Island Mele

Friday, November 2, 2001

By John Berger

"Trust Him"

Jan Brenner
Star Entertainment

Jan Brenner's beautifully crafted collection of original Christian songs would have been welcome anytime. In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks it is especially relevant.

Many local Christian albums consist of earnest testament set to music barely above karaoke quality. That's not the case here. Every song by Brenner and her writing partners -- Bryan Kessler and Steve Jones -- stands on its own musical merits and religious content.

Gospel and R&B are the main styles but there are pop and rock songs, and some Latin rhythms as well. Brenner does well with each. The blending of live and synthesized instruments behind her appealing expansive voice is also excellent.

The title song mentions modern life traumas. The other are glorious expressions of Brenner's faith in Christ and an invitation to share His love. The opening song, "Love Is Still The Answer," is more relevant than ever in times like these.

www.janbrenner.com

MP3 Audio Clips: To Seek And To Save Just One Touch Trust Him Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

"Island Surfer Girl"

Pipeline Band
Kanoelani Productions

Imagine setting a radio tuner to "scan" and sampling every open channel. This impressive debut album by the Pipeline Band is that kind of experience. Reggae-style riffs pop up frequently, but there is much more to the band and its music than Jawaiian beats and surf music. The originals here cover a broader spectrum that stretches from 1960s hapa-haole to mainstream rap.

The group is also surprisingly good at reinterpreting oldies. Their fresh take on "Make The World Go Away," original a country hit, is particularly good.

B.E.T. is the most prominently featured of several guest acts who contribute to this eclectic smorgasbord of rock, pop, Jawaiian reggae, and surf music. The final number, "Hapa Haole Songs," adds a touch of Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 as well. Here's hoping this imaginative new band gets some local radio play for their efforts.

www.olindaroad.com

MP3 Audio Clips: Pipeline Wipeout Make The World Go Away Hapa Haole Songs Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

"Out of the Shadows"

Clay Mortensen
Self label

It's been five years since Clay Mortensen's last album and his friends wanted him to do another. Reason enough to record this one, it seems, and his friends won't be disappointed. Others who miss the R&B/pop sound of the early 1980s will find a kindred spirit.

The first bars of "Lies" establish Mortensen as a fan of Luther Vandross and James Ingram. Several of the arrangements would fit well in albums of their era. The Rastafari pose Mortensen affects with his easy skankin' rendition of "One Drop" may reflect dreams of getting local play, but soulful pop chart remakes are where his heart is.

There's nothing innovative here, but that's not why he did the album. He's a guy singing his favorite oldies and doing them well. His version of "Sara Smile" gives the Hall & Oates hit with a bit more soul perhaps than the original. The other selections are also smooth and nicely done.

www.olindaroad.com

MP3 Audio Clips: Lies One Drop Sara Smile 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.