ISLAND SOUNDS
Falsetto, slack-key CDs preserve island culture

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Like the Merrie Monarch and the 'Ukulele Festival, annual showcases of falsetto singing (last night at the Hawai'i Theatre) and slack-key guitar performances (today at Kapi'olani Park Bandstand), help expose, perpetuate and preserve island art forms.

With these new compilations of artistry in motion, falsetto (leo ki'eki'e) and slack key (ki ho'alu) are snapshots or aural documents of today's stylists for future generations of players and fans to explore.

"Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest Winners III: The Spirit of the Master (Ka 'Uhane O Ka Loea)"

Artists: Various, from the Clyde "Kindy" Sproat contest on the Big Island and the Frank B. Shaner contest in Honolulu.

Label: Hula, CDHS 624.

Genre: Traditional Hawaiian; third in an ongoing series.

Distinguishing notes: The big draw may be Shaner's "Blue Darling" vocal; no, it's not a contest winner but shows off the host's sweet falsetto, going up the roller coaster, then down. If you want more upper-register thrills, Sproat's "A He Nani Moloka'i" also is a chicken-skin keeper, but the bounty includes "Le'a" Kukona-Pacheco's "I Ali'i No 'Oe/Yodel Song" and Cody Pueo Pata's "Mele Hinalea," which are as good as it gets.

The outlook: Untold stories and memories abound, shared by falsetto aficionados.

Our take: A natural high.

"La'ieikawai" by Lopaka Kanahele. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festivals Vol. I: Ki ho'alu No Ka 'Oi"

Artists: Various, culled from the 20-year history of the slack-key festivals; include Ledward Ka'apana, Bla Pahinui, Dennis Pavao, Martin Pahinui, Cyril Pahinui, George Kahumoku Jr., Raymond Kane, Dennis Kamakahi, Makana and more.

Label: Rhythm & Roots, RR-0206.

Genre: Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian, first of a planned series.

Distinguishing notes: A montage of "live" performances, from past festivals; consequently, there are candid intros to selected songs; the roster of performers is as varied as the selections performed, but the major drawback: no liner notes that link song with singer-musician, though a few troupers are ID'd. The nice gesture: the CD is dedicated to masters of the genre: Gabby "Pops" Pahinui, Edwin "Sonny" Chillingworth, Leland "Atta" Isaacs and Leonard Kwan.

The outlook: Nostalgic tapestry of an appealing sector of Hawaiian music.

Our take: Hearty party fare — and the lack of performance credits yields a great guess-who's-on parlor game.

"Yodel Song." Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"New Wave Natives: On the Edge"

Artists: Various, including David Kahiapu, Ocean Kaowili, Donald Kauli'a, Jeff Peterson, Kimo West, Florent Atem and Kapo Ku.

Label: Rhythm & Roots, RR-0106.

Genre: Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian.

Distinguishing notes: A few vocals jump out of an otherwise instrumental landscape; the songs are not all Hawaiian but performed in a more progressive but still easy-going and soothing style that characterizes ki ho'alu, typified by Kaowili's "Kimo Hula" and Kauli'a's "Rain Song."

The outlook: A little jazz and a little bossa nova give this slack-key sampler a new-age flavor.

Our take: A different spin on ki ho'alu.

"On the Edge" by David Kahiapo. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.