Besides California claiming "surf music" as its own (though we could do the same here), there's Louisiana boasting of jazz and blues.

The riches in this 16-song bracelet of island music represents artistry of the current generation of performers who, in a few instances, reach back to the past for inspiration.

In a "presented by the Hawai'i Visitors & Convention Bureau" framework, the CD takes on an overt promotional posture that ultimately yields rhapsodic results. The bureau, of course, hopes that potential trips here will result from the myriad of sound pictures provided by the roster of artists.

There are far too many gems to single out, but the late Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole's wistful "Kamalani" and his joyous "White Sandy Beach" will be quick favorites, along with the Brothers Cazimero's nostalgic "Waikiki" and Amy Hanaiali'i's and Willie K's frisky "Hale'iwa Hula." These numbers already are favorites among locals, and Mainlanders could easily adopt 'em, too.

Hapa's "Lei Pikake" and "He'eia" and Don Ho's "I'll Remember You" are among other signature items; and selections by Keola Beamer, Kapono Beamer, Hawaiian Style Band, Moe Keale, Na Leo and Jack de Mello and Nina Keali'iwahamana provide more luminous hues and trigger further remembrances of our island paradise.

Wisely, the companion liner booklet has a global reach, laden with explanations in six languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, German and Spanish. To woo and win fans, domestically and internationally, the CD serves as a handy-dandy introduction not only to the music of Hawai'i but also to those who celebrate it.

"Kamalani" by Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"ALOHA FESTIVALS HAWAIIAN FALSETTO CONTEST WINNERS," by various artists, Hula Records CDHS 618

Falsetto (leo ki'eki'e), that upper-register vocal style, is a longstanding Hawaiian tradition, perpetuated by and for the current generation by two annual song competitions, the Aloha Festivals' Frank B. Shaner Falsetto Contest in Honolulu and the Clyde "Kindy" Sproat Falsetto and Storytelling Contest on the Big Island.

It's a rare treat, then, to assemble a handful of falsetto wizards, side by side, in a sing-out. No competition here, since those featured are previous winners anyway, with the prize being a Hula Records recording session. Some former winners have solo CDs; this compilation is a sampler of the genre.

Performers are Sam Keli'iho'omalu, 1998 Honolulu winner; Chauncy Bermodez, 1999 Honolulu winner; Stan Priddy, 1999 third-place Honolulu winner and 1999 Big Island winner; Rayburn "Chan" Abenes, 2000 Big Island winner; Bulla Kailiwai, 1997 Big Island winner; Kalei Bridges, 1992 Big Island winner; Akoni, 1995 Big Island winner.

The songs are varied, to suit the differing vocal styles, and include originals by the singers as well as vintage favorites penned by Lena Machado, Mary Pukui and Maddy K. Lam, with detailed liner annotations clearly denoting intentions and identities of the winners.

"The Cowboy Hula" by Bulla Kailiwai. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.