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Island Mele
Friday, June 23, 2000
Helemano returns
with creativityOne Step At A Time: Butch Helemano & The Players of Instruments (Vaughn VR200)
BUTCH Helemano wasn't quite the first to write or record reggae-beat music here, but he has been a stalwart purist for more than 15 years. He made it clear early that he was Christian rather than Rastafari or "Kanakafarian," but showed keen understanding of the shared religious themes.
Helemano was also one of Hawaii's most prolific reggae songwriters. He had been relying on remakes in recent years but returns to form with only originals here. They show more imagination and diversity of style than previously. Several will suffice for local radio play, but the memorable gospel ambience of "In The Valley" best shows his growth as a writer.
Pato Banton joins Helemano on two basic reggae songs. B.E.T. adds a harder edge on another.
http://www.olindaroad.com
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THIS anthology reintroduces songs from two previous solo albums. Na Kamalei sings on several selections but most are pure solo performances by Robert Cazimero singing and playing acoustic piano. Most of the songs are originals that speak eloquently of love and friendships found and lost.
Little information is provided about the songs or the albums they come from, but the label's address, phone number and Web site address are included in the liner notes.
http://www.mountainapplecompany.com
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ROOTS Odyssey introduces itself as one of the many local reggae/Jawaiian bands on the market. Guitarist Kalei Kahalewai is the main voice and songwriter but female vocalists Kaula Naluai and Kawai Tello also get lead spots. B.E.T. rapper Tim "Papa T" Troxell and the ubiquitous Pato Banton add credibility as guests on several numbers.
Most of the songs are basic local-style reggae originals, but pseudo-Jamaican affectations are minimal. William Shakespeare provides most of the lyrics for Naluai's catchy and appealing "Romeo & Julliet." Kahalewai interpolates Freddie Jackson's "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Time's Sake)" in "One More Time" but shows more originality elsewhere.
http://www.olindaroad.com
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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.
