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Island Mele
Sweet sounds from
Kauai twosomeSwingin' In Paradise: Michaelle Edwards & Ken Emerson (Ka'io KRCD 1005)
MICHAELLE Edwards and Ken Emerson check in from Kauai with a beautiful collection of old-style acoustic hapa-haole music. She sings and plays guitar. He plays steel and several other instruments; friends add backing vocals, violin and acoustic bass. The mix is perfect.
There is no sense of opportunism or fad chasing as Edwards and Emerson present standards and originals in equal measure. The former include songs by Maiki Aiu Lake, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and John K. Almeida. The originals fit perfectly -- "Island Rhythms" and the title track are a great place to start. W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues" hints at the full breadth of their repertoire.
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MARTY Dread is prominent in the Maui reggae scene. He generally eschews Jamaican affections while praising Jah and singing of more mundane romantic affairs. "Repent" and "Reggae Suite" convey solid Rastafari teachings.
Two of the most memorable songs build on the work of others. "M.C.C.C. (M Triple C)" interpolates a song by the Mighty Diamonds. "Walking In Kingston" was originally "Walking In Memphis." Dread acknowledges the creative debt and creates solid alternative versions in both cases.
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NOSTALGIC appreciation of acoustic hapa-haole music isn't a new phenomenon. Keale recorded this album late in 1980! Ken and Phil Emerson provided most of the instrumental support with assists from the Brothers Cazimero. Newly out on CD it is a welcome addition to any collection of modern Hawaiian music.
Keale's take on "Scotch & Soda," a minor hit for the Kingston Trio in 1962, retains the luster it had in the '80s. He's been known for years as a Hawaiian traditionalist, but the title track and "September In The Rain" also affirm his ability to embrace American pop music. Malihini who know "Hale'iwa Hula" as an Amy Gilliom song will find his version fascinating as well.
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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.
