Island Sounds
Copa Cat Pack belts out tiki tunes with guest singers
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
"SHAKE THOSE HULA HIPS!" by Matt Catingub's Big Kahuna and the Copa Cat Pack, Concord, CCD 4960-2
The tiki torches are lit, the drinks are chilled, it's time to party. And Matt Catingub's second outing, with his Big Kahuna and the Copa Cat Pack, is a jazz-jolted jam session, high on musicianship, high on artistry, high on appeal.
Instrumentally and vocally (psssst, Rosemary Clooney's aboard!), Catingub sails — no, wails — through a dandy mix of hapa-haole songs and some tradition-bound standards. Consequently, there are musical hooks for the older generation, the visitor, the fans newly discovering this hot ensemble.
The wordless entries are filled with stellar solo work, such as Matt Cowan's tenor sax and Mike Olmos' trumpet adding a brassy and bold undercoat to "Hawai'i Five-O." Catingub himself is no slouch, tooting on his alto sax on the throbbing and thrilling "Fever."
The Big Kahuna also sings, of course, bringing vitality and vigor to "Ain't No Big Thing," "In the Mood," "Waikiki" and "It Was a Very Good Year." OK, not everything is hula-appropriate, but the tropical framework gives this a definite Island flavor.
Then there's Rosie, the inimitable Rosemary Clooney, a longtime friend of Catingub's. She adds dignity and class, plus a seasoned, sultry allure to the Johnny Mercer indelible, "And the Angels Sing."
Debby Boone lights up the life, too, in a pair of duets with Catingub on "Little Grass Shack" (cha-cha tempo) and "Princess Poo-poo-ly Has Plenty Papaya" (in a pre-statehood kind of South-Seas syncopation). They sound like they're having a blast in front of a bandstand of musicians wearing faux leis.
The most remarkable thing about "Shake Your Hula Hips!" is Catingub's unflagging versatility. Besides the singing and the instrument-playing (piano besides brass), he's the arranger for most of the cuts. And he's composer of "Hey Baby! (Shake Those Hula Hips!)," the livewire that influenced the CD title.
The Copa Cat Pack, Catingub's family apart from the Honolulu Symphony pops orchestra, is a swinging, wing-dinging ensemble. This second CD makes you want to kick off the shoes, put on the shorts and aloha shirts, get out the mai tai mix, and just get on with the celebration.
"Hey Baby! (Shake Those Hula Hips)" by Matt Catingub's Big Kahuna and the Copa Cat Pack. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
"FINDING MY WAY" by Daniel Ho and Various Artists, Daniel Ho Creations, DHC 83301
Daniel Ho, Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning composer, musician and producer, has assembled a joyous 12-song compilation that reflects his dedication to soft-rock, jazz and contemporary Hawaiian music. Ho co-wrote all of the songs, most with collaborator Sachi Sato, who sings lead on a few.
One of the featured tracks is "Saving Forever," the 2001 Song of the Year (co-created by Lehua Kalima Heine of Na Leo Pilimehana), performed by Siena Lee, plus "Along for the Ride," featuring Jake Shimabukuro's stellar 'ukulele solo.
Lina Girl, of "Local Kine Grindz" fame, delivers "Living in Paradise" and "Along for the Ride" and Andrea Gomez Tukuafu, UH Wahine volleyball standout, pumps out "Stronger & Stronger" and "No Resistance."
Since each song was crafted for the performer, there's relevance and personal meaning to the venture.
"Forever Yours" by Daniel Ho, featuring vocals by Sachi Sato. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
