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Island Mele
Friday, February 18, 2000
Silva pays tribute
to MolokaiKa'ohana Ali i:
By Heli Silva (Dinosaur Mountain - DMCD-1203)HAWAIIAN traditionalists should enjoy this one. Molokai's Heli Silva sings Hawaiian standards and American pop classics with expansive downhome appeal. Silva's love for her home island is a recurring theme.
Producers Troy Fernandez and Chino Montero do a fine job leading her studio band. Silva is clearly a vocalist to watch. Molokai couldn't have more effective representation.
From the opening notes of "Kaulana Molokai," this is a beautiful debut. Add at least a little information about the meaning and significance of the Hawaiian-language songs, trim the synth string effects, and it would be perfect.
Mpeg Audio Clips:
Quicktime | MPEG-3 info
http://www.booklineshawaii.com
By Tony Solis (Neos - VO44)TONY Solis' experience as a local recording artist and local label promo man is evident in his solo debut album. The contents are equal parts catchy reggae lite and smooth local pop with two Top 40 oldies completing the package. Solis has the "island music" radio format covered from all directions!
The new songs are originals Solis wrote or co-wrote. "Rubber Slipper" is a light look at trying to live life one slipper short. Most of the others are more serious.
Solis is evidently a romantic who has seen his share of heartache. He addresses troubled relationships with touching honesty. Anyone mourning the loss of a loved one will find a kindred soul here.
Solis slips into a soulful mode as SKI joins him as guest rapper on "Holiday." He also gets solid support from Devotion on a smooth pop remake of "Slow Jam."
Mpeg Audio Clips:
Quicktime | MPEG-3 info
Neos Productions - 808-625-5586
By Kevin Puahi (Aku Boy ABCD1002)THE Waianae coast has been celebrated in several recent songs. Now Ewa Beach has an anthem in Kevin Puahi's falsetto flavored "Ewa Beach." Puahi's falsetto makes his Hawaiian originals notable too. And his pop chart remakes aren't bad.
"Knock Three Times" is a good riff on a pop hit that was a bit silly to begin with. Puahi's take on "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" is beautiful.
Mpeg Audio Clips:
Quicktime | MPEG-3 info
Aku Boy Productions - 91-902 Fr. Weaver Rd. #101, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
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.
