Island Mele
Big Every Time -- Papa T and J.D -- has been a major creative presence in local music since its first album hit in 1998. This disc, aptly titled "Volume 3," reaffirms the duo's ranking as one of the most innovative acts on the local scene. "Volume 3"
Big Every Time
Galmiche EntertainmentThe contrast between J.D's black urban musical background and T's purist "roots reggae" orientation is the foundation of the B.E.T. sound, but the two are continuing to explore new ideas in blending African-American, Afro-Jamaican and Polynesian music. The use of steel guitar on a song or two is particularly effective.
B.E.T. also continues to address social issues of direct relevance to Hawaii. They team up with female rapper Katana on "Chanthem" to raise awareness of the problems caused by men who don't support the children they father.
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Are U Ready
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Several local recording artists who have hit big doing reggae-style music have talked about how they also respect their Hawaiian heritage. Sean Na'auao has done more than talk. After releasing his own full-length album of traditional Hawaiian roots music, he produced this beautiful debut album by Charles Apela Hokoana -- Apela for short. "My Hula Baby"
Apela
Poi PounderApela sings Hawaiian falsetto reminiscent of Dennis Pavao and Darren Benitez; his rendition of "God Bless My Daddy" shows that he, too, likes sentimental falsetto ballads.
Most of the other songs are Hawaiian standards. "Kalena Kai" and "Pua Lililehua" are especially notable in showing his appeal as a singer. Two originals show that he has something to say as well.
As producer, Na'auao wisely keeps the arrangements synthesizer-free, and helps spread knowledge of Hawaiian music by including lyrics and translations.
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Local radio personality Jeff Kino joins the horde of local comedians following in the well-worn footsteps of Booga Booga, Andy Bumatai and Frank DeLima. Kino's "Half Nuts" includes satires of local radio stations, fake commercials and public service announcements, an unsuccessful attempt at improving on Allan Sherman's "Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter from Camp)," several cartoonish pidgin characters and a few ethnic bits (a Filipino president would turn the White House into the "purple and green house"). "Half Nuts"
Jeff Kino
My Son JarenPeople who take Tiny Tadani to task for plugging his sponsors will find Kino takes plugs to a new high (or low). One spot is a commercial for one of Kino's sponsors. The owner of another sponsoring company appears as himself in another. Kino's material also references the results of his recent bout with testicular cancer, and his minimal talent as a musician and singer. Richard Dean Natto serves as Kino's straight man on a bit or two.
www.jeffkino.com
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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.
