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Island Mele

Friday, February 16, 2001

By John Berger

Powerful music
from O‘ahu Band

Power to the People:
By O'ahu Band (Moonsurfer Productions MS-9007)

music veteran David "Kawika" Crowley has a promising find in O'ahu Band, four self-styled "monkeys" whose repertoire includes reggae, Jawaiian, hapa-haole falsetto, local-style country and smooth four-part pop harmonies. They could hold their own playing bar gigs anywhere in Hawaii.

The group opens with the title song and delivers a strong nationalist message with engaging reggae rhythms. "Hawaii 2K" closes the album suggesting that little has changed since the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau recorded "Hawaii '78."

MP3 Audio Clips: Power To The People Lovely Pua Ala Hawaii 2K Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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Crossroads:
By Na 'Oiwi (Na 'Oiwi Productions NOPCD 1001)

JON Yamasato has been busy recording since he abruptly quit Pure Heart ostensibly to return to college just over a year ago. He popped up solo on "Pride Of The Islands III" and did a full album with multitalented Justin Young. Now he's on bass behind Mike Kaawa and Dennis and David Kamakahi in Na 'Oiwi. With Dennis Kamakahi as primary voice and resident writer, and solid work by Kaawa and David Kamakahi, Na 'Oiwi is a great new act in modern Hawaiian music.

The title track is a powerful call for progress in the struggle for sovereignty and is foremost among several new Dennis Kamakahi songs. The instrumental interplay among Kamakahi and Kaawa on guitar and David Kamakahi on 'ukulele make every song interesting.

Song lyrics, translations and additional information from the Kamakahi ohana completes this impressive debut album.

Email: nativesons2000@aol.com

MP3 Audio Clips: Crossroads Paniolo Baby Chill'n Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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Hawaiian Inside:
By Brother Noland (Tiki Talk TTK 8102)

BROTHER Noland anticipated Hawaii's fascination with reggae rhythms back in 1983 with "Coconut Girl." He explored Caribbean rhythms for several years thereafter but has always had broad musical horizons. In "Hawaiian Inside" he returns to the Hawaiian roots music he explored on his debut album in the early 80s.

It's a gorgeous return. Noland is a fine vocalist in both regular and falsetto registers. Acoustic arrangements strengthen the sense of tradition and cultural pride; most of the songs are Hawaiian standards. An occasional guest guitarist adds texture. Lyrics and translations are all that's missing.

http://www.brothernoland.com

MP3 Audio Clips: Keawaiki Kalena Kai Pu'u O Hulu (Kaula Ili) Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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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.