Island Sounds
Familiar faces on Reggae-Hawaiian CD

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

"ROOTS MUSIC III/THE JAWAIIAN EXPERIENCE" by various artists, Quiet Storm, QS 1012

With six of the 19 entries brand new, this compilation of Island music acts and songs offers a measure of exploration, along with a treasure chest of slightly familiar stuff.

The reggae-Hawaiian blend has been standard fare for Hawai'i performers and radio stations; young audiences aren't tired yet of this Cuisinart hybrid of contemporary Hawaiian sounds. Some acts on the CD live and work here; others are from England or Jamaica.

The journey starts on an auspicious, gentle note, with Sly Dog's soothing bark, "Summer Love," making for a bright opener. There are similar romantic postures along the way, from the likes of Beres Hammond ("They Gonna Talk") and Roots Odyssey ("Sweet Reggae Music").

Pati gets help from O-Shen and Fiji on "Island Girls," complete with a midway rap; Crazy Fingers go island-hopping on "Haleakala" and THC receives kokua from B.E.T. on "HI Town Ting."

Veteran reggae voices are represented by Bruddah Waltah & Island Afternoon ("Hawaiian Lands"), Butch Helemano & the Players of Instruments ("Wave Rider") and Dread Ashanti ("Iration Vibration").

Kapena pumps out the reggae-fied "Everlasting Lover," proving Kelly Boy DeLima's prowess in this format.

Of the new fare, Ooklah the Moc's "Pick Pocket," Naturalites' "Year to Year," Dry & Heavy's (from Japan) "Landing" and Marty Dread's "On the Beach" sound audience-friendly.

Other acts aboard: Shilo Pa, Ras Daniel I, Natural Vibrations, Jack Miller featuring Sly & Robbie and Terry Linen.

"Summer of Love" by Sly Dog from the compilation Roots Music III. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"THE JOURNEY ... IN MY LIFE" by Colleen Cua Nagasako, MCM 2690

Colleen Cua Nagasako is a Maui-based singer-composer specializing in inspirational music.

With the exception of "Amazing Grace," Nagasako composed all of the material here, including a duet with Glenn Medeiros, who brings sweetness and light to "Forever and a Day."

She varies the tempos and flavors of her originals: "May I Be the Light" has a hand-clapping revivalist spirit with foundations in country music; "Like a Locomotion" chugs along with a tidy little metaphor/message about spirit and strength; "A Reflection of You" projects an unconditional love that transcends the Christian realm.

"A Day Like This" by Colleen Cua Nagasako. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.