ISLAND SOUNDS
Local singer is a bit of Britney, Whitney

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

A 15-year-old Mid-Pacific Institute student may be on the brink of global success; a Kaua'i native who is a Chaminade University student and a member of the Navy Reserves based at Pearl Harbor reflects on the events of Sept. 11.

It's stop-and-take-notice time...

• Artist: Jennifer Perri.
• Label: Koa Records 106.
• Genre: Contemporary pop, Top 40.
• Distinguishing notes: Attempting to take advantage of her Asian ties and her Hawai'i residency, Japan's Victor Entertainment sees cross-cultural global marketing — and stardom — for the OKC Girl (Jennifer has co-hosted Oceanic Cable's Kiddieoke talent search). She's 15 and polished and this CD has a six-tune sampler with a crisp and lively sound, reflecting high production values. Among the cuts: a cover of Debbie Gibson's "Lost in Your Eyes" has that hot sizzle sound, but any of the other cuts ("Back on My Feet," "Just Friends," "If You Believe") could launch her here, giving her the wallop Japan expects to market all over the world.
• The outlook: Jennifer is as commercial as a Britney and has the prowess of a Celine; she can wail like a Whitney and has that ethnicity factor of a Christina. Her multi-ethnic looks may entice a cutting-edge audience; but happily, she's sweetly local.
• Our take: Give Jennifer a few months.

• Artist: Stacie Kuulei Taniguchi.
• Label: Music of Kaua'i PRE 7085.
• Genre: Contemporary.
• Distinguishing notes: Taniguchi, a former "Hawai'i Stars" winner, explores themes of reflection and hope. Designed as a healing counterpoint to the threat of terrorism that has become a fact of life, the mini-CD (including vocals and instrumental tracks) is entertaining, too. "E-Mail to Heaven (I Wish)," "One World" and "America, My Pride and Joy" demonstrate her exceptional voice and a style as comfy in ballads or upbeat tunes.
• The outlook: Forget the "patriotic" push (there's even a flag on the cover) and concentrate on Taniguchi's voice, and you'll better appreciate her talent.
• Our take: A great voice waiting to find an audience.