Island Sounds
Discs offer 'tea house' nostalgia, surfin' songs with reggae, rap
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
"Paradise Honolulu" by the Hawaii Shochiku Orchestra, HanaOla Records HOCD 43000: Like two previous CDs exploring what might be called the Japanese swing era n the '40s and '50s here, "Paradise Honolulu" percolates with nostalgia. With orchestral and vocal renditions digitally remastered, the recordings document a special period in Hawai'i's cultural history, when local bands recorded "tea house party" songs in Japanese to be played at — of course — tea houses, dances and other events.
The title song, spelled phonetically ("Paradise Honoruru") on the liner notes sets the tone: You can imagine popular soloists Nobuo Nishimoto and Grace Amemiya fronting the band, playing to a live crowd.
"AJA Koshin Kyoku (AJA March)" is a patriotic song performed by Yaoyuki Takeoka, celebrating the "Go for Broke" 442nd Regimental Combat Team, but it's not a hand-clapper; the somber ballad motif alludes to the bittersweet struggles of the war. "Hawai'i Butai" by Haruo Aoyagi and Takashi Fujikawa honors the 100th Battalion, the first AJA unit to see combat action.
The artists also adopted the blues, as in Chiyoko Ida's interpretation of "Kosame No Oka," an import about the loss of a mother. The song includes dramatic narration, a frequent feature of this era's music. "Jonetsu Musume," also by Ida, has a dash of blues as it tells of a woman trying to make a living in post-World War II Japan. Listen for the instrumental boogie riffs.
Ted Shimabukuro was a reigning artist of his time, and "Asu Kadode" and "Kyo Ware Ren Ai Su" were some of his signature songs, perpetuated here. Then there's a bon dance tune, a minyo (prefecture folk song) entitled "Kagoshima Ohara Bushi," that beckons hand-clapping. And dancing.
A total of 20 songs is offered here and detailed liner notes not only describe the songs but explain how the phenomenon emerged.
"AJA Koshin Kyoku (AJA March)" by Naoyuki Takeoka. A 30-second audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
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"Island Surfer Girl" by the Pipeline Band, Kanoelani Productions KP 1001: Surfin' music meets Jawaiian on this debut disc by the Pipeland Band — Michelle C, Kelly Scott, Shawn Ishimoto and Jamm Aquino. The band also enlists an army of supporters: B.E.T., Shelly C, Liane Mark, Daniel Akaka Jr., Keoke Van Blyenburg and Imua Garza, so the disc plays like an endless party.
Originals such as "Pipeline Wipeout," with beach-related themes bonding with Jamaican raps, define the group's sound.
This motif continues on "Island Surfer Girl," with sunshine images coupled with reggae riffs and midpoint rap by B.E.T. (Joe Daniels and Tim Troxell).
Covers, including Alpha Blondie's "Cocody Rock," demonstrate the group's ability to have fun with established songs. The eclectic collection ranges from country remakes ("Make the World Go Away") to dreamy ballads ("Kailua Boy.")
"Island Surfer Girl" by the Pipeland Band. A 30-second audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
