Island Mele

By John Berger

"Pulama 'Ia Na Mele o Kaua'i"

Leilani Rivera Bond
Leilani

Leilani Rivera Bond teamed up with Bill Kaiwa and Ken Makuakane to create this beautiful collection of songs linked to Kauai (Bond translates the title as "cherished are the songs of Kauai"). Kaiwa provided most of the songs; others are from friends and family. Producer Makuakane shares credit with Bond for the arrangements and played several instruments in the studio.

Bond has a gorgeous voice and she and Makuakane do a good overall job with the arrangements. With Kaiwa as guest vocalist on " 'Alo 'Ehukai" and "Ke 'Ala Pua Pikake," there's the sense of a revered elder like Kaiwa sharing his music and knowledge with a younger artist. Detailed liner notes share the meaning and significance of the songs as well.

The addition of Kui Lee's "I'll Remember You" has no direct link to the titular theme, but Bond's version is sweet nevertheless.

e-mail: koloa@aloha.net

Mpeg Audio Clips: Wailua Ke 'Ala Pua Pikake Nihoa Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"e'hawaiianrockband"

SUGahDADDY
Daddy Leopard

The music of SUGahDADDY is rooted in basic straightforward rock, but has undercurrents of contemporary country music and occasional hints of Kalapana and country blues, too. In short, these guys are offering Hawaii a fresh sound leaning towards the more melodic side of contemporary rock.

The quintet opens strong with the potential commercial hit "Tonight," perhaps the best locally-recorded country song since Warren Johnson released "Never Been Loved." The emphasis is on rock thereafter, and they do it well with a collection of gritty tales of workday stress, divorce and the risks involved in falling in love with a tourist.

SUGahDADDY songwriters Mat Kalani Souza and Darrell Aquino take on social issues as well; "Waiting" comes out of the long-standing problems with the Hawaiian Homes program and "River Street" examines life among the street people in Chinatown.

www.sugahdaddy.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: Tonight Till I Get Home To You Obsession: He Inoa No Alana Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Favorite Songs of Hawai'i"

Keith & Carmen Haugen
Island Viking

Few local recording artists are more outspoken supporters of traditional Hawaiian music than Keith Haugen, and few approach his output as a songwriter. So it's understandable that, in choosing songs for this album, he selected 12 Hawaiian standards and eight of his own songs.

Haugen does 'em "back porch" style, serenading his wife on guitar and doing most of the singing between the two. Carmen harmonizes, plays Hawaiian percussion and does a delightful job when she sings lead. Gordon Freitas and Pierre Grill chip in with some sensitive accompaniment.

Haugen seems to be a folk singer at heart, but his knowledge of Hawaiian language and music makes his renditions of songs like "I Kona" noteworthy. Several of his originals speak earnestly of his love for his wife, while another song of his proudly reminds us of our country's triumphant efforts in World War II.

www.hawaiiansong.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: Hawai'i Aloha He Punahele No 'Oe In Your Eyes / E 'Ike Mai 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.