|
Island Mele John Berger |
"Zacc Kekona"
Zacc Kekona Maui resident Zacc Kekona's debut album should get him play statewide. All the songs are originals and most are perfect for Hawaii's self-styled island music-formatted radio stations. His "Love Makes the World Go Round" tops the list. The arrangement blends urban and Jawaiian vibes, and shows his strength as a vocalist, too. It has all the ingredients of being a major local hit.
Dominant RhythmsKekona and producer Robert Tsuhako move easily between Jawaiian and smooth pop. Someone (maybe Kekona or one of his guest rappers) occasionally affects a faux-Jamaican accent, but otherwise they keep it real. "We Are Soljahs," a fine slice of uncluttered local reggae, is a worthy nod to the tradition of political "roots reggae" music.
Mpeg Audio Clips:
We Like to Party
Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info
"Kikaha Malie"
Chris Yeaton A good album does more that introduce a talented artist who has something to say. It also conveys a sense of who the artist is and what inspires him or her. This perfect album by acoustic guitarist Chris Yeaton does just that.
Woodsong Acoustic GroupMost importantly, of course, the music is beautiful; Yeaton plays solo for the most part, with just a hint of electronic embellishment on the title track. Slack-key fans will enjoy his work, but find a twist or two, since he also incorporates other guitar playing techniques.
In his liners, Yeaton reveals such eclectic sources of inspiration as, for example, his first crush, the mountains of Yosemite and an injured bird he rescued. Several slack-key standards are included in acknowledgment of the artists who've inspired him as a guitarist. Adding a straight remake of "Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u" would normally be a bad idea, but Yeaton reveals good reasons for doing so.
www.woodsongacoustics.com
Mpeg Audio Clips:
Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info
"Living in Question"
Living in Question If listening to Living in Question's eponymous debut album evokes a sense of déja vu, it's probably because all four members of this Big Island hard rock band used to be in a similar group, Liquid, that made a promising debut on Oahu in 2001, after first releasing an album on the Big Island.
Lazy Bones RecordingsThe foursome has now been together since 1998 and successfully incorporate several styles of modern rock in their repertoire. As in 2001, they seem poised again on the brink of bigger things to come.
Rage Against The Machine, Tool and Alice In Chains are also still convenient points of reference for the band. Somber power rock and brooding vocals are punctuated with explosive outbursts, but a cryptic instrumental, "Dealing with Char Siu," shows that they're also continuing to explore somnambulant, reggae-influenced rock. Also notable is their blending of reggae-style lyrics with rock arrangements, and the occasional use of neo-psychedelic guitar effects.
www.livinginquestion.com
Mpeg Audio Clips:
Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info
See Record Reviews for some past reviews. 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.
