Island Sounds
'Ukulele Dream': the next generation

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

"'UKULELE DREAM" by Herb Ohta Jr., Roy Sakuma Productions RSCD 8801

Like father, like son. Herb Ohta Jr. is the son of Ohta-san (the elder Herb doesn't call himself Herb Ohta Sr.). He has listened well, being surrounded by music, and already he has distinguished himself as a leading next-generation solo artist.

This collection includes originals (Jr. has composed "Ka'anapali Sunset") but the oldies or familiar melodies constitute the bulk of the fare.

He strums and plucks and has a merry time with the likes of "Lahainaluna," "White Sandy Beach," "Paniolo Country," "Kamalani."

There are a few non-Hawaiian entities that suit the uke treatment: "If We Hold on Together," a movie tune that entered the Island realm when Keali'i Reichel adopted it for an earlier album; "Tico Tico," a sampling of Latin moods; and "G Minor Fleas" (a duet with Bryan Tolentino), with its classical bent.

There's something quite magical and relaxing about the evocative tones of a trusty uke, and Jr. has become a master in his own right.

Of course, how you sound is often dependent on your support crew, and Jr. has a string of stellar musicians in his camp: guitarists Dwight Kanae and Ernie Cruz Jr., bassist Ocean Kaowili and Kimo Bell, keyboarder Michael Guerrero, percussionist Jon Porlas, steel guitarist Gregg Sardinha, and 'uke stylist Bryan Tolentino.

"Sophisticated Hula" by Herb Ohta, Jr. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"HOLIDAY FOR STRINGS" by Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta, M&H Hawai'i, MHCD 1721

For his latest entry, Ohta-san has gone the virtuoso route, strumming his 'ukulele in true solo style. No frills. No embellishments. Just several tuning techniques, applied to 14 titles that initially sound too academic, as if he were performing in a recital.

This kind of a one-man show is one of power, strength, dexterity and artistry. The line-up may be slightly too scholarly to the unfamiliar, but the uke student will know the kind of wizardry it takes to conquor the material here.

Among the tunes: "Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini, 18th variation," "Bolero," "Serenade," "Rhapsody in Blue," "Warsaw Concerto," "Ave Maria" and lots more.

The CD is best appreciated in the still of the night, amid the glow of candles, perhaps with a glass of wine.

It's romantic, expressive, intoxicating.

And it's the master doing what others have been trying to emulate for years. Take a bow, Ohta-san. Hana hou!

"Holiday for Strings" by Herb Ohta. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.