Contemporary tunes, reedy interpretations

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

O'ahu is comprised of four local lads – John Soares, Tracy Kai, Bobby Germano and Kalei Rivers – who have a relaxing feel and admiration for Island music.

The foursome is best at tunes that let their inherent joy and style shine through, like the simple and poignant "Sanoe" and the country-tempoed "Freeway of Romance."

The title song is geared for the young, radio-oriented generation, fueled by reggae and Jawaiian; nothing wrong with this posture, but the group becomes part of a growing pack. Tunes such as "Mama Africa" (a group original) sound a tad imitative.

On the other hand, "Pretty Girl" (another O'ahu composition), demonstrates inventiveness and creativity with a slight nostalgic bent, with its harmonics and its melodic substance.

"Chiseled in Stone," a contemporary ballad with lyrics about loneliness and heartbreak, could put O'ahu on the map.

And one other cut worth examining: "Hawai'i 2K," an O'ahu composition with political relevance and food for thought. It's a "message" tune that could do for the sovereignty movement now what the Makaha Sons' "Hawai'i 1978" did the past two decades.

Since 1977, when he released his first album, Butch Helemano has been recognized as one of the Islands' most serious and dedicated reggae meisters. Here, in his sweet 16th CD, his unflinching style continues to shine and show others the way.

Besides Helemano, the group includes James Ganeko, Rob Joyce, Keli'i Wofford, Maka, Pierre Grill and Mike Cueva, with Margo Johnson, Naomi Ravelo and Sarah Siu providing backup vocals.

Style is everything here: Helemano and his troupers can trot from the heady hustle-bustle of "Love Burning" to the more evocative and contemplative "Let It Go," and neither leave nor abuse the reggae tradition.

Among other highlights: "Tell Me Why," with smooth backup vocals by the women; "It Don't Matter," with a succinct Jamaican undercurrent; "Funky Funky Reggae," a dance-oriented synthesis of reggae and fun; "Bongo Man," one of the few tracks Helemano didn't write, with a playful and participatory nature.

Ten hits of Hawai'i are interpreted by saxophonist Gordon Samuelson, a Detroit native now living on Maui, and the instrumentals have a relaxed,lite-jazz quality.

This is a very personal songbook, with expressions that reflect a particular joy in each cut.

The tunes might be termed "tourist favorites," ranging from such oldies as "Akaka Falls" and "Blue Hawai'i" to "Beyond the Reef" and the "Hawaiian Wedding Song." The performances have bounce, brilliance and a sense of adventure.

"I'll Remember You" is treated almost as a big-band belter, with a mellow sax soaring and sparkling. Don Ho fans would approve.