Island Sounds
Compilations offer diversified sample of tunes
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
A compilation CD is like a jukebox — you get an array of diverse music, an appetizer course that gives you a taste of an act. The theory is, one nibble may nudge you to explore the full meal.
Herewith, three worthy compilations:
"BEST OF FAT KATZ, VOL. 1" by various artists, Fat Katz, FKP 7004
The artists represented here are part of the current Island rhythm scene — names and melodies you likely already know.
Baba B contributes "Big Boy in Love," "All My Life" and "Over on the West Side." A huge talent, figuratively and literally.
Sean Na'auao's gems include his hits "Fish and Poi" and "Silhouette." A break-out artist who's still on the ascent.
Darren Benitez's "Keakea'alani" and "Broken Hearts" compete for attention. His falsetto notes are impeccable.
And there are additional treats from Kulia, Ho'aloha, Jeff Rassmussen and Dennis Daz Jr.
The CD cover reflects the original source of the music — so you can check 'em out.
"Big Boy in Love" by Baba B. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
"HAWAIIAN BORN, VOLUME 2" by various artists, Neos Productions, VO53
Ten artists from the Neos roster are featured in this sampler, which includes some never-before-released tracks: Norm's "Hawaiian Born" (updated version), Keoki V. of the Ka'ala Boys, on "Love Rocket," Reality's remixed "Like the Rain," Hash Brown's "Love Is Gone," Annette's "Baby Baby," Tony Solis and Big Country's "Pretty Baby."
The mode is Jawaiian, the mood is party time. Justin's "Gonna Meet the Clouds Again" and Side Salad's "Pitter Patter" are worth re-examining. Ditto, Jamin's funky "Bad Girl Skankin."
Again, you don't necessarily get the cream of the artists' crop, but a revealing barometer of the varying sounds and styles of the groups and soloists.
"Hawaiian Born" by Norm. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
"ROOTS & CULTURE, VOLUME 1" by various artists, Rip Tide Records, RTR 2001
This collection maintains the formula of packaging unrelated tracks on one disc, giving the listener kind of a quick picture of a particular stable of artists.
Produced by Vernon Kapua'ala, this CD offers a mixture of sounds, ranging from Latin to gospel, from rhythm 'n' blues to Jawaiian.
The artists aren't as well known as comparable compilations, so a sense of discovery is part of the joyful mission.
HHB & Lahela's "Promise Me" has blues and reggae influences; the Hawaiian Riddim' Band's "Reggae Party" is unabashedly Island rhythm stuff; Lei's "Lovers Hideaway" is a smidgin of soul and pop.
Other artists include Ponchol, Kuma, Bobby Haupu, Kid-D, and Justin Waiohu.
"Promise Me" by HHB and Lahela. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
