'Pressure'

Josh86
(Serpico)

Josh86 commemorates the recent 10th anniversary of his band, the 86 List, with this distinctively different solo project. The mood is introspective rather than punk aggressive, the arrangements primarily acoustic rather than amped up, the rhythms generally closer to reggae than rock. It is a convincing demonstration of his depth as an artist.

The aptly titled opening song, “;Something New,”; makes it clear that this isn't a one-man version of the 86 List. Most of the other songs confirm that. The acoustic reggae feeling is strongest on “;Warrior Song,”; an anthem to perseverance against all odds; Hawaii's self-styled “;island music”; radio stations should already be playing it.

Other standout numbers include “;Conscious Crew,”; an almost spiritual description of mutually supportive friendships, and “;Rain”;—add a horn section and it would fit nicely on a Go Jimmy Go album.

The steady rock beat and cynical lyrics of “;Tomorrow”; are a link to his work in the 86 List. “;Seven Bottles Down”; closes Josh86's impressive solo debut with another high-energy rocker (86 List drummer Derek86 joins him on both).

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

”;Something New”;
”;Tomorrow”;
”;Rain”;

'Ukulele Vibes'

Abe Lagrimas Jr.
(Pass Out)

The ukulele and vibraphone (”;vibes”; for short) both have ties to Hawaii. The ukulele, obviously, because it was here that it evolved out of a Portuguese instrument known either as the braguinha or the machete. The vibraphone has island ties thanks to its prominence in the “;exotica”; music created by Martin Denny in the mid-1950s and subsequently popularized by Denny and his disciples.

Lagrimas, best known as a drummer, took a break from the drums to create this beautiful solo project utilizing the two instruments—thanks to multitrack studio technology, he's heard here performing as a “;duo”; playing both. He writes in the liner notes that he “;wanted to explore new harmonic, melodic and rhythmical soundscapes”; using the two instruments. Fans of either instrument will find this a wonderful discovery!

The most remarkable thing is how well he fits the two instruments together. At first it seems that the vibraphone is dominant, but several arrangements bring the ukulele forward. On others the feeling depends on which instrument you choose to concentrate on. Lagrimas' arrangements and his execution of them are well worth attentive listening over an extended period of time—relaxing at home, perhaps, or crawling through traffic, or while enjoying the scenery on a drive around the island.

Sooner or later it will register that Lagrimas snuck some light percussion in on a song titled “;Baby Drool,”; but that one digression works well, too.

www.abelagrimasjr.com

”;Cookies & Ice Cream”;
”;Summer Heat”;
”;Baby Drool”;

'Ike o na Kumu Hula'

Various Artists
(Lamaku Society)

Nothing is more important in preserving Hawaiian music and hula—while also making it accessible to those outside the community of Hawaiian speakers—than projects like this compilation of recordings by more than a dozen kumu hula and other reference people. The double-disc set comes with all the Hawaiian lyrics and basic English translations as well—essential information that should be included with all Hawaiian recordings.

Why? Well, consider that many Americans who spoke fluent English couldn't tell what Jack Ely was singing when the Kingsmen recorded “;Louie Louie”; in 1963. It's easy then to see the danger involved in trying to learn a Hawaiian song without the lyrics at hand—even for people who speak some Hawaiian! Knowledge of the correct lyrics is crucial for hula dancers as well, because there is no hula without the lyrics.

The selections represent different traditions and styles. Some are standards; others are modern compositions performed by their composers. The project's co-producers, Tony K. Conjugacion, Pierre Grill and the Baum 'Ohana Trust, also include a series of narrative segments—“;Hula Memories of Patience Namaka Bacon.”;

When “;Auntie Pat”; talks about anything involving Hawaiian culture, the wise listen! (On the other hand, anyone who wants to listen only to the musical numbers can program their CD player accordingly.)

Folks who feel that some past Grammy winners for Best Hawaiian Music Album have not been Hawaiian enough should start praying now that this one makes the final ballot in 2011.

www.lamakusociety.com

”;Hula Memories of Patience Namaka Becon”;
”;Pihanakalani”;
”;Ka Makua Mau Loa”;