Island Sounds
Ryshe checks in with 'Drama in the Hotel'

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

"Drama in the Hotel" by Ryshe:

This is a duo of Lorenzo "Fosheezee" Magalei and Ryn "Roccwell" Asuega, whose musical format here is somewhat different: Each song is characterized as a different room in a hotel, with musical styles that vary as much as the differing guests in a hotel, from smooth and silky, in a romantic vein, to hip and hot, in a boogie climate.

Ryshe's earlier "Leilani," in "Room 65," is one of the tenants you should get to know. The song is rich in blues and in the ballad mode, with endearing harmonies; a remix also is part of the CD.

"Greatful" broods with quiet allusions to the night. "Room 66," "Here 2 Stay," is more quiet, passionate and cuddle-up stuff — with a terrific mix of upper-register vocal dynamics.

"Liar, Liar" and "Playas" are twentysomething in spirit and execution.

There's much here to explore. Just check into a room of your choice.

"Here 2 Stay" by Ryshe. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Hawaiian One on One" by Pu'uwai:

Pu'uwai is Bradshaw Ellis, Kaimi Ellis, Dennis Himalaya and Jason Leleiwi, who all sing and play instruments, largely in the Jawaiian mode.

Most of the original tracks are Bradshaw Ellis compositions, including the title song. While so-called "island rhythms" are what Pu'uwai does best, there are happy departures, such as another Ellis tune, in the Hawaiian tongue and almost-falsetto tones, "Ka 'Ua Hualalei."

For variety, examine "Coming in from the Cold," a remake of a Bob Marley tune, and Ellis' "Bigger Iz Bettah," an anthem about size with a very heavy Jamaican sauce.

And for a taste of the group's balladry, "It Wouldn't Be the Same" is a cozy surprise.

"Ka 'Ua Hualalei" by Pu'uwai. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.