APPLYING the credo "First you walk, then you run" to Ehukai's debut album places the band at the toddler stage. Ehukai harmonizes well, but producer Randy Sugata opted to reinforce them as recording artists by allowing Alwyn Erub and a squad of studio musicians to assist. The album contains promising originals and an excess of bland bar band remakes and Jawaiian affectations.
An ambitious "Calypso Medley" shows imagination but bogus Jamaican accents detract from the arrangement. Covers of hits by Aswad, Stevie Wonder and Wilson Pickett offer no fresh insights and even less musical value to the collection.
But then there is "Keaukaha Ke Nani O Pu'u Wai," an original co-written by band member Kaulana Pakele and sung in falsetto. It shows that Ehukai has something more to offer.
Band members Gilman "Gil" Kahai and Earl Kalawai'a Jr. also contribute compositions. "Lanakila Housing" sounds like Kahai was heavily influenced by Gordon Broad's seminal late '70s anthem, "Sweet Lady of Waiahole." At least the song offers a look at the experiences of contemporary Hawaiians rather than borrowing a cause from Jamaica or South Africa.
The composer of "Moloka'i Slide" is not identified; the song celebrates life there and is dedicated to Natalie Marie Noelani Helm, a Moloka'i High volleyball player who died in a plane crash off Molokai in 1989. A catchy reggae-lite beat and a melody with just a hint of Sam Cooke's 1960 hit, "Chain Gang," makes this one a natural for play on Hawaii's island music radio stations.
HAWAIIAN-language speakers will most enjoy Moana Chang's lovely collection of standards. Her voice is beautiful and the arrangements are almost completely untainted by synthesized string sections or other modern sonic filler.
Unfortunately, producer Ken Makuakane fails to provide the lyrics, translations and background information that would help malihini and non-Hawaiians appreciate Chang's performance.
For instance, few know that Chang lived and performed for years in California. Her ohana first surfaced as recording artists as "The Changs" almost 10 years ago with the vinyl release of "Sounds Like Hawaii." Several family members later formed Kanilau; the ohana provides superb instrumental and vocal backing here.
The songs are almost all traditional. Lena Machado and Bill Aliiloa Lincoln appear to be two favorite composers, but Chang delivers beautiful interpretations of "Hanohano Olinda" and "Makee Ailana" as well. Two English-language selections - "In Hawai'i" and "Sentimental Me" - add diversity.