Island Mele John Berger

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"Dominant Rhythm, Chapter One"

Various artists
Dominant Rhythm

Producer CMT is the unifying link on this compilation that showcases the voices and writing skills of seven performers. Three of them -- Bishop, Drew and Pharaoh Pipi -- appeared as guests on the recent debut album by song writer/rapper Rod Da Fire and are now getting more time in the spotlight. Rod is showcased here with "Ching Ching," one of the strongest cuts off his album.

The leadoff track by Zacc Kekona offers a taste of Jawaiian rap, but most of the remaining songs are heavily influenced by contemporary black music. Pharaoh Pipi emerges first among equals with his work on "Get Yo Hands Up," "Hotel 2 Nite" and "Money." He also shows a knack for coming up with jarring phrases such as "going out with a bang like Kurt Cobain."

Bishop provides a softer sound with memories of an inner city childhood ("Remember Yesterday") and a special lady ("Isis"). Drew and B.U.B. are also assets .

www.dominantrhythm.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Get Yo Hands Up" "Wish You Were Here" "Ching Ching" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Ko'olina"

Kathy Paulo and Keoki
Apaulo

Paulo's new album is a family project recorded with studio support from her brother Michael and her parents Akemi and Rene. Anyone who remembers Paulo from her days as a Waikiki showroom entertainer should take note that she's now a Christian artist and that the album contains 10 religious songs and three with mainstream appeal.

Paulo sings as beautifully as ever. The purest and most artistically satisfying arrangements are the ones where Rene adds his magic on piano. The use of synthesizers elsewhere suggests budgetary restraints, and a perplexing instrumental medley of "Hawaii Five-O" and "Wipeout" belongs on another album.

The title song, however, is a beautiful new hapa-haole tune perfect for Kathy and her father. The sense of family is enhanced when Akemi takes the lead vocal on "The Old Rugged Cross," and Michael plays sax on "How Great Thou Art."

Call 1-808-687-3898 for more info

Mpeg Audio Clips: "How Great Thou Art" "Kanaka Waiwai" "Ko'olina Moon" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Easy Stylin' "

Kani Makou
Kani Makou

Kani Makou joins the roster of interchangeable Jawaiian acts that release an album that use celebrity guests to add star power, hire studio musicians who do much of the work, and trot out a collection of formulaic reggae remakes that ensure local radio play.

But this album shows some promise after repeated listenings. Several plaintive originals are sung without that tired and affected Jamaican accent, suggesting broader horizons as writers and performers.

The key man in the trio is Shaun Reyes. His work on ukulele adds pizzazz even to the most generic material. Reyes and rhythm guitarist Shane Mahiai do a fine job leading the studio musicians through a zesty rendition of "Guava Jam," but two originals seem more likely to become local hits. "Beach Party" is perfect Jawaiian radio fare, while "Sandy's" recycles enough pop hooks to make it a hit as well.

www.pacifichawaiian.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Beach Party" "Guana Jam" "Sandy's" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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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.