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Island Mele

Friday, April 27, 2001

By John Berger

Party Hulas

Genoa Keawe
(Hula) CDHS-507

THISCLASSICDATES from 1965 and captures themagical sound of five great Hawaiian artists of the era: Genoa Keawe, Violet Pahu Lilikoi, Pauline Kekahuna, Vickie Ii Rodrigues and Benny Rogers. Freshly remastered for release on CD, "Party Hulas" belongs in every collection of modern Hawaiian music. The crisp acoustic instrumental arrangements and smooth harmonies epitomize the sound of traditional 20th Century Hawaiian music. Each song is a gem that adds luster to a magnificent collection.

Keawe is marvelous as the featured vocalist. Count this as an early "greatest hits" album since many of these songs have been staples in her repertoire ever since. The term "supergroup" hadn't been coined in 1965 but this quintet qualifies.

Annotation by Jean "Kini" Sullivan also provides hula students and music fans with the Hawaiian lyrics and translations.

Mpeg Audio Clips: Noho Paipai Mauna Loa 'Alika Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

www.Hawaii-Calls.com

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You & Me

Namahana
(Hobo House on the Hill) HHHCD0018

HOBO HOUSE PRODUCERS Ronnie Esteban and Lawrence and Roni "Hobo Kid" Yurong deftly balance routine Jawaiian vibes with an imaginative mainstream pop sound in launching vocalist Namahana.

Ronnie and Roni synthesized almost all the instruments. Namahana contributed a pleasant pop voice to the project with vocal support from Wendy Calio and members of Brownskin.

Namahana slips in a bit of local girl attitude on "No, I Don't Think So," a song about a hapless boyfriend who becomes an ex- when another woman calls him at the wrong time. The song is one of five written by Roni and Brownskin member Keo. Ronnie and Roni's reworking of "You And Me" is nicely done and maintains the feel of the Cecelio & Kapono original.

Two other remakes, "I Don't Need You" and "Hawai'i Akea" are also assets. However, it's "Baby I," a progressive Jawaiian original powered by the distinctive reggae-rap of B.E.T., that will be remembered as Namahana's first hit.

Mpeg Audio Clips: Baby I You & Me No, I Don't Think So Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

www.mountainapplecompany.com

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Bob Marley Day:
Reggae Hawaii Up-Rising

The Kind
(World Changing WCR)

JESSE DAWN & THEKIND are the Big Island roots reggae purists who anchored the 8th Annual Bob Marley Day Concert in Hilo this year. This 16-song "live" album is a memento of the event and a sampler of what's happening with authentic roots reggae on the Big Island.

The Kind counts James McWhinney of Big Mountain and "Bruddah Walta" Aipolani as members, and both shared vocal duties with Dawn, Jack Miller and Marty Dread. Most of the songs are Marley standards that reflect the acute social consciousness of Rastafari reggae. Several originals address Big Island political issues.

Walta adds a carnal mood with "Bend Down Low"/"Lively Up," but most of the songs are spiritual and uplifting in praising Jah and calling on listeners to follow his teachings.

The cover art is crudely done and obviously home-brewed but that too reflects a do-it-yourself grassroots spirit.

Mpeg Audio Clips: Praise Him Bend Down Low/Lively Up Forever Rebels II Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

(808) 736-3922

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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.