Nueva Vida celebrates rebirth in style
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
 |
Audio sample of "New Life" by Neuva Vida. in mp3 or RealAudio format. RealAudio requires a plug-in. |
"NEW LIFE" by Nueva Vida, Island Groove IGPD 2005.
For the past two decades, Nueva Vida — "new life" — has traded personnel and genres (jazz, soul, rhythm and blues with Asian, Hawaiian, African and even Orleansian and Cuban flavors) and moved back and forth between vocal and instrumental compositions. All the while, though, the combo has remained a pillar of refinement and resourcefulness.
Their latest release, "New Life," epitomizes the rebirth and renewed vigor of Nueva Vida, with vocal soloist Sina Foley doing the lead, backed up by an ensemble of some of the town's stellar artists.
Each entry is a journey of discovery. Darryl LeVance Carter takes the limelight on a new arrangement of Kui Lee's "Days of My Youth," while Carla Young embellishes "Ennui." Allen Leong steps up to the plate on "Point of View," his own composition. And rap? Carter does a subdued turn on "Just That Way," a solo op for Carla Young.
Group leader Robert Shinoda is author of a couple of the tracks, including "Whatcha Gonna Do," a vocal, and "Homecoming," an instrumental. He's toiled long and hard to cook up this savory menu.
With 11 in the group, Nueva Vida is one of the largest, boasting a bevy of notables — with friends joining the lineup for a wing-ding of a session. If you have yet to meet Nueva Vida, this is a dandy introduction.
|
Audio sample of "Summer of Love" by Sly Dog. in mp3 or RealAudio format. RealAudio requires a plug-in. |
"UP & ARISE" by Sly Dog, Chucky Machado Records, SLY-104.
Sly Dog is a five-member group comprised of Sol Namau'u, Lahela Ropozo, Ralph "Scooby" Min, Bruce "Poncho" Ho'opai and Shane Kahalehau.
Its earlier single, "Summer of Love," leads off the reggae parade of originals that tweak the Hawaiian/Jawaiian motif, in execution (some rap midway through a song) and in musical style (Jamaican vibes fused with contemporary Island nuances). Its sound is geared for the current "Island rhythms" format on radio.
The group traipses merrily through a congenial slate: "Boys of Tomorrow," "Sunshine On," "Happy Song" and "Everything Will Be Alright."
There's a ballad, "Innocent," for variety (wish there were more, mostly to mine the band's range of talent); and DJ Chakademus' guest appearance on "Dance (Tis Muzik)" has garnered attention and airplay.
"Melanie" gets two spots here — once as a dance mix.
|
Audio sample of "Love For Music" by Kahiau. in mp3 or RealAudio format. RealAudio requires a plug-in. |
"LOVE FOR MUSIC" by Kahiau, Poi Pounder Records, PPR 7004.
Cheyenne Kaniho, vocalist and 'ukulele player with Kahiau, is composer of most of the originals here. His partners in song are Paul "Braddah" Kamanu, percussion; Walenn Mana Kahala, guitar; and Eric Ho, bass; they all sing, too.
With Sean Na'auao as producer, Kahiau adheres to a snappy pop sound heavily accenting Jawaiian motifs, with, yes, raps interspersed with ballads.
The vocal blend is sweetly innocent, with a sense of exploration. Tracks such as "Easy Living" and "Love for Music" capitalize on the prevailing Jawaiian fad, though Kahiau's take is softer and gentler.
The target audience appears to be the party-hearty young audience ("Party Night" typifies the group's stance as a contemporary kingpin) and "Lahaina Block Party," in a celebratory mood, is distinguished by creative tempo switches midway through it — the 'ukulele prominence giving it a cheerful Island stamp.
