Island Mele
Friday, October 19, 2001
"Ho'ala Hou Na Mele" translates as "to revive the music," and Omi makes an important contribution toward doing so with this collection of Hawaiian standards and neo-traditional originals. The instrumental interplay between Omi (guitars), Leo Cullen III (bass) and Bobby Ingano (steel guitar) is impeccably traditional. Omi and Cullen likewise blend well as vocalists. A contemporary grass-roots Hawaiian ambience prevails throughout. "Ho'ala Hou Na Mele"
Omi
(Onipa'a)Most of the songs are nicely done classics, but five originals fit in neatly. "Manu Kolea," ostensibly about the return of a plover, is a fine introduction to Omi's work as a composer.
The importance of sharing and perpetuating Hawaiian culture is a no-brainer. Omi does his part by providing the Hawaiian lyrics and basic English translations. Decrypting the kaona (hidden meanings) is the responsibility of the listener.
www.olindaroad.com
MP3 Audio Clips:
Wai'alae
Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info
The isolation of Niihau has made the island and its people a valuable repository of Hawaiian culture. This four-song CD isn't the first recording of Niihau people playing music, but it is a valuable addition to a short list. "Ni'ihau"
Nahale and Malaki Kanahele
(The Mountain Apple Co.)The vocal harmonies and instrumental arrangements of the late Nahale Kanahele and his brother, Malaki, are striking on first listen and remarkable on replay. Their renditions of "'Alekoki" and "Ke Makani Ka'ili Aloha" offer a glimpse into the origins of modern grass-roots Hawaiian music.
Unfortunately, Nahale passed away last year, and the liner notes include no information on the significance of the four songs to him and the Kanahele ohana.
www.mountainapplecompany.com
MP3 Audio Clips:
Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info
Wayne Takamine's third album offers an overview of his work to date. It includes new versions of three songs from his first album. "Two Ti Leaf"
Wayne Takamine / waynetakamine@hawaii.rr.com
(Two Ti Leaf Productions)"Hawaiian Nights and Summer Dreams," the title song of his 1996 debut album, may still be his career-best song, but a new song, "Part of My Soul," is a close second and the best of the new material. Two others, "Only One in the World" and "Two Ti Leaf," also offer welcome insights into his music.
That said, Takamine remains a staunch acolyte of Audy Kimura's blend of American folk and acoustic pop. His singing on "Hawaiian Nights and Summer Dreams" and "Two Ti Leaf" is reminiscent of Wade "Che" Cambern as well.
Takamine is strongest as a guitarist. His jejune remakes of "Tiny Dancer" and "Beyond the Sea" are the weakest links here. As familiar as they are, they might be considered touristy souvenir album tracks at best.
MP3 Audio Clips:
Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info
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.
