'Kulewa'

Kulewa
(Oversized Productions)

Maui-based Kulewa released its eponymous debut album in the final days of December and is now reaching out to statewide audiences. The arrangements include hints of the Eagles, Santana and the uncounted acoustic groups that have played Waikiki and elsewhere in Hawaii during the last four decades. However, while the sound is familiar, the feel is fresh.

For instance, “;Sun Is Shining”; applies a contemporary Santana vibe to a Bob Marley composition. “;Maui Moon”; brings a similar feel to an original song describing life and love on the Valley Isle. “;Brighter Day”; adds Jamaican rhythms and a call for “;one nation under one god”; to the package.

Kulewa moves smoothly into Hawaiian and hapa-haole standards with the final selections. An untranslated rendition of “;Model T,”; by Keli'i Tau'a and Dwight Hanohano, represents the group's contemporary Hawaiian repertoire, while “;Village Church”; (also known as “;A Church in an Old Hawaiian Town”;) and “;Maunaloa Bay”; pay homage to hapa-haole composers Johnny Noble and Edna Pualani Farden Bakeart, respectively.

www,myspace.com/kulewa

”;Seize The Day”;
”;Bottom Fishing”;
”;Maui Moon”;