Island Mele
Mike Gabbard co-wrote "E Kupono Me Ke Aloha (Stand for What's Right With Love)" with Leon Siu, and introduced it at a "Stand Up for America" rally last September, but his album addresses topics more timeless than short-term patriotic fervor. Standing tall for love and compassion is the theme that connects these songs of family, unity and Christian faith. "Stand As One"
Mike Gabbard
(Kupono Aloha)It's an unusual collection that is almost equal parts old material and new. Gabbard performs six songs; the other original, "Malama ia Hawai'i," calls on island residents to protect what remains of Hawaii's natural beauty. "Hawai'i Aloha" reaffirms his love for the islands. An a capella rendition of "Kyrie Eleison" displays his imagination and Christian faith.
The final six songs are recordings by other artists, such as Na Leo's "For The Sake Of The Children" and Kapena's "Sons And Daughters," that address similar themes.
Mpeg Audio Clips:
Wedding Song (There Is Love)
Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info
www.mikegabbard.com
In the music business, you don't mess with success. "Island Roots 3" follows two very successful predecessors as a third compilation of local hits and obscurities recorded by island artists, a duo from California, and several unknown new acts. Producer John Iervolino has coined the term "urban island music" to describe acts whose style reflects either Jamaican reggae or African-American urban music. Most of his picks here meet that criteria. "Island Roots 3"
Various artists
(Quiet Storm QS1013)The three most impressive songs do more than imitate. Big Island rappers Sudden Rush reinforce Na Waiho'olu'u O Ke Anuenue on a powerful bi-lingual version of "Kaulana Na Pua." Mana Kaleilani Caceres' "Couldn't Take the Mana" defines a new style of hapa-haole music as he uses reggae rhythms to deliver strong Hawaiian-nationalist messages. Sunland's "We Are Only Human," catchy and commercial, displays the Bergstrom Brothers' vision in adding Hawaiian chant to mainstream pop; the song won Sunland a national label deal.
Rookie acts Mystic Roots and Kamaha'o do strictly Jawaiian 101 stuff, but the Phenomenal Ladies featuring D-Ru debut with an imaginative and soulful reworking of "Wild World" that merits local radio play and national attention.
The oddest choice for inclusion on an "urban island music" album is Forté. After seven years together they're still the lightest of Hawaii's pop-lite acts, and neither "urban" nor "island" in style. "Loving You," written by Jason Lent and élan of Afterthought Entertainment, is nonetheless a long-anticipated step forward.
Iervolino also makes the album a warts-and-all look at the "urban island music" scene by including a local Shaggy sound-alike, a generic Jawaiian remake or two, and Ehukai's controversial hit, "Molokai Slide."
Pati's "Star Spangled Banner" closes the album with a smooth and trendy nod to post-Sept. 11 patriotism.
Mpeg Audio Clips:
Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info
www.quietstormrecords.com
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.
