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"Simple Island People"

Kupa'aina
Kototama Productions

Kupa'aina defines its name as "local people, a hybrid of what is native and what is new to this land," and its music reflects that diversity without pop remakes or faux-Jamaican posing. "Night Marcher" evokes traditional images as it opens and closes the album with a powerful political message. Nationalist concerns are also addressed in "7th Generation" and several narrative passages.

Lighter material describes the joy of surfing and fond memories of a neighborhood store. "Overload on Automation" blends Hawaiian falsetto with comedy backporch-style. "Holoholo Mai Slack" emphasizes slack key and "Eo Mana Maoli" stands out as the rare reggae-style song with Hawaiian rather than English lyrics -- a praiseworthy example for anyone who's into what's been labeled "island music."

www.kupaaina.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Night Marcher" "Kewalo" "Holoholo Mai Slack" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Magic by the Sea"

Paul Shimomoto
Hula

Shimomoto's victory in the 2003 hapa-haole vocal competition at the 1st Annual Hapa-Haole Hula, Music and Film Festival last summer earned him a deal from Hula Records. The resulting CD has higher production values than those found in many "win a record deal" projects and is a first-rate introduction to a talented vocalist. The arrangements are contemporary in style and most are reminiscent of the Brothers Cazimeros' approach to Territorial Era classics.

Shimomoto opens with "Maui Medley," a pairing of "I'm Going to Maui Tomorrow" and "Maui Girl," which sets the tone of the rest of the album in fine style. His wistful rendition of "Beyond the Reef" is nicely balanced several songs later by "Honolulu City Lights." Tinny synth-string effects detract from the latter song, and from "I'll Remember You" as well, but this is overall a fine salute to Hawaii's hapa-haole musical heritage.

www.hularecords.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Maui Medley" "Hawaiian Hospitality" "Waikiki" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"The Ukulele Experiment"

Kaimoku Kahuku
Watermelon Productions

There's nothing particularly experimental about this album, but taken just as beautiful instrumental music, Kaimoku is worth a listen. Kekai 'Awa provides interesting acoustic textures on dobro, as well as on bass and guitar. Lori-Ann Lopez adds piano and percussion, and Louis "Zorro" Maka'ehu doubles on guitar and, yes, ukulele.

The "experiment" consists of crisp and clean renditions of three well-known Hawaiian melodies, two by mainland composers and five originals by Maka'ehu.

A guest chanter helps make "Hi'ilawe" a strong opening number, and a touch of the twang gives "Tiny Bubbles" a nostalgic touch. Maka'ehu's "Diamond Head Melody" is a soothing original, and two of the other originals, "Kalakaua Avenue" and the zesty "Honolulu Shuffle," are noteworthy as well.

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Hi'ikawe" "Tiny Bubbles" "Diamond Head Lullaby" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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