Island Mele
Friday, July 13, 2001
Soulfree made a promising debut in 1999 and now returns with another collection of basic Jawaiian reggae originals written by Kaneala Makainai. The surprise here is that the band's three backing vocalists -- the Soulfree Girls -- are featured upfront on two songs. It's a great idea reminiscent of the I Threes, the Ikettes and Oaktown's 3-5-7. "Endless Paradise"
Soulfree Score (SRD 101)The trio's recycling of "Unconditional Love" fails to take the song beyond where Donna Summer and Musical Youth left it in 1983, but their other showcase number, "Lover Boy," deserves local radio play.
Makainai handles most of the lead vocals elsewhere and favors sparse arrangements in which the guitarists and keyboards generally reinforce the bass and drums in driving the basic reggae beat. "Bouncer" is a catchy, upbeat musical snapshot of the local club scene. "All That I Want" shows resident composer Makainai's romantic side.
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Bouncer
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Yes, Herb Ohta Jr., is Ohta-san's son, but the young virtuoso's third album ties into a broader and more complicated musical relationship. Ohta Jr. is also related by marriage to famed ukulele instructor Roy Sakuma, who not only is the executive producer of the album but also got his start as Ohta-san's student and protégé. "Ukulele Dream" thus completes a circle while exploring new musical formulas. "Ukulele Dream"
Herb Ohta Jr. Roy Sakuma Productions (RSCD 8801)Ohta, Sakuma, and co-producer Charley Lukela use an all-star band to expand the arrangements. Go straight to "Kaanapali Sunset" to hear Ohta work solo, or check out his duet with fellow ukulele player Bryan Tolentino, "G Minor Fleas," and compare it with their way they did it on Ohta's first album in 1997.
"Tropical Baby," "Ku'u Ipo I Ka He'e Pu'e One" and "Tico Tico (Tico No Fuba)" add diversity of tempo and texture while neatly displaying Ohta's technical abilities. This album will appeal both to uke fans and folks who just want some beautiful instrumental music.
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An uninspired rehash of War's classic "Cisco Kid" sets the tone for this debut album by Rodney "Rodz" Manuel and producer Bob St. John. It introduces Rodz as just one more Jawaiian-come-lately tagging along well behind the innovators in Jawaiian and local reggae music. "Sunup to Sundown"
Rodz Neos Productions (V055)Fortunately for Rodz's long-term prospects, there is some better material here. He co-wrote three songs for himself and, because songs about local food are almost always popular, "What Am I Gonna Do" gives him a shot at fame in that genre. Rodz's "Reggae Woman" uses an uncredited piece of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds," but his "Hawaiian Sun Rise" is solid local reggae and ready for local airplay in its own right.
"So Nice," one of six songs by guest composer Doug Smith, shows that Rodz also has local pop potential and more promise that his "Cisco Kid" opener suggests. The guy has an engaging voice. With luck he'll work with Smith again in the future and hone his skills.
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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.
