Island Mele

By John Berger

"Waikiki"

Rene Paulo
Respect

Juilliard alumnus Rene Paulo has been one of Hawaii's foremost pianists for more than 40 years. He recorded extensively in the '50s and '60s, but with the exception of a few recent guest spots, Paulo hasn't recorded in several decades. He has also pretty much retired from live performing. All of this makes "Waikiki" (which should be available as an import) particularly significant.

Paulo explores 18 classic Hawaiian and hapa-haole melodies with solo arrangements that draw equally on his formal training, his skill at improvisation and his natural talent. Each tune benefits from Paulo's refined technique. There are no throwaway cuts, and producer Takahashi Kenichi wisely avoids the temptation to dilute Paulo's exquisite artistry by adding any other instruments. Paulo fans and sophisticated romantics alike with love this album.

E-mail: info@respect-record.co.jp

Mpeg Audio Clips: Across the Sea Waikiki Lovely Hula Hands Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Hawaii Sings For The Children"

Various artists
Friends Of Foster Kids

With Hawaii's economy stagnant and financial support for social services dropping, Friends of Foster Kids hopes to help fund its programs with proceeds from this 17-song compilation. Three songs were written for the album, with the rest a hodgepodge of hits and misses, all contributed by good-hearted artists. The overall mood is mellow-pop.

Starting with Robert Cazimero's Hawaiian-language version of "Rainbow Connection," through to Brother Noland's "Little Lullaby," Na Leo's "For the Sake of the Children" and "Lokomaika'i (Amazing Grace)" by George Kahumoku and Daniel Ho, the mood is definitely kid-friendly. Melveen Leed, Guy Cruz and others contribute notable songs. Just overlook the trite Jawaiian rehash of C&K's classic "Sunflower" and a few other misfires, and buy a copy to help this important social service organization.

www.booklineshawaii.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: For The Sake Of The Children Rainbow Connection Lokomaika'i (Amazing Grace) Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Take U Away"

Aziel
Still Hustlin' Entertainment

Aziel is the Samoan balladeer formerly known as AZ. He changed his name to distinguish himself from the other AZ who records for Motown. While it was the right thing to do, San Francisco-born Toeanina need not fear competition from other contemporary urban R&B artists -- his rapping skills and singing sidekicks are assets enough.

Aziel addresses standard topics as the search for love ("Try Me") and "action" ("Walk in My Life" and "Take U There"), being cheated on ("What About Me") and flaunting the thug life ("Thug Thang"). Most songs come with the usual mix of urban R&B grooves worthy of national play.

The most interesting songs, however, express his love for deceased family members. Missing is that certain something that would make Aziel unique among similar artists already getting national exposure.

www.stillhustlinentertainment.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: TAke U Away Thug Thang What About Me 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.