce Hamada join him to make Thelonious Monk's "Straight, No Chaser" a smooth jazz session. "Live Hiroshima Japan"
Ohta-san Trio (M&H Hawaii)Ohta's other cuts with the guys also swing, but fans should note that 12 minutes overall are wasted on songs that he doesn't even play on. Producer Michiko Urata adds to the "live" feel by including Ohta's comments in Japanese to the audience, but she gives no information on Ohta or the circumstances surrounding this concert.
www.mountainapplecompany.com
Mpeg Audio Clips:
Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info
Hawaii has embraced acoustic singer-songwriter duos for years. Think Toma/Natto, Jon & Randy, Rob & Gary and now Pali. The new duo -- Kevin Kashiwai and Pali T.W. Ka'aihue -- joins that illustrious list with a beautiful debut album that should make them a major presence in local music. "Pali"
Pali (Punahele Productions)They open strong with "Save a Place," an original that eloquently expresses the magic of love. A beautiful arrangement of "Wahine 'Ilikea" is also impressive. "Tropical Island Day" is one of several originals that uses reggae rhythms and '60s pop chord progressions in ways reminiscent of the original Ka'au Crater Boys. Comparisons with Hapa are also relevant -- even without a Pali remake of "Miserlou" that brings to mind Hapa's imaginative "Surf Madness" album. Forgive a bit of the usual synth-string stuff, and this is still one of the year's best debut albums. Even the pop chart remakes are OK.
M&H Hawaii
P.O. Box 325
1164 Bishop Street
Honolulu, HI. 96813
Mpeg Audio Clips:
Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info
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.
