Island Sounds
Na 'Oiwi's 'Crossroads' explores new blend of Island rhythms

Na ‘Oiwi is a hybrid of kindred spirits; the name is Hawaiian for Native Sons and the group is comprised of industry luminaries who wanted to connect and create a progressive new blend of Island rhythms. Surely, the collective talents of Mike Kaawa (acoustic 12-string guitar and vocals), Dennis Kamakahi (the Sons of Hawai‘i member, electric guitar, guitar synth, vocals), David Kamakahi (Dennis’ son, ‘ukulele, vocals), and Jon Yamasato (former Pure Heart member, electric bass, vocals) will find a place on the Hawaiian mantel.

Singing in English and in Hawaiian, with new compositions as well as remakes of a few favorites, Na ‘oiwi plays through an enticing song menu. There is a decidedly Western flavor on "Paniolo Lifestyle" and "Paniolo Baby," two of Dennis’ originals, which are boot-tappers that even Grand Ol’ Opry folks could adopt. Kamakahi goes Island-hopping with another place song, "My Maui Mountain Home," which also has a paniolo link because it was written honoring Kauhi Purdy of ‘Ulupalakua Ranch; it’s a nostalgic homage with reflections of another era.

"Pretty Brown Eyes," another of Dennis’ creations, is a specimen of exquisite imagery and lyrics, about the love of a woman while her man’s on the road. Clearly, there’s a lot of this kind of personal expression. And the title song is a call for sovereignty (yes, Dennis’ words and music), asking the Lord for leadership and guidance.

David has a ‘uke solo on "Granada," which, clearly is not of Hawaiian vintage, but pays tribute to his mentor, the incomparable Eddie Kamae, one of the best.

Food is the subject of a delicious "Na ‘Ai Ono" and "He‘eia" is a very appealing in-Hawaiian rendering of the place song (by J. Kalahiki) dealing with the surfing spot at Keauhou on the Big Island, said to be King Kalakaua’s favorite.

The most seductive and fascinating entry is Dennis’ "Nani Iapana (Beautiful Japan)," which has Hawaiian lyrics but a decidedly Japanese melodic strain, clearly an indication of his love of Japan, a result of his travels there. He works in native terms such as sakura, Daibutsu, Osaka and Fujiyama, and the fusion is absolutely refreshing. Ichiban (No. 1).

"WAI‘AHOLE DITCH BAND" by Wai‘ahole Ditch Band, Atherton Pacific Productions, APP 042.

Audio sample of "Malama Ka Aina" by Waiahole Ditch Band. in mp3 or RealAudio format. RealAudio requires a plug-in.

The Wai‘ahole Ditch Band has Waimanalo roots and includes Bill Atherton (lead guitar, vocals), Dukie Sampaio (lead guitar, vocals), Kelly Scott (guitar, vocals), Matt Claybaugh (percussion, vocals) and Jim Kneubuhl (bass).

Its music is fresh, mainly composed by Atherton and Sampaio, who obviously write about what they know and have lived - tunes about "Windward Side," "Kaimuki Job," "Waikiki," "Carole Ann" (a boat), "Rainbow Song," simple pleasures about life’s many treasures.

The sound is a mix of light jazz, pop, contemporary Hawaiian, with snippets of reggae. In other words, geared to the prevailing musical marketplace.

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