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Island Mele John Berger |
Big Island record producer Charles Michael Brotman's second compilation of slack key instrumentals is evidently intended for people more interested in ambient music than cultural enlightenment. The 14 selections showcase the talents of 10 local guitarists who all play beautiful ki ho'alu. While the liner notes mention that each of them has "their own tuning and slack key style," nothing more is said about what it is specifically that distinguishes one from the other, let alone the tunings. "Slack Key Guitar Vol. 2"
Various artists
PalmIf all you're looking for is comfortable background music, this is for you. But for some background material not included on the album, it's been years since Randy Lorenzo last recorded -- he's still better known as the lead vocalist on the Peter Moon Band's breakthrough hit, "Island Love," than as a slack key player.
www.palmrecords.com
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"Nai'o"
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Acoustic versions of Hawaiian, reggae and rap gradually give way to heavier, electrified material on this unpretentious, but surprisingly memorable, soundtrack for a locally made movie. The performers here have yet to make a name for themselves outside of Maui, but their work is certainly deserving of a wider audience beyond the Valley Isle. "Divers (Original Movie Soundtrack)"
Various artists
C.P. EntertainmentJerry "Pito" Javier, in particular, stands out as the featured vocalist on attention-getting arrangements of "Kaulana Na Pua" and "Waika." Neither version is fully traditional in style, but both possess an appropriately Hawaiian ambience.
Two songs from the Assault Squad Riderz reflect the influence of Sudden Rush on local rappers and add a harder sound to the collection. The final song, "Warriors," features producer Curtis Pilgrim performing as a one-man band, playing politically themed island rock.
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The Pipeland Band returns in impressive style with "Shadow Reef." They open with a song that evokes memories of Big Mountain and shrewdly maintain that vibe through much of the album. Sounding like the perennially popular West Coast reggae band certainly can't hurt a local act's chances of getting radio play in Hawaii! "Shadow Reef"
Pipeline Band
Ke Nui Road ProductionsThe group, however, has more going for it than that. Mainstream rock and acoustic pop elements gradually become evident in some of the later songs. The title song, "Miss You" and "Soon I'll Be Seeing You" all feature vocalist Michelle C and show that the group has broader musical horizons, as well as an extensive repertoire of original songs. Her voice adds a distinctive edge elsewhere, as well.
The band's version of "Mr. Reggae," Billy Kaui's pre-Jawaiian hit of 1978, offers no new ideas, but will be popular with their fans familiar to their club gigs.
www.pacifichawaiian.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.
