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Island Mele John Berger |
Even though the cover doesn't display the Hawaiian flag, this is one of the most patriotic Hawaiian albums in recent memory. Hawaiians have struggled for over 175 years to defend their land, their language and their culture from advocates of alien doctrines of greed and religious arrogance. Some of the 17 selections -- songs, chants and narratives -- celebrate cultural tradition and honor Hawaiian patriots of the past. The "Kanaka Maoli Pledge" calls on contemporary Hawaiians to continue the struggle. "I Mua E Na Poki'i"
Various artists
Hawaiian Cultural Center ProjectProducer Randie Kamuela Fong composed most of the new songs and also authored the beautiful booklet that provides lyrics, English translations and essential cultural information. Hailama Farden, Kale Chang, Tanner Henderson, Leo Anderson Akana and Manu Boyd are among the artists to add their voices to this perfectly realized album.
www.kaiwakiloumoku.ksbe.edu
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"He Ma'i Keia Nou E Davida"
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Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta continues to reign as the most prolific ukulele recording artist of the past century. His latest album is another concept project that once again features jazz masters Bruce Hamada, Jim Howard and Noel Okimoto as his studio musicians. The twist this time is that all the melodies were composed by Ohta, with most of the lyrics written by others. "Rain Forest"
Ohta-san
Victor EntertainmentOhta-san never fails to impress as a soloist, whether he chooses to reinterpret a classical melody or a pop chart hit, but when a producer starts adding vocalists and other sundry studio effects, Ohta-san can be relegated to the status of a studio sideman. The most relevant tracks here for ukulele fans are those where Ohta is working with Hamada, Howard and Okimoto. But while guest vocalists like Nina Keali'iwahamana and Gary Aiko may help boost CD sales in Japan, otherwise it's a waste of his time and talent.
www.jvcmusic.co.jp
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James Hill's second album is distinctly different from his debut. Having proved that he can play just about anything in any genre he puts his mind to, the youthful Canadian ukulele virtuoso is now emphasizing original work. He is also playing cleaner, stripped-down arrangements. Mark Luongo (son of Hill's longtime mentor, Langley Ukulele Ensemble leader Peter Luongo) provides the only other instrumentation on these recordings. Luongo's deft, understated work on acoustic and electric bass meshes perfectly with Hill's ukulele throughout. "On the Other Hand"
James Hill
James Hill EnterprisesHill's first album established that he is imaginative and versatile, and a rare peer of Jake Shimabukuro on the international ukulele scene. Here, he shows that he has not been coasting. His originals reflect broad musical horizons and his crisp, clean playing does justice to the four songs he covers by other composers.
www.ukulelejames.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.
