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Island Mele John Berger |
If truth in labeling applied to CDs, this one might be more accurately called "Songs Recorded by Big Island Residents." There are at least two Big Island families known for their distinct hula styles, but this album has nothing to do with hula lineages. Some of these songs, such as Randy Lorenzo's "My Hula Girl," were inspired by hula. Others are about Big Island locales. And some have no direct connection to the island or hula at all, although it's possible Big Islanders may dance hula to them. "Hula! Big Island Style"
Various artists
PalmThe problematic title aside, there is some beautiful Hawaiian and hapa-haole music here. One noteworthy selection is "I Waipi'o," performed by its composer, Big Island resident Kainani Kahaunaele, which describes the beauty of Waipi'o Valley. Lorna Lim, Loeka and Lloyd Longakit, Rupert Tripp Jr., Keoki Kahumoku, and Rodgers (Lena) Naipo also contribute memorable songs.
John Iervolino's second "Salsa from Hawaii" album showcases a single, lucky group, and Son Caribe enlisted percussionist Rodney Perez to reinforce their recording sessions that results in this impressive calling card. Band member Arvin Lucio (bass/keyboards/brass) evidently fills out the band's musical arrangements during its club gigs, but band leader/ arranger/producer Eddie Ortiz achieves a surprisingly full sound in the studio. "Salsa from Hawaii II"
Son Caribe
Quiet StormThe songs are apparently Latin dance standards from outside Hawaii. One, "No Speaki Spanish," may be a comic number, but the humor will be lost on non-Spanish speakers, since the liner notes lack translations and cultural information. Cynthia Romero is one of the four vocalists featured here and her voice has an appealing quality that transcends the language barrier.
Norm Thompson has always seemed one step away from reaching the star status commensurate with his natural talent as a singer, composer and recording artist. His four albums for Neos Productions, recorded primarily with synth track sequencing, established him as a solid and consistent second-tier Jawaiian artist, but never got him to the level of Fiji, Ho'onu'a or Kapena. This retrospective recycles 15 songs from those four albums, but provides no information on who he is or what the stories are behind his music. "The Best of Norm"
Norm
Neos Productions"Hawaiian Born," for instance, was the catchy musical autobiography that launched him as a writer and recording artist back in 1998, and "The Rest of My Life" was an early example of his range as a soulful balladeer. Producer Bob St. John's selections here emphasize Norm's originals and the music from his last two albums.
Maybe this best-of compilation will give Norm a second shot at achieving star status.
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.
