The group includes Imua Garza, 'ukulele and vocals; his brother, Hoku Garza, guitar and vocals; their cousin, Kahale Morales, bass and vocals; newcomer Kevin Okimoto, guitar and vocals; and established solo artist Shawn Ishimoto, drums.

Thirteen of the 14 titles are originals, so there's exploration and imagination in this second CD. And because the guys take turns doing lead vocals, there's variety.

But much of the fare is 'ukulele-accented, with the syncopation of that reggae-Hawaiian hybrid, Jawaiian. Hence, the pitch is for the radio-reliant, dance-happy younger audience, led by such tracks as "Old Fashion Touch" and "I Knew It Was You."

One of the strongest tracks, which jumps out of the pack because it is not part of the Jawaiian motif, is Imua Garza's "Guilty," his own composition on which he sings lead. It's a pop entry with a contagious melody and lyrics that invite listening.

And "Do You Think of Me" has somewhat of a nostalgic manner, another stellar workout for Imua Garza. "Haleakala," a place song, is a ballad with Okimoto doing lead vocals.

"Forever," a duet by Imua Garza and friend Kamuela Sing, is a tribute to high-schoolers graduating next year, calling on the importance of friendship and memories.

A sample of Opihi Pickers "Old Fashion Touch" from the album "Beginnings" is available for downloading as an mp3 or RealAudio file.

"TWO TI LEAF" by Wayne Takamine, Two Ti Leaf Productions TTL CD 02

Wayne Takamine's third CD is a compilation of new arrangements of previously released tunes and some new takes by the romantic singer-guitarist. If you've never heard of Takamine, think Audy Kimura — they share the gentleness and warmth associated with love songs, some with Island seasonings.

"Hawaiian Nights and Summer Dreams," a new arrangement of the title song from Takamine's debut disc, has a coziness that spells nocturnal romance. His other originals range from the instrumental "Sunset Slack" to the rockaballad "Two Ti Leaf."

Takamine interprets a couple of pop hits, including "Tiny Dancer," the Elton John signature; "Beyond the Sea," an old hit by Bobby Darin; and "Heartlight," the Kenny Loggins charmer. The new versions are not trail blazers but offer insight into Takamine's musical soul: He appreciates certain tunes that have everlasting appeal.

On the other hand, "Hawaiian Wedding Song" as a guitar solo is soulful and introspective; without words (lyrics are in the liner pamphlet, however), the blissfulness of an island wedding still shines and delights.

A sample of Wayne Takamine's "Hawaiian Nights and Summer Dreams" from the album "Two Ti Leaf" is available for downloading as an mp3 or RealAudio file.

"NA MELE 'AUHAU" by the Kahauanu Lake Singers, Hula Records CDHS 9620

This CD single marks the formal debut of the Kahauanu Lake Singers, directed by Lake, a pioneer of traditional Hawaiian singing. Lake's composition, "Hole Waimea 'Elua," is an original that is a spin-off of the classic "Hole Waimea" hula 'auana favorite; a chorus and a puana (summary refrain) give the 16-line chant an extended life. The other tune on the disc, "Kawena," speaks lovingly of Mary Kawena Pukui, a legendary authority on things Hawaiian, including music and enunciation, and this composition pays homage to the riches shared by the late Pukui.

The singers include Walter Kawai'ae'a, Luana Kawai'ae'a and Vermaine Perkins, with Kahauanu Lake, Tommy Lake and Arthur "Atai" Akina providing instrumentation.

A sample of Kahauanu Lake Singers' "Hole Waimea 'Elua" is available for downloading as an mp3 or RealAudio file.