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"The Master of Touch and Tone"

Jerry Byrd
(The Mountain Apple Company)

Steel guitar aficionados who enjoy mysteries will find this album a winner two times over. Byrd is one of the greatest steel guitarists of the past century -- in country music and Hawaiian alike. That, in itself, makes this CD a "must buy" for anyone interested in the instrument.

The title is an apt description for his technique. The 10 selections suggest the depth and breadth of his musical horizons. The arrangements are exquisite and beg the question of why the steel guitar still seems to be an endangered instrument in local music.

When did Byrd make these recordings? Therein lies the mystery. The copyright date is 2005, but the liner notes mention that Benny Kalama is one of the sidemen. Kalama died in 1999, so these recordings are at least 6 years old. Did Byrd write any of these beautiful melodies? There are no composers' credits, so that's another mystery fans can look into while everyone else is enjoying the beauty of his music.

www.mountainapplecompany.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Anytime, Any Day" "Manoa Chimes" "Nighttime" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Lanui"

Ryler James Lanui Kaneao
(PYT)

The tattoo on Ryler James Lanui Kaneao's right arm suggests a Native Hawaiian consciousness, but the music reflects primarily the worldwide impact of African-American and Afro-Caribbean culture. Kaneao steps forward as a self-styled "Polynesian boy" who has traveled throughout Polynesia in search of "my love, my life, and my soul." With that as prologue, his musical smorgasbord comes into focus as reflections on his life to date.

Fiji adds Melanesian soul to an African chant, and B.E.T. adds a commercial Jawaiian edge elsewhere, but Kaneao is a headliner even without his high-profile guests.

The most interesting track is "E Ho'o Lono Mai," in which Kaneao combines Jamaican rhythms with Hawaiian chant in a promising step toward Hawaiian-language reggae. Kaneao takes a gangsta stance with "Redemption," but with good reason because the song is a powerful statement of vulnerability and heartache. "Through A Father's Eyez," featuring his young son, reveals another facet of his life and experiences.

- No contact information -

Mpeg Audio Clips: "E Ho'o Lono Mai" "Oh My Baby" "Redemption" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Smile"

Terry D.
(Tiki Entertainment)

Local karaoke contests have inspired numerous recording projects. This is one of them. Terry D. introduces herself with a mixed bag of Hawaiian standards, country pop (think Shania Twain), smooth light pop-rock, and an appalling attempt at re-doing Aretha Franklin's timeless treatment of "Respect" that even Paula Abdul will likely find lacking.

D. opens nicely with "Pua Ahihi," demonstrates her commercial potential with beautiful renditions of "Smile" and "Dream Guy," and reaches her peak with "Waika."

Whoever arranged "Waika" wisely opted for simplicity by using only an electric piano behind her and eschewing the synth-track string effects that detract from "Pua Ahihi." An unidentified guitarist provides solid support on several other songs.

D. does a competent job by karaoke contest standards with her country pop selections but lacks the range, the power and the raw soul necessary to make "Respect" more than an incredible embarrassment. It is also a very bad ending to an otherwise adequate debut.

- No contact information -

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Pua Ahihi" "I Met You" "Like About You" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info