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Island Mele

Friday, March 16, 2001

By John Berger

Feel The Mana

Sterling Kalua -- Monkeypod -- MPCDC3

STERLING KALUA was a key player on two prior Monkeypod albums. This time he is the star artist on a perfect musical portrait. Almost every song is an original that reflects his love for Molokai (originally from Oahu, he now considers Molokai home). One notable remake, Jimmy Cliff's "The Harder They Come," is reworked nicely and fits the overall theme.

Reggae-style rhythms pop up elsewhere too, but Kalua slips into Latin-rock, '60s-style funk-rock and soulful jazzy ballads with equal ease. Listen carefully to catch the details in the arrangements.

Melveen Leed, Kelly Covington, Lopaka Colon, Brother Noland and Boom Gaspar are among the guests who add to the overall richness and diversity of musical textures, but never eclipse Kalua as the focal point. Extensive liner notes provide ample information on Kalua and his Monkeypod ohana.

http://www.monkeypod.com

MP3 Audio Clips: Feel The Mana Got To Get Back (To Da Kine) Kamakou, Molokai Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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Good Good Feelin'

Mr. Vanray -- Global Sounds International -- GSI-8002

RECORD PRODUCER Matt Young kick-started the local pop music scene in 1989 when he launched two pop-record labels and then guided New Generation and Tenderoni to deals with national record labels.

Young and his long-time mentor, Maurice Starr (of New Edition and New Kids on the Block fame), reappeared here last summer when they put together the 98.5 FM Island Rhythms compilation for program director Grant "Lanai" Tabura. Starr and Young used the album to introduce Kaneoheßø-based Mr. Vanray. Vanray returns here as a star in his own right with a full album of polished mainstream reggae-rap.

Starr and Young use a contemporary urban ensemble format, and the parade of guests sometimes takes the spotlight away from the titular artist, but Hawaii fans of American urban reggae-rap will find Mr. Vanray and his friends combine to deliver the "good, good feelin' " promised.

http://www.globalsoundstation.com

MP3 Audio Clips: So Good, So Right Child Support Soljah Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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Liquid

Liquid -- Liquid Productions -- No serial number

THIS SELF-TITLED debut album proves that progressive mainstream rock is a vibrant part of the the Big Island music scene. The opening riffs and powerful chords of the first song establish that power rock is the primary thing here, but smooth reggae rhythms and an aggressive reggae-punk attitude permeate several selections.

Chris Albers (lead guitar), Frank Bianchini (drums), Isaish MacDonald (rhythm guitar), Glynn Motoishi (lead vocals) and Jason Paulsen (bass) share credit for an original repertoire that most immediately suggests the influence of Tool, Alice in Chains and Rage Against The Machine. The group makes effective use of reggae rhythms in "7 Days" without losing their basic rock perspective.

"Song A" is a moodier soft-grunge opus that captures a slightly mellower but still powerful style. A tranquil unlisted "ghost track" is also noteworthy.

http://www.liquidproductions.net

MP3 Audio Clips: Lead Down Byebye 7 Days 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.