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Island Mele John Berger |
Freelance is the pseudonym of multi-talented Lance Motogawa whose CD single here features two original songs. The title track finds Motogawa backed by three studio musicians wrapping themselves around a reggae-pop groove with simple but expressive lyrics. Motogawa's use of the local slang term "hah-lah" (shame) gives the song an effective and memorable hook. "Burning Love"
Freelance
LLDP ProductionsThe other song, "Can I Get With You Tonight," is moody but romantic urban pop. Motogawa did all the studio work on this one and proves himself an adept one-man act as he propositions the object of his desire with an accounting of his material wealth and promises of generosity and faithfulness "even after the night is through."
While the title song is the potential hit, this "B-side" track is well-crafted as well.
www.bestinhonolulu.com/lance
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"Burning Love"
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This anthology is an eclectic hodge-podge of hits and obscure material that comes 12 years after the popular band's first best-of collection. Most of the songs on Vol. II are from the glory days of the original group (1975-78), and include several that should have been on the '92 anthology. Others date from after the resurrection of Kalapana as a quintet in the mid-'80s. "Best of : Vol. II"
Kalapana
On the BeachThe most welcome song here is "Girl," which has not been available on CD in the United States. The song proved that, back in 1977, Kalapana could work a country rock riff as well as any act on the local scene, and it has aged well. (Other notable songs on this collection include "Black Sand," "Way That I Want It To Be" and "Many Classic Moments.")
The anthology falls far short of perfect, however, because of the lack of historical and informative liner notes.
www.kalapanamusic.com
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Singer/songwriter Kekoa Erickson introduces himself here as a purveyor of "slow jams," with studio support from Rikki L and Bob St. John (Rikki L did the vocal arrangements and joined St. John in sequencing the tracks). Guitarist Florent Atem adds sonic textures to complete the polished pop album. "One Day"
Kekoa
Neos ProductionsErickson has a soulful quality in his voice that keeps him from sounding vapid, even on the arrangements that drift towards languor. Among the standouts are the romantic "Wahiawa Rain" and "Give Me Time," with effective interplay between Atem's guitar and Kekoa's hypnotic crooning of the song's title.
Erickson's recurring mention of an "island girl" slips in a local reference point that doesn't compromise the urban slant of his music. On "Island Life," he goes uptempo with a new slant that's neither urban nor Jawaiian.
If he continues this musical direction, the artist known as Kekoa should be on his way to bigger things.
www.neosproductions.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.
