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Hewett shines with
‘Ulu Kau’

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"Ulu Kau"

Kawaikapuokalani Hewett
Makuakane Music Corporation

Kawaikapuokalani Hewett sets a fine example for local recording artists and Grammy voters alike with this album. There's a unified theme here that's suggested by the title and explained in the liner notes. Six of the songs have previously been recorded by other artists, but all are Hewett compositions. He includes English narration on one, and some Japanese lyrics in another, but other than that, these songs are 100 percent Hawaiian.

There's more to this fine album than the language. Hewett's voice has a warm and slightly weathered quality in keeping with his evolution from controversial young rebel to respected cultural guardian. Producer Kenneth Makuakane wisely keeps the instrumentation and arrangements clean and traditional. Steel guitar accents the melodies, a violinist adds some old-time ambiance, and Lorna Lim joins in on the harmonies.

Even at this early part of 2005, "Ula Kau" seems certain to end up being one of the year's best Hawaiian albums.

Write to:
Makuakane Music Corporation
P.O. Box 23091
Honolulu, HI 96823

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Aia La I Paliuli" "Poli'ahu" "He Pule No Na Koa" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Tiki Taboo"

Tiki Taboo
Pink Guitar

Good classic surf rock is rare in the local music scene. It's been seven long years since HAPA -- the duo of Barry Flanagan and Keli'i Kaneali'i -- reinvented themselves as "Axel & Barneldo" for their "Surf Madness" album. Tiki Taboo now takes the retro concept further with an excellent tribute to the groups that helped create that trademark sound in the early 1960s. And with veteran Beano Shots as one of the talent-rich quintet's three guitarists, 'nuff said!

Shots and his bandmates capture the reverb-heavy sound of the era without sounding like a generic oldies band. Where most local bands fall short when remaking pop chart hits, Tiki Taboo comes up with fresh arrangements that also respect the composers' intent. Even though "Peking Duck," an original by guitarist James Ganeko, sounds more like Lonnie Mack than Dick Dale (and belongs on another album), the other originals by him and Shots fit in nicely with the vintage material.

tikitabooboo@yahoo.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Penetration" "Out Of Limits" "Walk Don't Run" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Flying Home"

Jasmine Trias
Hawaii Pizza Hut/Taco Bell Hawaii

The "American Idol" alumnus' first local recording is a fine calling card, never mind that this CD single is a promotional item tied to a pair of restaurant chains, rather than a free-standing release. If the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts hadn't stealthily eliminated the popular "Single of the Year" category, this sweet pop anthem would've been a front-runner for a Hoku award.

The song is a bright and poppy reflection of Trias' experiences performing in other parts of the world and then flying home " ... to a paradise I can call my own." The clean arrangement plays to her strengths as a pop vocalist and shows what she can do with appropriate material.

A second "minus one" track of the song is also included for karaoke use.

"Flying Home" will be available at all Hawaii Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Hawaii locations starting Feb. 27.

www.pizzahuthawaii.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Flying Home" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info