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Island Mele John Berger |
The sharing of cultural knowledge from one generation to the next is the underlying theme of this perfect Hawaiian album by Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. Although the songs and chants aren't directly about the process of sharing itself, they do reflect Hewett's role as the link between his ancestors and his grandchildren. There is a sense of his musical ohana here, too, since his long-time friends Jerry Santos and Hoku Zuttermeister join him on several songs. The teamwork on "Hanalei in the Moonlight" is especially nice. "Mo'o'olelo"
Kawaikapuokalani Hewett
Makuakane Music Corp.Hewett has never sounded more spiritual and soulful. The simple beauty of the traditional-style arrangements enhance the impact of his singing. The violin is rarely heard in Hawaiian music these days and its sound also evokes thoughts of times past.
While Hawaiian speakers will appreciate his skill as a lyricist, the rest of his listeners will applaud his thorough and knowledgeable liner notes.
makuakanemusic.com
Mpeg Audio Clips:
"Mo'o'olelo"
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Henry Kapono has long since reached the point in his career where he can record whatever he wants. His new live album reflects that sense of ease, something done for the fun of it, and one recorded at the popular beachfront restaurant. "Live: Duke's on Sunday"
Henry Kapono
EclecticThe set is an eclectic hodge-podge of songs that includes several of his own hits, a mixed bag of bar band staples and some obscure stuff by unidentified composers. Kapono approaches most of them with a rock 'n' reggae groove. His zesty, Bo Diddley-styled reworking of "Home in the Islands" is a great alternative take on one of his most popular compositions.
But considering the breadth of Kapono's own work as a songwriter, why is he still bothering to play such basic bar band fodder like "Mustang Sally" and "Wooly Bully"? Well, they're standards that Waikiki patrons still want to hear, and, truth be told, Kapono and company sound like they enjoy playing them as much as the audience enjoys listening to them.
henrykapono.com
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What's in the word "island"? The title of this collection of old and new-ish recordings may confuse people who have come to associate the word strictly with Jawaiian music. The predominant acoustic sound here is, in fact, the light pop vibe the label and producer Charles Michael Brotman have long been associated with. Only one song is of the Jawaiian variety. "Island Style"
Various artists
PalmThe two true hits here are by John Cruz ("Shine On") and the original Mana'o Company ("Drop Baby Drop"/"Who Loves You Pretty Baby?"), but Allan Thomas' "Coconut Culture" is surprisingly appealing and could prompt a rediscovery of his 1997 album. Ernie Cruz Jr., Randy Lorenzo, RJ Kaneao, Robi Kahakalau and Lorna Lim add their own soothing selections to the collection.
True, there's a song or two that breaks with the basic format (and one other certainly with its jejune lyrics) but, overall, Brotman's picks will satisfy folks looking for some mellow pop listening.
palmrecords.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.
