Island Mele
Whoever Isaac "Isa'ako" Manchester is, he deserves to be heard by a larger audience. He and his studio musicians play solid, comfortable mainstream reggae with rich soulful undercurrents and some unusual instrumental embellishments. Pierre Grill adds a country-gospel piano line to "Live To Love," and James Ronstadt's work on harmonica adds fresh textures elsewhere. James Ganeko (drums/percussion) and Binghi T (guitar/bass) also contribute to this memorable mix.
"Ones Opinion"
Isa'ako
MDL
Isa'ako sounds like a natural. There's a hint of Third World-type reggae at times, but he never sounds like he's putting it on (the occasional Shaggy impression sounds generic, however). No composers' credits are provided; "Groovin'" is his version of the Rascals hit, and whoever wrote the other songs has a good grasp of what real reggae music is all about.
Write: MDL Records, P.O. Box 970426
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Live To Love
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This compilation is a first for Hawaii. Seven of the songs are performed in Tagalog or Ilocano; five others have English lyrics. The singers are past or present students of Kale Imua's Voicemaster Voice Training School. Imua, who produced the album, did the arrangements and had a hand in writing six of the songs, hopes the album will increase local interest in Filipino music. Bertrum Keao (congas), Junior Kekuewa, Jr. (guitar) and Wayne Borje ("Everything else you hear") are the musicians.
"Pinoy Musika"
Various artists
Hula Records InternationalSeveral of the singers have appealing voices, but since no translations are provided for the Filipino language songs, it's unlikely that they'll reach anyone outside the Filipino community. "Say You'll Be The One," sung in English by Liberty Joy Cabral, gives the rest of us locals a sweet pop ballad to relate to.
"Sweet Balut," featuring comics Lanai & Augie T, plays up an assortment of familiar stereotypes.
Call: (800) 756-4852
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Hawaiian music doesn't sound any better than this beautiful debut album by the Kahauanu Lake Singers. With Kahauanu Lake as their mentor and musical arranger, the quality of the performance is guaranteed. Lake and his brother, Tommy, also provide instrumental support and incorporate the glorious traditions of the K-Lake Trio as well.
"Na Mele 'Auhau"
The Kahauanu Lake Singers
Hula RecordsLike much of Lake's work in recent years, these songs of tribute honor his ancestors, immediate family and cherished friends. Several were first popularized by the K-Lake Trio and are presented in new renditions.
Hula Records is famous for its commitment to documenting Hawaiian music and this album is no exception. Lake and Jean Sullivan are the album's expert annotators, making "Na Mele 'Auhau" a valuable reference for anyone interested in Hawaiian music.
www.Hawaii-Calls.com
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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.
