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"All the Things I Said"

Ray Bumatai
Self-released

Ray Bumatai steps forward as a singer-songwriter, and establishes himself as an articulate, homespun troubadour, with this collection of contemporary local folk songs. Some will be familiar to those who've encountered him woodshedding around town in recent years. Bumatai and his arrangers (Rockwell Fukino for the most part) wisely maintain that light acoustic rock sound.

Bumatai honors a roster of heroes that includes Father Damien, George Helm and Queen Liliuokalani on "Take a Ride," shows his romantic side with Two Feet Too Far," and gets philosophical with "The Hand You're Dealt."

Pidgin advocates will enjoy the gentle humor of "The Holoholo Song." The politically astute will likewise applaud the insights in "The Monkey Dance."

www.bumataiIsland.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: Take A Ride Two Feet Too Far Bus Up Pick Up Truck Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Nahenahe"

Daniel Ho
Daniel Ho Creations

Yes, he's back! Daniel Ho's latest project is an album of "Hawaiian slack key guitar improvisations" that is being released in conjunction with the launching of Spa Botanicals' Nahenahe body lotion. The cross-marketing is emphasized by the fact that the album cover uses the same photo as the lotion's label -- or perhaps it's the otherb way around. The album is intended to provide the soundtrack of a relaxing "multi-sensory aromatherapy experience," and will be available at spas as well as record stores.

Ho provides no information on what may have inspired these "improvisations," but the music is sweet, soothing and relaxing throughout. People seeking beautiful unobtrusive slack key instrumentals for use as ambient mood music or to enhance a secluded romantic interlude need look no farther.

www.DanielHo.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: Haleakala Pastorale Winds of Na Pali A Little Heaven Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Send Ska -- The Best of 2004"

Various artists
Gardenia Lane

The diversity and vitality of Hawaii's ska scene is captured perfectly in this neatly packaged anthology. Most of these groups are professional enough to have made themselves known outside the local underground scene -- Upstanding Youth, Battle Royale, the No-No Boys, Black Square and Pimpbot, most certainly. Others may break through as a result of this album.

Producer Nathan Pierce includes tracks that represent ska sub-genres ranging from reggae-lite to punk. Battle Royale tweaks high school bullies and fashion victims with "Opposite of Cool," Black Square attacks America's invasion of Iraq with "Tomorrow's War," and All the Extras adds self-deprecating humor with "Your Favorite Band Sucks (Unless It's Us)."

"Let It Ride," a previously unreleased piece by the No-No Boys, is another highlight.

sendska@yahoo.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: Opposite of Cool Let It Ride Tomorrow's War Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info