Island Sounds
Makaha Sons puts 4 new songs on 'Na Pua' compilation Cd

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Coinciding with the Makaha Bash, set for May 27 at the Waikiki Shell, the Makaha Sons will release on Tuesday a 14-track compilation disc featuring four new songs. The disc, the title of which translates to "the flowers of Hawai'i," a poetic reference to the sons and daughters of the Islands, features work by pals of the Sons with whom the group has linked up musically in the past.

For Sons members Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, Jerome Koko and John Koko, "Na Pua" is truly a lei of memories, sewn together by the lush vocal harmonies that have shaped the group's legacy for 25 years. Some tracks are of recent vintage, others date back to the era when the group was called the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau. Some cuts are from the Sons' CDs, a few from their guest artists' discs.

The guest artists not only add dazzle, but a joyous camaraderie.

Easily the most exuberant entry is "My Isle of Golden Dreams/Pua Malihini," showcasing the remarkable voice of Robert Cazimero, a highlight from the Sons' "Kuikawa" CD, and surely a tune Cazimero should have recorded with the Brothers Cazimero.

"Pua 'Ala Aumoe," from the "Ho'oluana" set, finds Jerry Santos (of Olomana) on vocals, with Peter Moon's guitar among the accompaniment.

Dennis Pavao's powerful falsetto brings "Ka Loke" to a high (from "Ke Alaula"), and Nina Keali'iwahamana's distinctive soprano radiates on "The Hawaiian Wedding Song," with Jerry Koko doing the male lead, off the group's "Golden Hawaiian Melodies" collection.

Other winners: Robi Kahakalau's grand "He Po Lani Makamae," from her CD "Keiki O Ka 'aina," is reprised here, with the Sons as her guest; and "Nani Kaua'i," with Teresa Bright (from "Painted Tradition") soars anew.

Traditional Hawaiian music is the format for the four new cuts, including "Na Kanaka Hololio," a Palani Vaughan composition that recalls the time when a racetrack was a lure at Kapi'olani Park; "Ala Pikake," a Manu Boyd original, upholds the joy of the fragrant pikake blossom; there's a name song about Princess Pauahi Bishop, "Wahine Hela La," and a place song about a Windward site, "Waiahole E."

In sum: Great memories, old and new, await you.

• Audio sample of "'Na Kanaka Holo Lio" by The Makaha Sons & Friends in mp3 or RealAudio format. RealAudio requires a plug-in.

Traditional Hawaiian music is the force of this charmer, from the previous Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, nominated again in the upcoming May 29 festivities.

The mix of old, new and possibly forgotten material makes for discovery and exploration.

And in Cockett's hands, each tune has the stamp of authority, a measure of history, a nudge to get off the pune'e and dance.

"Na Moku Kaulana (The Famous Islands)" is a whirlwind tour of the Islands; "The Cowboy Hula (Hanohano Wale No Na Cowboy)" revisits the paniolo tradition; "The Fireman's Hula (Hula O Ka Hui Ka'a Wai)" is that firefighters' favorite; "No Tutu" is a loving homage to a grandmother; "Ku'u Lei Onaona (My Fragrant Blossom)" is a name song with broader implications of love.

Lei Kukui Serenaders provides the vocal and musical support.

• Audio sample of "'Ku'u Lei Onaona" by Kawai Cockett in mp3 or RealAudio format. RealAudio requires a plug-in.