DisGuyz present
strong debutWhisper I Love You / Bass & Treble: By DisGuyz (Outrigger Entertainment) CD single
ALTHOUGH DisGuyz recorded a limited edition CD single as a promo item for the visitor industry last Christmas, this is its official public debut. It should make the quintet a hot local pop vocal group.
Boyz II Men is the obvious template but DisGuyz offers more than the usual local pop urban-lite sound. The songs are originals. Both merit play on local teen oriented radio stations. Junior Mika wrote "Bass & Treble" as a rhythmic sexual proposition couched in musical terms. "Whisper I Love You" is from Jason Lent and Elan Markos. It's a tear-jerker about waiting too long to tell someone you love them, and should ensure DisGuyz' hold on the hearts and minds of teenaged local girls.
The group is still in development, and both songs will need reinforcement in the rhythm track arrangements before being shopped nationally, but DisGuyz is clearly an act to watch.
Ku'u Sweetie / Mai Lohilohi Mai 'Oe: by Darlene Ahuna (Hula) cassette single
FEW local artists release cassette singles these days. This is one of those rarities. Clayton Mau (guitar and ukulele), Randy K. Sugata (bass and congas) and Alwyn Erub (backing vocals), join Hoku Award-winning vocalist Darlene Ahuna. Sugata was the arranger; he wisely eschewed synthetic electronic effects in favor of a clean natural sound.
The songs are classics. Ahuna sings beautifully as always. Information on the songs and at least a synopsis of their meaning is all that's missing.
Eminent Ukulele: By Kimo Hussey (Kapa Kuiki)
KIMO Hussey uses the ukulele as a versatile solo instrument and interprets a multicultural repertoire. He offers an interesting assortment of modern pop songs that includes "My Favorite Things," "Hawaiian Supaman" and the Turtles' "Happy Together." Bassist Al Batin provides unobtrusive but effective support.
Hussey's arrangements make this album relaxing yet thought-provoking listening. His extensive liner notes add another facet to the listening experience by conveying his feelings about the selections and his approach to each.
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.
