ISLAND SOUNDS
Sayre's polished voice shines jazz favorites

"Dreamy" by Loretta Ables Sayre, Portlock Records, PRCD 6180 "Rust on the Moon" by I. Mihana, IM Recordings, IMR 777 "Fly Away" by Lehua, Neos Productions, V058

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

It's a week of lady singers:

"Dreamy" by Loretta Ables Sayre: This long overdue CD exhibits the smooth vocal stylings of one of Waikiki's champions of jazz. A torch singer, Ables Sayre knows how to caress lyrics, coast with music and simply coax the emotions out of a tune.

Relying on established songs, but not overdone titles, she sets forth on a memorable journey through romantic terrain. The title song, an Errol Garner classic, typifies her artistry and her posture: These are quiet, moody snapshots of poignancy and tenderness.

Her repertoire includes Johnny Mercer ("Day In Day Out"), George and Ira Gershwin ("Fascinating Rhythm"), Cy Coleman ("The Best Is Yet to Come"), Cole Porter ("You'd Be So Nice to Come Home to") and Jule Styne-Sammy Cahn ("It's Magic"). Echoes of earlier greats (Ella, Billie, Carmen, Sarah, Chaka, etc.) sound in Ables Sayre's vocals.

Able musicians back her: pianist Jim Howard, drummer-percussionist Noel Okimoto, saxophonist Gabe Baltazar, guitarist Bryan Kessler. Ables Sayre honed her craft at the Halekulani Hotel's Lewers Lounge with Howard, who did most of the arrangements. She now sings Saturdays and Thursdays at The Veranda at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Robert Cazimero's duet with Ables Sayre on a Kui Lee medley, "I'll Remember You/She's Gone Again," gives the disc a natural local link. It's a loving reinterpretation of an Island favorite — and a heavenly marriage of voices.

"Dreamy" by Loretta Ables Sayre. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Rust on the Moon," by I. Mihana: Mihana Souza, as I. Mihana is known in her "other" life, is alto singer and bassist in Puamana, the Hawaiian and hapa-haole music combo that featured her late mother, the beloved Irmgard Aluli. The "I" stands for Souza's real first name, Irmgard. For this solo venture, she has opted to go by I. Mihana, to distinguish her musical turf.

No matter. This debut CD extends the heritage of the Aluli clan; the title song was written by mother Irmgard, and the rest of the album, Mihana's creation, reflects the matriarch's spirit and style. That is, Mihana sings and writes of personal insights and family values, virtues that give the album a joyous spirit and relevance.

"Friend" is a tribute to a school mate who died of cancer, but its message of reflection, love and resilience gives it universal appeal.

The intent of "Mama," clearly, is to indicate the need of a mom, a panacea when all else fails, a comforting reminder of home and values.

"Hula" is about hula, but cranks out a contagious country-rock beat, more pop than Hawaiian ("Grab a lavalava and shake it down ..."), and should quickly find an audience.

There are other delights; "Lullaby," a song started 24 years ago for a daughter, completed for this album; "Angels," with spirituality to spare, and set to a country tempo; "Love," a gentle reminder of the bonding nature of love.

It's all wonderfully fresh and inspiring, easily a star-making vehicle with appeal even broader than Puamana's. Mihana has learned well from her mother and has embarked on what likely will be an exciting journey of next-generation triumphs.

"Hula" by I. Mihana. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Fly Away" by Lehua: Lehua is related to the musical Ka'apana clan from the Big Island, so she has a stake in music.

But Hawaiiana isn't her bag; she's a pop stylist with zest, polish and sass. Her debut CD showcases her R&B vocals and she is blessed with a Grammy Award-winning producer in Danny Sembello, whose work with Celine Dion, Earth Wind & Fire, Sheena Easton, The Pointer Sisters and George

Benson, among others, gives her an edge in the pop music derby. He also has composed a cluster of Lehua's new material.

The songs suit her seductive style; best bets include "I Keep It to Myself," "We Should Have," "Fly Away" and "I Fell in Love with the Wrong One." A cover of Minnie Riperton's "Lovin' You" shows she has the smarts to adapt and adopt without being imitative.

Support from B.E.T., Keoki and Autumn adds luster to this first-rate first-time effort.

"Lovin' You" by Lehua. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.