Island Mele

By John Berger

"Three From the Heart"

No Limitz No label

No Limitz, one of the most notable acts in the Star Quest 2002 talent search, steps forward as recording artists with this self-produced CD-single. The three songs were written by sisters Annie and Mandy Llamedo (younger sister Joni completes the group).

The arrangements aren't elaborate but suffice to show what they can do as writers, musicians and vocalists.

The song most likely to hit here is "It's Gonna Be All Right," with catchy island-pop rhythms and confident three-part harmonies that evoke the spirit of a young Na Leo. "Because of Your Love" is a simple pop ballad, but "Listen" has a promising guitar-rock edge that suggests broader musical horizons.

The trio is working on an album that will include more advanced arrangements of these songs, but this is a fine record of their promising debut.

www.no-limitz.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: Because Of Your Love It's Gonna Be All Right Listen Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

"Soul Arrival"

Go Jimmy Go MOOnROOm

Go Jimmy Go anticipates the long hot summer with this impressive collection of original ska, rock-steady, reggae-beat, rock and classic American soul. "In-Between Times," designated as the first single off the album, epitomizes the band's skill at genre-blending; there are hints of King Floyd and the Staple Singers but nothing that infringes on the other artists' work. There's no suggestion that GJG is mocking or patronizing the older styles either.

In short, the top dogs of Hawaii's ska-rock scene are taking it to the next level. Vocalist James "Bison" Friedmann is one of the attractions here. The vibrant interplay between the horns and the rhythm section adds power and gives GJG an authentic organic ambiance.

The band and their studio guests maintain the original Afro-Caribbean spirit of ska and rock-steady while eschewing faux-Jamaican affectations.

The disc arrives in stores on Tuesday.

www.gojimmygo.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: Soul Arrival In-Between Times Takin' It Off Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

"Trust 101"

Hope Chapel South Shore No label

This compilation contains recordings by Christian singer-songwriters with styles ranging from rock to New Age pop. All but one of the songs is original. The exception, "Worship Time," mimics the Curtis Mayfield classic, "The Monkey Time," which was a hit for Major Lance in 1963.

Most of the original songs are by members of pastor Jack Nordgren's family. His sons, guitarists Josh and Jason, are the most prolific; "Trust" and "I Want To Be," written by and featuring Josh and Jason respectively, are solid uptempo Christian rock. "Victory," by singer/songwriter Taylor Nordgren (Josh's wife), is a beautiful inspirational ballad. Another ballad, "Remembrances," by singer/songwriter Maree Nordgren (Jack's wife), is also worthy of play on Christian radio.

Willard Harvest and Dennis Sallas also recorded songs for the project.

www.hopechapelsouthshore.org

Mpeg Audio Clips: Victory Worship Time I Want To Be 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.