ISLAND SOUNDS
'Tino & the Rhythm Klub' offers a taste of what's to come

From left: "Tino & the Rhythm Klub" by Tino & the Rhythm Klub, Shaka Records, SCD 841 "Someday" by Darrell Labrado, Monkeypod Records, MPCDC4 "Collage" by Kahala Moon, Keala Records, SKCD1218

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

"Tino & the Rhythm Klub" by Tino & the Rhythm Klub: This three-song CD, a preview of a full-on release expected in November, shows off the group's vocal power and prowess. You can anticipate a sizzler when the complete disc arrives.

Three distinct sides of the group, led by Lucky Salvador and lead voice Tino Ibach, give them a highly marketable profile. "Rock the Boat" is a playful update of the Hues Corporation's '80s chart buster, complete with Jawaiian riffs and midsong rap (by Tanner of Chant).

Tino composed the other two cuts which demonstrate the breadth and depth of the Klub's abilities. "Sweetly" is a rockaballad combining poignancy with sweetness, about the hope and promise of a meaningful man/woman relationship.

The subtle voice, augmented by delicate back-up vocals, is the stuff that makes the Top 10, so expect this brew to percolate and soar.

"Happy Jam" sways gently to the pulse of snappy drumbeat, with a Jawaiian flavor but local-style references to Sandy's, Icee and more. A rap midpoint is geared for radio airplay.

Besides Tino and Salvador, the Klub includes Elmo Custodia, Hemingway Jasmine, Adney Ataba, Les Fernandes and Ricky Ricardo. You go, guys.

"Rock the Boat" by Tino & The Rhythm Club. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Someday" by Darrell Labrado: Darrell Labrado, the pride of Moloka'i, has evolved into a major player on Hawai'i's musical landscape with this, his second solo CD.

Tunes fit his youth/teen following but have wider appeal for an older crowd; his performances are earnest and convincing and, best of all, he's very much plugged into the local scene. Originals and covers create a likeable portrait of a young man on the ascent.

"Someday" is a charming love song about dreaming of the right one; "Follow Your Heart" continues that quest, dreaming about a compatible soul mate.

His earlier single biggie, "Master Blaster (Jammin')," is sales insurance, but there are other tracks worth discovering. One is a remake, "Kiss on My List," which was a hit for Hall and Oates; another is "Two Hands and a Prayer," a simple and honest measure of inspiration and faith that builds up to a hand-clapping soul-stirrer.

"Angelina" sounds like a natural for the dance floor; "Kalaupapa (I Love You)" clearly is an homage to a sector of the Friendly Island and the lone tune performed in English and in Hawaiian.

"Someday" by Darrell Labrado. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Collage" by Kahala Moon: Kahala Moon used to be a restaurant. Now it's a duo, comprised of Kahala Mossman and Mahina (Hawaiian for "Moon") Souza, a pair of singers-guitarists. They might have been destined to glow in the moonlight of music, blessed with famous grandparents: Mossman's was Bina Mossman, Souza's was Irmgard Aluli.

That said, they are mightily their own musicians. And as the restaurant once did, they serve up good stuff.

Think Na Leo with a youthful spin, when you hear their compositions, "Beautiful Hawaiian Boys," "How's About a Moment," and "Magic in Your Eyes." Relaxing, resourceful and reassuring vocal/instrumental mixes that at once speak of Hawai'i but with appeal that goes beyond our shores.

Kahala Moon also has a zesty, zippy knack for interpretation, making Madonna's "La Isla Bonita" their own tropical teaser and The Byrds' "You Showed Me" one they could proudly strut with.

Aluli's beloved "Kumu Kalidadidi" gets a next-generation reading here, too, retaining the old-world style of Auntie Irmgard.

Some of the town's leading musicians (Zanuck Lindsey, Greg Sardinha, Gordon Freitas, Larry Cook, Steve Kramer, Scott Shafer) provide additional musical support, enabling Kahala Moon to achieve its full-moon glory. Bright and memorable debut, this.

"La Isla Bonita" by Kahala Moon. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.