ISLAND SOUNDS
Falsetto favorites fine additions to collections

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Lucky we live Hawai'i — and luckier we have young folks picking up on traditional island music.

Here's a pair of falsetto CDs you ought to add to your collection.

"Far Away Heaven" by Raiatea Helm (Rip Tide Records).

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian with a youthful spin.
• Distinguishing notes: Raiatea, 17, comes from a musical family; dad is Zachary Helm, a performer; uncle is George Helm, the late falsetto wizard. No wonder she embodies the spirit of old with a fire of the new, tackling a host of familiar tunes ("Alekoki," "Po La'ila'i," "He'eia," "Kimo Henderson Hula" and "Mom") with glowing assurance. With support and influence from Ho'okena, she has come into her own. And what a powerful falsetto!
• The outlook: Listen to her with eyes closed, and you are sent back into time; hard to believe one so young is so polished and precise in her elocution and execution of real Hawaiian music.
• Our take: One of the brightest stars on the island horizon.

"Po La'ila'i" by Raiatea Helm. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"My Hula Baby" by Apela (Poi Pounder Records).

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian with a contemporary flair.
• Distinguishing notes: Apela is a budding falsetto stylist, produced by Sean Na'auao. His collection of songs are suitable for hula, with such entries as "Kalena Kai," "My Yellow Ginger Lei," "Kupa Landing," and "Pua Lililehua." It's also a mellow one to listen to — reassurance that young folks are preserving and perpetuating the repertoire and the music.
• The outlook: Could be the break-out performer in 2003.
• Our take: An auspicious CD debut and a performer to watch for.

"Kalena Kai" by Apela. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Reach Wayne Harada by e-mailing wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.