Island Sounds
Two local talents shine on new albums

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

"SLACK KEY LADY" by Cindy Combs, Dancing Cat Records, 08022-38041-2

The Dancing Cat Records Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters series has been a male domain for much too long. Cindy Combs, Kaua'i-based ki ho'alu artist, singer and composer, proves that wahine can pluck just as capably as men.

She has, for years, distinguished herself in gigs at Hanapepe Cafe in Hanapepe and the Kaua'i Coconut Beach Hotel in Wailua, and now her artistry will become known to those who have come to rely on this label's growing catalogue for quality slack-key artistry.

The opening "Hi'ilawe" is quite a departure from traditional readings of the Gabby Pahinui signature, and Combs puts her incandescent imprint on the tune.

Other instrumentals serve her well, too: "Ke Welina," "Kaulana Na Pua," "Wahine 'Ilikea," "Kalena Kai."

She also sings, with differing styles, on four tunes, including "Sweet Leilani," the hapa-haole Academy-Award-winning tune, delivered with a diva blues flavor; and "Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u," the Olomana classic on which she did supportive work years ago, rendered with her own passionate vision. However, she fares better when she lets her fingers do the talking.

A sample of "Hi'ilawe" by Cindy Combs is available for downloading as an mp3 or RealAudio file.

"HO'I NA WAI" by Cody "Pueo" Pata, Ululoa Productions, UL 103

Cody Pata, who goes by Pueo, is a multi-layered performer: chanter, singer, 'ukulele whiz.

That you may not know him is understandable: He has worked primarily on Maui (this disc was recorded in Ha'iku, Upcountry). But he's becoming better-known: He was winner of the 2000 Frank B. Shaner Falsetto Contest.

Pueo displays all his forms here, framing the set with opening ("He Wehi Ke Ao No Kaua'ula") and closing ("Ka Hanu O Ka Palai") chants that set the serious agenda of his debut disc.

"'Imo Ku'u Hoku Lani" employs a beguiling waltz tempo and has a swirling party flavor; "Kaihekulani" showcases his falsetto voice and "'Ula Nowea" demonstrates Pueo's ability to adopt and adapt (it's a chant set to music).

Perhaps his most winning form is captured in the backyard-party-type song " 'iniki Malie," with the 'uke going full throttle and the falsetto tones sizzling away.

A sample of "Kaihekulani" by Cody "Pueo" Pata is available for downloading as an mp3 or RealAudio file.