"Island Rose"

There are people for whom the definition of "commercial" is limited to Hawaiian, Jawaiian, hip-hop and pop. Millicent Cummings is aiming at less insular intellects with "Island Rose." Her album should appeal to fans of traditional American folk music. Don't mistake Cummings for an early 1960s folkie, however. If Makana were looking for an opening act similar enough to interest his fans but distinct enough to be more than filler, Cummings would be a good pick.

Cummings' lyrics have a flow that often feels almost improvisational but which still observe the essential principles of rhythm, rhyme and meter. The title track jumps out on first listen as Cummings imagines what Princess Ka'iulani would say if she saw the congested paved-over urban jungle that stands on what was once her family's estate in Waikiki.

"Island Rose" and the ten other originals represent almost two decades of serious songwriting. The two songs by other writers were selected for their personal significance.

The arrangements are clean and synthesizer-free throughout. Guitarists Cindy Combs and Ken Emerson contribute effectively on several songs. Steve Van Gelder adds mandolin on another.

Mpeg Audio Clips: For Real Honey Bee Wayfaring Stranger Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

"The Choice We Make"

The choice single-monikered Teomon makes is to sound as much like a native-Jamaican as possible while doing mostly original reggae. That formula should ensure him a warm welcome by Hawaii's self-styled "island music" radio stations, but Teomon and producer Ron Rhoades seal the deal with "Island Music," an original reggae-style song perfect for local radio. It should already be a hit.

Teomon and Rhoades share composer's credits for the twelve originals; Rhoades is also the arranger, and performs all the music tracks except for the ukulele on the first song. The pair are not polished lyricists but Rhoades' arrangements cover the occasionally awkward efforts at maintaining rhyme and meter. "People Should Care" effectively addresses several social issues. "Life Is A Journey" considers the challenges of trying to live a righteous life.

Teomon and Rhoades touch lighter topics with songs about partying, the search for true love, and the relative value of love versus casual sex. All things considered, Teomon should be a contender in some category at the Hawaii Music Awards next spring.

Mpeg Audio Clips: Island Music The Choice We Make People Should Care Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

"Rushouze The Mixtape Volume 1"

"Mixtapes" have been part of the musical underground for so long that the term dates from the days when recording tape was state-of-the-art technology. Most local practitioners of the genre have marketed their "tapes" strictly for underground sale to avoid the legal problems involved with unauthorized use of the original artists' music and the costs they'd incur in paying the royalties due. Rushouze Entertainment brings the "mixtape" format up into the mainstream with a smooth blending of hip hop, reggae and urban music that adds newly created music, and the voices of three local vocalists, to remixes of the original versions released by Snoop Dogg, Ziggy Marley, Sean Paul and several other artists.

Brian Cabatu, Ricky "The Dread" Stevens, Troy Gonzalez and DJ Shakin Melodiz pool their talents as the creators of this project. While several of the strongest tracks rely on the inherent star power of Snoop Dogg or the duo of Ziggy Marley and Sean Paul, others are apparently completely new and original material. Love Pacheco gets solid support from Pi'ilani Arias on "Surrender," and teams up with Shane "Kid Dynomite" Viencent of Sudden Rush on "Get Groove On." The label is apparently positioning Pacheco to step out as a solo artist; her four showcase cuts suggest she'll be a hit here.

Mpeg Audio Clips: Drop It Like It's Hot (Xclusiv Rmx) Get Groove On Surrender Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info