Island Mele

By John Berger

"AlteredNatives"

Pau Hana
Koa

Pau Hana, a quartet backed by studio musicians, apparently represents several Pacific Island nations. But wherever they're from, their repertoire is as broad as any act currently on the island rhythm scene. They open predictably with basic Jawaiian-style material, but then diversify into light pop, urban, techno-pop, acoustic rock and rap as well.

A song or two address serious social issues. "Brownblood" calls for an end to violence among islanders and "Mr. Wolfe" blends chant and rap in delivering a powerful indictment of those who exploit Pacific Islanders.

Other tracks are light and bright, but none surpasses "Summertime" as a joyous celebration of carefree island living.

Add Pau Hana to the short list of local acts who are exploring new ideas in island rhythm.

Call: (808) 671-1771

Mpeg Audio Clips: Brownblood Summertime Mr. Wolfe Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Island Music Volume One"

Various artists
Dominant Rhythm

This compilation is intended to introduce 11 new, young Maui-based artists to a larger audience. Unfortunately, there's no information on who they are, how to reach them, or if any of them wrote the songs they recorded (George Michael's "Careless Whisper" is the one blatant remake). In short, why should we care, or even buy this album? As with other mediocre, unannotated local anthologies being sold these days, important information is missing.

But folks, especially Jawaiian fans, who enjoy discovering unknown acts, may buy it anyway. There's also a pop act or two: Singer Billy Kekona's use of Hawaiian lyrics in "God Bless The Woman" is noteworthy. Raji & C Mills serve notice that Maui has at least one good rap group.

One of the artists, Dezman, has released a solid, full-length and annotated album. It's likely the record label will develop some of the other artists as well.length and annotated album.

Mpeg Audio Clips: Dream Girl G.A.M.E. God Bless The Woman Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Are You Ready?"

KTJ
Hillview

KTJ -- vocalists Kenny Hill Jr., T. Shymista and Jevon Pasley -- specializes in clean, contemporary urban music. They do it very well, as well as any number of groups who've made the charts. The songs are all original and the arrangements a smooth combination of tight-knit vocals and solid instrumentation. There's no taint of local "pop-lite" stuff, and KTJ merits play on any station that programs urban music.

KTJ covers all the popular topics: love shared, love lost, hitting the clubs, cheating, sex and the plight of women whose men don't deserve them. "Tell Me What It Feels Like" is a straight-up sex song, but KTJ keeps it romantic by eschewing the anatomical vocabulary.

"Get Crunk Tonight" is the other uptempo song and also a good one. All that's missing from this polished debut album is that special something that could set KTJ apart from the countless other similar groups on the national scene.

E-mail: hillviewrecords@aol.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: Get Crunk Tonight He Don't Deserve You Tell Me What It Feels Like 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. Contact John Berger at jberger@starbulletin.com.