Island Sounds
Versatile Teresa Bright is unclassifiable
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
"LEI ANA" by Teresa Bright, Pumehana Records, PSCD 4933
Teresa Bright, one of Hawai'i's favorite songbirds, also is one of the most difficult to classify.
She has no speciality in vocal forms because she excels in all facets of the Hawaiian genre. She mixes in jazz, blues, a little soul; she revisits the hapa-haole format; she returns, periodically, to her Hawaiian schooling.
In songs old and new, she presents this multi-faceted complexion, thanks to the riches of tunes she has assembled. Several numbers are associated with lei, so consider this a preview of future Lei Day staples.
"Lei Ana Ni'ihau," speaking of the beautiful shell lei Ni'ihau is so famous for, is a tranquil and fragile opening song, with the unlikely but effective addition of Nancy Masaki's solo cello giving it a hypnotic framework. The tune, composed by Bright's cousin, Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, is one of three by the kumu hula. The other lei ditty is "Lei Ana Moloka'i," which dwells on the kukui nut lei as well as kukui flower leis made from the white blossoms and leaves of the tree.
"'Iniki Malie," which is about the gentle gusts of Maui, handsomely brings out the Hawaiian essence of Bright. Her crystalline reading makes this one radiate and percolate.
"Lei Hinahina," the Johnny K. Almeida classic, takes on a samba rhythm, and of the other revivals, R. Alex Anderson's "Haole Hula" and Charles Ka'apa's "Hame Pila" are noted for their distinct styles, the former a nostalgic, sweet ballad, the latter a slightly jazzy toe-tapper.
Clean arrangements bring out the simple virtues of both songs.
Bright also swings, and this side of her nature gets a chirpy workout on "Kauikeolani," a mele inoa (name song) of considerable charm.
Two contrasting songs about the moon are also treats for the ears. "Mahina O Hoku (Night of the Full Moon)" is romantic to the max; "How High the Moon," the old Les Paul-Mary Ford hit, is a wonderful jazz keepsake with a full-moon glow.
And "The Cockeyed Mayor of Kaunakakai" is heard in two versions, one straight, the other a bonus track with Frank B. Shaner adding comic asides. These revivals are worthy of introduction to a new generation of listeners who may not know the R. Alex Anderson signature popularized by the late Hilo Hattie.
"Iniki Malie" by Teresa Bright from "Lei Ana." Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
"VAIHI" by Vaihi, Puka Pants Records, PPR 101
Vaihi's third CD offers melodic Island rhythms, fused to blues and soul akin to Boys II Men.
Call it Local Kine Soundz, because one of the principals here is Sam Langi, who, with wife Lina, are the hosts of TV's "Local Kine Grindz." Sam, partnered with Aaron Kaonohi, Bruce Naluai and Piko Lakatani, has a very sweet take on pop tunes that have a layer of local gravy.
Result: Good grindz for the ear and the heart.
The originals have a common thread: lyrics and thoughts that spell romance. From "Be Mine" to "Blossom," from "Oh, My Eyes" to "Wishes I Fill," Vaihi blend voices in a spirit that spells love.
While ballads reign, "The Boy Just Gotta Go" features guest vocals, along with a playful and dance-floor charm.
"Vaihi Medley Mix" is as hip and "now" as the group gets.
"The Boy Just Gotta Go" by Vaihi from their self-titled album. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
