Island Sounds
New release from Hawai'i native offers tasty treat
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
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| From Left: "Pineapple Mango" by Daniel Ho, Daniel Ho Creations, DHC 86901. "Trust Him" by Jan Brenner,Star Entertainment, SECD 001. "Sweet and Sassy" by the Kahumoku Brothers, Kealia Farms Record Company, KFRC1010 |
"Pineapple Mango" by Daniel Ho: Daniel Ho, a Saint Louis grad who moved to Los Angeles, has happily become active in the Island music scene over the past decade. An accomplished composer and guitarist, he now turns to 'ukulele.
What a joyful pleasure, this.
Much of the music is original — his or in collaboration. He has a gentle touch on the 'uke and brings out its soulful qualities, particularly in the romantic tunes.
One of the best cuts is "Between Friends," a composition with Jake Shimabukuro, the adorable buckaroo from Colon. There's a lot of warm, bonding spirituality.
The title tune is 'ono, too — as predictably nourishing and whimsical as you might expect when you combine the juices of pineapple with mango. It could be the breakout track.
"School's Out" is one of the playful romps (and Ho's composition); "Blue Rondo Ala Turk" is seriously reflective, an interpretation of a Dave Brubeck song — with a bluesy hint and a jazzy tint.
Ho is schooled in the classics, too; he goes to Bach to demonstrate his symphonic side, performing "Invention VIII" and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" with spirit.
"Haiku" is more about the poetry form than the place, with a sense of Asian calm and dignity.
And lest you wonder, he sings on "The Best That I Can," co-written with Sachi Sato, with Siena Lee doing background vocals. It's a whisper-soft kind of tenderness at play.
"Between Friends" by Daniel Ho. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
"Trust Him" by Jan Brenner: Jan Brenner was a lounge singer in a popular cabaret act when I first heard her sing; she has always had a charismatic presence. From pop and rock, she has reinvented her career since she became a Christian and her first album of religious music is a winner. Worshippers also know her through her work with the Word of Life Christian center.
Co-writing all songs with Bryan Kessler and Steve Jones, Brenner's tuneful ministry has a captivating pop presence, thanks to her savvy from her old performing days.
"To Seek and To Save," "Love Is Still the Answer," "Come Back" and "Trust Him" are splendid morsels of inspired artistry.
On a ballad note, "The Great Exchange" is calming and cleansing. The message is the medium, and in this time of wounded hearts, lost souls and post-Sept. 11 sorrow and stress, Brenner is an unabashedly vivid messenger of hope and peace.
"To Seek and To Save" by Jan Brenner. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
"Sweet and Sassy" by the Kahumoku Brothers: This is a reissue of a 1988 disc that explores the Spanish influence on ki ho'alu. The repertoire of Moses and George Kahumoku Jr. is classic guitar stuff that make you want to shout "ole!" Examine how the moods shift.
The defining cut, "Spanish Song," establishes the Hispanic flavor through flamenco niceties, but the CD also taps Island melodies, such as the paniolo-linked "Kaula 'Ili," evoking images of Big Island ranching.
Other Hawaiian tunes — the likes of "Pua Lilia," "Hilo March/Maui Chimes" and "No Ke Ano Ahiahi" (a bonus track vocal, not on the earlier release) — clearly suggest where their roots and hearts are.
"Kaula 'Ili" by the Kahumoku Brothers. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
