‘Ukulele Boy’ captures
beauty of old Hawaii'Ukulele Boy: 'Elua Kane (Hula)
THE smooth harmonies of Damien Farden (guitar) and Tau Grieg (acoustic bass) -- together 'Elua Kane -- epitomize the spiritual ambience of old-time Hawaiian and hapa-haole music on " 'Ukulele Boy."
Steel guitar, vibes, nose flute and drums add other traditional textures.
The catchy title song is one of two Farden originals; his "He Aloha Hawai'i" honors interisland canoe paddlers. A hearty revival of "Na Ali'i" and a romantic rendition of "Floating Leis" are other highlights.
There are no duds here. Detailed annotation adds another dimension to music and completes the exceptional album.
Pacific Snowbird: Gail Mack (MGC)
GAIL Mack has been best known for the past 15 years as a member of George Street, but she has occasionally recorded with other artists.
Mack has a beautiful voice for ballads, and sings folk, Hawaiian, Spanish and Top 40 oldies with consistent appeal.
Two new songs are notable showcase numbers. "Hamakua" was previewed on the 1997 "Homegrown" album. "Snowbird" is an original song co-written with George Street's Gordon Kim.
George Street's Steve Min is also among Mack's platoon of studio musicians and guest artists. Peter Moon stars on guitar and 'ukulele; Ernie Cruz Jr. shines in several duets. Kimo Cornwell (organ) adds religious overtones to a beautiful arrangement of "The River Is Wide."
Mack's voice makes her romantic remake of David Gates' "Make It With You" a winner. Remakes of two Bobby Darin classics are problematic despite her voice; Darin and his arrangements are hard to surpass.
I Kill You: Nux Vomica (Scream)
NUX Vomica broke out of Honolulu rock scene anonymity with its "Bishop Estate Trustee" CD-single last fall. This collection of originals displays imagination, talent and a refreshing absence of self-importance.
The music blends grunge, "alternative," and classic late-'60s rock. The lyrics reflect the experiences of Vomica's Scott Farley, who apparently has had an interesting life.
Farley says the title song was inspired by a woman who stalked her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend. He addresses political issues and sexual relationships with equal insight.
See Record Reviews for some of John Berger's 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 Home Zone
section on Fridays for the latest reviews.
