ISLAND SOUNDS
Singer, guitarist debuts with pleasing originals

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

It's a mixed bag this week a prolific new singer-guitarist debuts, a pioneering local band returns and a hot urban soul duo continues a hot streak.

"A Random" by Johnny Helm (John Helm Records)

• Distinguishing notes: Johnny Helm is an enterprising and prolific singer-guitarist who helped finance this debut CD with "pre-sale sponsors," fans who bought home-burned CDs ($20 pricetag) at a gig at Coffee Talk. Over 10 originals, his vocal manner clearly is easy to take, particularly on ballad expressions such as "Breathe" and "Calling All the Angels," which typify his prowess in relating life's simple moments and thoughts into mini-tales of relationships, about love and life. There's a tinge of the blues on "Colors of the Night," which sounds terrific after dark.

• The outlook: Nothing random here; Helm's crisp, clean sound and production elements reflect a professionalism rare for a maiden voyage. If you like Jack Johnson or Ben Harper, you'll love Helm.

• Our take: Think of this one as the CD equivalent of an "indie" film — a modest work with maximum pleasures. Go, Johnny, go.

"Breathe" by Johnny Helm. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Blue Album" by Kalapana (Oceanbeat Records)

• Distinguishing notes: Kalapana (Malani Bilyeu, DJ Pratt, Kenji Sano, Gaylord K. Holomalia) long has been a model for aspiring local groups. It's been one of Hawai'i's influential and enduring ensembles, adjusting to changes in membership with musician exits or even death (Mackey Feary). One consistency: Kalapana's fresh take on everyday emotions, all from Biyeu's pen, exploring layers of heartache, heartbreak, and hope ("Lost Love," "Another Lonely Night," "Coming Home to You," "Losing the Will to Love," and "You're in Love"). Kalapana also involves and attracts top-notch industry pals (Maurice Bega, Salaam Tillman, Chant, Kata Maduli, Michael Paulo, Pauline Wilson), used effectively in moderation.

• The outlook: This maturing group continues to write its own history, with one song shaping the group's destiny: "Ten Years After," recalling a former dream, a younger time, and reflecting about the path of the future via such lines as "We should all see a turn around, 'cause we're making it right, making it forever."

• Our take: Kalapana is back in a big way — but then, was it ever away?

"Ten Years After" by Kalapana. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"B.E.T. Volume 3" by Big Every Time (Galmiche Entertainment)

• Distinguishing notes: B.E.T. is Tim Troxell and Joe Daniels Jr., who have risen from back-up status to front-and-center, with dance-floor 'tude (a boogie beat here, a reggae rhythm there). Guest artists (Loco Loc, Tippa Irie, Galmiche & DJ Mad, Fiji, Katana, Matradics) bring street-sound currency to tunes that gyrate and jiggle with today's favored beat.

• The outlook: Arsenal for the young and the hip.

• Our take: The B.E.T. is on — and count this a winner.

"Summertime" by B.E.T. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.