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Island Mele John Berger |
"The Circle"
Natural Vibrations
Natural VibrationsAny lingering doubts about Natural Vibrations' right to describe their music as reggae rather than Jawaiian are laid to rest with "The Circle." The seminal influence of Big Mountain on Natural Vibes can be heard in places, but the local sextet's new album is original reggae through and through.
"Reggae on the River" reminds listeners that the group was allowed to represent Hawaii at the prestigious annual Northern California festival -- and had a great time in the process.
"It Don't Come Easy" describes the challenges the group continues to face.
Love songs are here, too. "Never Never" and "Put Some Time" speak of romantic moments, while "Hot Like Fire" uses irresistibly catchy rhythms to capture the feeling of trying to connect with an unreachable woman.
"Freedom Fighter" completes the musical circle with a stirring reminder that sociopolitical awareness is the foundation of reggae.
www.naturalvibrations.com
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Natural Vibrations
"Hanapa'a"
Times Five
Poi PounderJawaiian artists have been affecting faux-Jamaican accents for so long that it probably shouldn't be a shock to hear Times Five mimicking country singers on bland remakes of "One More Day" and "We Danced" -- but it's a bad idea anyway. A plodding Jawaiian remake of "Heart Light" is another one, and we certainly don't need yet another cover of "I Shot The Sheriff," either.
On the other hand, the quintet has some original songs here worthy of local radio play. Island rhythm fans will embrace the title track, with its spiffy rhythms and spirited account of a fishing trip. And "School's Out" is one of the best new Jawaiian songs of the year, bar none.
"Pa'ani Kolepa" is probably the first-ever Hawaiian falsetto song about playing golf and "Ka Beauty A'o Lana'i," another falsetto original, also displays the group's solid commitment to their Hawaiian roots in an excellent way.
www.mountainapplecompany.com
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"Hapa-Haole Hulas"
The Kahauanu Lake Trio
Hula RecordsInterest in classic hapa-haole music is on the rise again, and that makes this updated reissue of a vintage K-Lake Trio album welcome indeed. Previous reissues have focused on the trio's superb Hawaiian repertoire. This one, an album originally released in 1970, documents the group's skill at taking hapa-haole songs (some written by Hawaii residents, others from elsewhere) and placing them in a Hawaiian cultural context.
The trio was playing in Waikiki at the time, so Hollywood hapa-haole hits are found along with local favorites by R. Alex Anderson and Sonny Cunha. Lake's arrangements of two Kui Lee songs are noteworthy in revealing the "Hawaiian-ness" of Lee's music.
Cindy Lance and Jean Sullivan share credit for the updated liner notes that provide important historical information on the K-Lake Trio and its hapa-haole repertoire.
www.HulaRecords.com
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See the Columnists section 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.
