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"Aloha Festivals Hawaiian
Falsetto Contest Winners Vol. 6"

Various artists
(Hula)

The latest album in this popular series introduces last year's winners -- Lawrence Pau, representing the 2004 Frank B. Shaner Hawaiian Falsetto Contest; Matthew Kupuka'a, the Clyde "Kindy" Sproat Storytelling and Falsetto Contest; and Ruben Kalai "Kai" Ho'opi'i, making his recording debut as winner of the Richard Ho'opi'i Leo Ki'eki'e Contest on Maui (the liner notes reveal that Ho'opi'i is the son of Richard Ho'opi'i, but that he "won the contest on his own merit").

Pau opens the compilation with "Hau'ula," an original that describes the beauty of his home town.

The purpose of the falsetto contests is to perpetuate tradition, so it's OK that the other selections are Hawaiian standards. Pau, Kupuka'a and Ho'opi'i do justice to them all.

Hula Records cuts no corners here. Arranger William "Baba" Alimoot provides solid instrumental support but never overshadows the winners. With three excellent singers and detailed annotation as well, this is a perfect introduction to Hawaiian male falsetto.

www.hularecords.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Hau'ula" "Kalaloa" "I Kona" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"Homestead"

Pana'ewa
(Vizzun)

"Homestead" is a perfect title for a work that sounds as though the group is jamming on the back porch with no need to worry about mechanical licenses or composers' royalties. The guys use hits by Bob Marley and the Temptations without attribution in their smooth "Pana'ewa Medley," and do the same with five oldies in " '50s Medley." Giving credit to the songwriters isn't an issue for jammers, but recording artists should know better. Oh well.

On the positive side, Pana'ewa has an organic acoustic sound reminiscent of Big Island Conspiracy. They embrace "Stand By Me" in slower and more doleful style than Ben E. King did back in 1961, but it's expressive and also the best of the remakes. Group members Shane "Kid Dynomite" Keahi Veincent and Harley Puamaeole Tripp share credit for the songs that express where Pana'ewa is coming from. The music is mellow, but Hawaiian nationalist sentiments percolate through it.

www.booklineshawaii.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Pana'ewa Medley" "Stand By Me" "50's Medley" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info

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"B.U.B.alicious"

B.U.B.
(Off the Rock )

Maui resident B.U.B. makes an impressive debut with this album of entirely original hip hop, Latin-flavored light rock, Jawaiian and reggae music. There are so many guests sitting in that it's hard to tell how much B.U.B. contributes on some songs, but producer Robbeatz has assembled a powerful radio-friendly vehicle for him.

Sex is the central theme. B.U.B. brags about his sexual appeal throughout the title song, and elaborates on his sex life with "Down & Dirty" and "Hit It." "What U Got" reveals some of the things he looks for in a woman.

The album isn't all about sex, however. "Da P@k@lolo Song" celebrates the great things about smoking marijuana. B.U.B. shows a softer side with "Sittin' in My Room (Remix)." The arrangement combines a soulful vocal with some annoying imitation-Jamaican nonsense but still expresses the pain of lost love.

www.offtherock.com

Mpeg Audio Clips: "Deeper In Love" "Test Di Champion" "B.U.B.alicious" Quicktime | RealPlayer | MPEG-3 info