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Island Mele John Berger |
Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom and Willie K enjoyed tremendous popularity as Hawaii's hot new duo of the late '90s before the fraying of their offstage relationship ended their musical partnership as well. A carefully brokered resumption of their working relationship resulted in a reunion tour of several mainland cites earlier this year. This compilation of tour highlights is a welcome souvenir! "Amy & Willie Live"
Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom & Willie K
Blind Man SoundWillie has been one of Hawaii's most versatile and dynamic performers for over a decade and is heard on these cuts presiding with his usual style and wit. The selections include Gilliom's first musical signature, "Hale'iwa Hula," and a reasonable cross-section of Willie's extensive repertoire, with "You Ku'uipo" and "Waterfall" among the highlights. A final, bonus track displays Gilliom's often-ignored talent as an appealing and sophisticated pop singer.
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"You Ku'uipo"
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Fiji has been a major figure in local music ever since his debut album hit in 1994. Three additional albums reaffirmed his stature as a consistent innovator in envisioning an ever-more imaginative blend of Oceanic, Jamaican and African-American music. His recordings, heard in chronological order, document his success in aiming to connect with the so-called "island music" audience while always maintaining his astute creative edge and his links to his Fijian roots. "Best of Fiji"
Friends of Aloha OnoThis album presents Fiji's music in random order, however, and lacks any meaningful information on his importance in local music -- the significance of his winning "Male Vocalist of the Year" at the 1998 Hoku Awards, for instance, or whether he wrote any of these songs.
People who buy "best of" albums deserve more for their money than music they already have or can "burn" for free.
www.mountainapplecompany.com
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Patriotism has been fashionable since the 9/11 attacks. Several local artists released projects in direct response to 9/11, but none were more ambitious or substantial than this beautifully packaged collection of 20 patriotic melodies performed primarily on slack-key and steel guitar. "Patriotic Slack Key & Steel"
Author
Record LabelThe arrangements are relatively simple but sweet and soothing. The songs include "Star-Spangled Banner," "America the Beautiful" and the service anthems of the American armed forces. "Dixie," the official national anthem of die-hard Southern rebels, is here, too.
The 21st song, "Aloha 'Oe," is an odd choice because the song is more about Hawaiian than American patriotism. It composer, Queen Lili'uokalani, was overthrown in 1893 with the connivance of America's representatives in the islands.
Ono Records
1164 Bishop Street #124-160
Honolulu, HI 96813
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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.
