Island Sounds
Beamer sampler is a stroll down memory lane

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

"PANA ALOHA, HAWAIIAN HEARTBEAT" by Kapono Beamer, Kapono Beamer Enterprises Ltd. KBECD 137

Open it up and you'll be hurled back into time, with 11 classics recycled for a new generation of listeners. For those who know the songs, it's an opportunity re-examination and rediscovery.

One of the prettiest versions of "Old Plantation" ever brings back visions of the old Ward mansion well before the Blaisdell Center was built on the site. And "Kamalani O Keaukaha" retains the romantic eloquence of the original.

"Kaimana Hila" evokes memories of Diamond Head but in a frisky format; "Ku'u Lei Awapuhi" reflects a lovely posture with unabashed Latin percussion precision.

And "Ku'u Ipo I Ka He'e Pu'e One" lives anew, yielding images of dancing hula hands.

All other vintage favorites, "Makalapua," "Kalama Ai One" and "Pua Lilia" are also worth applauding.

Beamer's lone original, "Mahinalani," enables him to extend his instrumental prowess beyond the guitar; the piece showcases his 'ohe hano ihu (nose flute), too.

Backup musicians — John Kolivas, bass; Noel Okimoto, percussion; Dennis Graue, piano and vibes — provide substantial settings for Beamer's solo guitar.

"Kaimana Hila" by Kapono Beamer. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.