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Island Mele
Friday, July 21, 2000
Divas return better
than the debutTimeless:
By Local Divas (Local Divas Productions LDPCD-402)THE Local Divas -- Carole Kai, Loyal Garner, Melveen Leed and Nohelani Cypriano -- debuted as a recording act last fall with "Local Divas' Christmas." Their second album is better. The single most impressive number is a beautiful a capella rendition of "Pretty Red Hibiscus" that shows what they're capable of as a vocal group. More of this, please!
The most interesting numbers elsewhere give each diva in turn a lead spot while the others harmonize behind her. "If I Could" epitomizes the basic pop ballad, synth-music format that predominates and is a fine number by all four. "Aloha Oe" is another standout example of the Divas at their collective best.
Several tracks were apparently solo projects. Leed shows her skill as a song stylist with her solo rendition of "This Time I'll Be Sweeter." Leed and arranger/sequencer Ronnie Esteban add a sweet rap-lite bridge and striking backing tracks to create a charming arrangement.
Kai touches the heart with a superb treatment of "Salty Tears." Who could resist her appeal?
"Maunalua Bay" showcases Garner and her long-time collaborator, arranger/sequencer David Kauahikaua. It's a perfect example of the familiar Garner/Kauahikaua sound and a great performance by Garner.
Less overall use of the familiar synthetics and more acoustic instruments would add textures around the Divas' voices (Kauahikaua arranged and sequenced five of the 10 songs; Dennis Graue, Cypriano's career-long arranger/sequencer, did two of the others). A song showing what Cypriano can do with a serious rock number would add another welcome facet. Maybe they'll all be more adventurous on " Divas III " but this one will delight their fans.
http://www.localdivas.com
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By Ellsworth Simeona (Kinonui Productions KNP 81169)ELLSWORTH Simeona is best known as a member of Dita Holyfield's Detour South band but proves a versatile song stylist in his own right with an eclectic mix of songs ranging from Hawaiian (Frank Hewett's "Ku Au E Hele") to Caribbean ("Gin And Coconut Water") and gospel ("Swing Low"). Few local artists fare well remaking Top 40 hits. Simeona's take on "Heaven Help Us All" shows him as one of the rare exceptions.
"Go Go Kikaida" is a catchy and timely remembrance of the Japanese super hero. "Swing Low" introduces sidekick vocalist Kauila Punua in an acoustic country gospel number that also merits local airplay.
The title track is one of two originals and a catchy ode to one of Hawaii's staple foods.
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.
