ISLAND SOUNDS
Sanchez' band gets to heart, soul of salsa

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Sizzling Latin sounds

"Salsa From Hawaii"

• Label: Quiet Storm QS 1011.
• Artists: Various artists (Rolando Sanchez & Salsa Hawaii, Grupo Lelolai, Latin Fire, Orchestra Sals-Aloha, Second Time Around, "El Leo" the Jarican Express).
• Genre: Salsa, Latin, dance.
• Distinguishing notes: In time for Cinco de Mayo, or yearlong Latin partying, this collection gets to the soul of salsa. Vocally and orchestrally, this is the sound of salsa in paradise today, from the seasoned sass of Sanchez to the modernized raps of El Leo.
• The outlook: Crisp sound, hot cover, a liner booklet with lyrics to all songs, this is a clear indication of the foothold of Latin music in the Islands. Homegrown, home-honed. Betcha can't listen without tapping your feet!
• Our take: Look no further for a sizzling one-stop-sampler of salsa — you get katchi katchi, jibaro and merengue as bonuses.

"Salsa" by Rolando Sanchez & Salsa Hawaii. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Pau Hana Party"

• Label: HanaOla Records HOCD 44000.
• Artists: Various artists.
• Genre: Contemporary and traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: Culled from 16 early long-playing releases, this is everything a compilation should be: reflective music, extensive liner notations (by Harry Soria Jr.), lyrics and (wise, wise offering) photos of the original LPs from which the 22 tunes originated.
• The outlook: A party's waiting to happen, with The Invitations' "Malia My Tita," Hui 'Ohana's "Nanakuli," Melveen Leed's "Pau'oa Liko Lehua," Marlene Sai's "Po La'i La'i," Bill Kaiwa's "Laupahoehoe Hula" and Sonny Chillingworth's "Waimea Cowboy" among the line up. Great stuff.
• Our take: Chill the beer, haul out the pupu and stroll down memory lane. Memories abound; maybe auntie or tutu will hemo the shoes and hula, too.

"Will You Love Me?" by Myrtle K. Hilo. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.