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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, September 1, 2001

Island Sounds
Former Seawind songbird flies high in 'Tribute'

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor




"TRIBUTE" by Pauline Wilson
McClees Entertainment MCC 2001

It's been 10 years since Pauline Wilson, former lead singer of Seawind, has had an album. The wait has been long, and while word of a Seawind reunion continues to bob like a cork on the sea, consider this a temporary quencher.

Seawinders Jerry Hey (trumpet), Ken Hutchcroft (tenor sax), Ken Wild (acoustic and electric bass) and Larry Williams (synthesizers) are part of Wilson's backup, joined by Lenny Castro (percussion), Michael Paulo (soprano sax), David Garfield (acoustic piano), Harvey Mason (drums), Airto Moreira (drums and Brazilian matchbox) and Alphonso Johnson (fretless bass).

It's worthwhile to mention these back-uppers because they shape the mood and color of Wilson's vocal dynamics. The temperament is unabashedly jazz ("Good Morning Heartache" typifies this posture), with occasional flourishes into other genres such as Latin ("Rio De Janeiro Blue" and "Dindi").

The CD is intended by the singer to be a thank-you and a gesture of appreciation to all the singers and musicians who have helped or contributed to her career. Thus, this personal vision permeates throughout the song parade.

The ballad choices are solid and sound; "When I Fall in Love," "Sentimental Mood," "The Nearness of You" and "Someone to Watch Over Me" paint landscapes of intimate, romantic nights, where wine and cuddling are the only things a couple needs. Clearly, Wilson has the right rudiments to sell a song: enunciation, elocution, interpretation, invention.

And, with the priority on the best musicians possible, she has gone to her recent past. Seawind lives and thrives again, unofficially but irresistibly.

"Sentimental Mood" by Pauline Wilson. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.





"YOUNG GENERATION"
by the All Star Band
Way Out West Enterprises WOWCD 2101

This is a March of Dimes/Walk America fund-raising CD, gathering radio personalities who sing with a family willing and able to give back to the community.

O'ahu residents Rob and Burgandie Onekea had a son who required medical care after his birth (and the Dimes organization helped). They had the resources to solicit on-air folks to convene to do a benefit CD.

With a peg on Island rhythms, that concoction that remains the vogue among younger music fans and local performers, "Young Generation" was born. It's a compilation of tuneful snapshots of popular acts doing current music, including covers. The All Star Band performs all the backup sounds.

"Lina Girl" Langi's "Feel Like Makin' Love," the Roberta Flack favorite, is transformed into a hip-hop entity at midpoint. Ilona Irvine updates "Chapel of Love" for a new audience not familiar with the Dixie Cups' original.

"Chapel of Love" by the All Star Band. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.