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Acts travel
to cut albums

Since it's gotten easier (and cheaper) to record and produce music in the islands, I've noticed something interesting about both Hawaii and mainland artists. That saying about the grass being greener on the other side of the fence really does hold true.

Take, for example, the solid "Build" album by the Earth Movers. Local boys Kid Koak, Temper T and well.being come correct with conscious flow that's both creative and captivating. Don't sleep on tracks like "Warm Thoughts" and "Clipped Wings," or the beat-making abilities of guests Race Skelton, Hosana, Intaleck the Reject and Kris Kanoho.

But even with all that local involvement, the Earth Movers decided to record and master their album at a studio in California. Compare that with Los Angeles underground kingpins The Living Legends, who release "Classic" to the masses today.

Instead of staying on the mainland, all eight members of the crew jumped on a plane to Maui and recorded the album in a rented house in Haiku. The end result is a record that shows why these guys need a major label deal (although it would mean "selling out" to reach mainstream audiences), as well as serving as a fantastic introduction to the group for those discovering them for the first time.

You've still got to wonder though -- if Hawaii is good enough for mainland acts, why do local artists bother spending more money to record on the mainland? ...

CONGRATS TO Keahiwai's Mailani Makainai, who recently became a mom. Next weekend's "Big Break" concert at the Waikiki Shell marks her return to performing ... Yes, that was David Schwimmer knocking a few back in the lounge at Karaoke Hut last Thursday. No confirmation if the hottie sitting next to him was indeed girlfriend (and local girl) Rochelle Ovitt ... That Richard Cheese concert that was supposed to happen earlier this year has been rescheduled. You can get your fill of gangsta rap done lounge-style on July 1 and July 3 at the Wave ...

YOU'VE GOT a rare opportunity to party at the exclusive Honolulu Country Club this week.

Head up there tomorrow at 6 p.m. for "A Celebration of Fine Wines," featuring selections from Robert Mondavi Winery and food courtesy of Alan Wong. Each of the meal's five courses will be paired with a different wine, with guest speaker Alan Suzuki presenting information about each one.

Tickets for this one are $110 each; call 441-9401 ...