Island Mele

By John Berger

"Don McDiarmid Jr. Presents
Hula Records' Hits!"

Various artists
Hula Records

One of two family dynasties in the island record business is that of the McDiarmid family and Hula Records (the other being the DeMellos). This beautiful 18-song anthology is a perfect introduction to the early work of Don McDiarmid Jr. who revived the original label as Hula Records Inc. in 1959. It is an amazing collection.

The brightest gems here include Genoa Keawe singing her trademark "Alika," Kawai Cockett's breakthrough recording of "Beautiful Kauai," Tony Lindsey's "Blue Darling" and Nina Keali'iwahamana's exquisite rendition of "Kalama'ula." Two lesser-known but significant entries are recordings of Don Ho and Kui Lee singing at Honey's nightclub several years before they hit it big in Waikiki.

McDiarmid's liner notes share the inside story behind each recording. Count this as probably the single most significant anthology or compilation released this year by any local record label.

www.Hawaii-Calls.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: Beautiful Kauai recorded by Kawai Cockett Alika recorded by Genoa Keawe Drinking Champagne recorded by Myra English Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Let's Rock"

The Next Generation
Dan-Pa Productions

Three members of The Next Generation are nephews of Mana'o Company leader Danny Kennedy and the young group introduces itself with hands-on support from Kennedy and Company guitarist John Baricuatro, Jr. The concept is a passing on of the musical traditions established by TMC over 10 years ago.

Most of the songs were written by Kennedy or by Next G members J.P. Kennedy and Micah Keolanui. The title song notwithstanding, basic reggae rhythms predominate and a squad of guest vocalists (Fiji, Pati and Tiera Kekaula) and veteran studio musicians appear to have handled most of the musical work. None of this will diminish the guys' appeal as eye candy for middle school girls.

Generic pop-lite remakes of "Have I Told You Lately" and the Delfonics' "La-La Means I Love You" offer no new ideas but will probably hit with the group's fans.

www.booklines.com

Mpeg Audio Clips unavailable because disc is copy protected:

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"Pua Lilia"

Pierre Grill
RVR

Musician/studio engineer Pierre Grill was known for years as a talented studio player, but only in recent years has he stepped forward as a versatile recording artist in his own right. With "Pua Lilia," he explores an assortment of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian melodies with his usual polish and finesse. From the opening notes of the title song through the final bars of "Hawai'i Aloha," Grill offers a soothing and tranquil instrumental experience.

Grill's arrangements illuminate the essence of each melody, but never allows his interpretation and technique to overshadow the original composer's theme. That's an important distinction. Grill observes it throughout.

There are places though -- his arrangement of "Waimanalo Blues," for example -- where he stretches out and embellishes a familiar tune a bit. But by and large, he offers fresh perspectives and variations on familiar themes.

Call: (808) 988-4418

Mpeg Audio Clips: Pua Lilia Hi'ilawe Kaulana Na Pua 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. Contact John Berger at jberger@starbulletin.com.