ISLAND SOUNDS
Maui gives us two more promising singers

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Maui no ka 'oi has been a battle cry for the Valley Isle for years; surely, its resources are many.

Two Maui residents enter the CD derby and the results are promising.

Multiple talents
"The First Time"

• Artist: Kawika Regidor.
• Label: Wind Wave Records WW 7062.
• Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian, island rhythms.
• Distinguishing notes: Regidor is a multitrack performer (singer, composer, Polynesian dancer, guitarist, 'ukulele artist, Polynesian drummer). Looks good, too, and the Maui native won a Na Hoku Hanohano scholarship while attending Baldwin High School. Here, he swings with a particular sweetness on ballads, an edgy hipness on Jawaiian entries, even gets help from the likes of Norm Thompson (background vocals), Salaam Tillman (percussion) and others.
• His originals ("Head Over Heels," "The First Time," "Maui My Home" reflect the logical posture — tackling themes and things near and dear to his life. He ventures into Hawaiian, though it's not his strength.
• The outlook: A certain freshness penetrates each track; sounds like an underdog ready for the big bark.
• Our take: Maui has been a wellspring for break-out talent (think Keali'i Reichel, Willie K, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Hapa, Uluwehi Guerrero, many more) ... so why not one more?

"Head Over Heels" by Kawika Regidor. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Fan of the falsetto
"Aloha Ku'u Home 'O Hana"

• Artist: Kaiolohia K. Funes Smith (aka Kai).
• Label: Ululoa Productions UL 104.
• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: In his CD debut, Kai's falsetto is a welcome arrival on the Hawaiiana front — a lad of today perpetuating a tradition of the past. Hula enthusiasts will find a lot to applaud, from new versions of old favorites ("Waikaloa," "Hanohano Hale'iwa," "Ku'u Milimili") to originals by Kai ("Kaulana 'O Honokalani," "Luakalai Lani") rendered in the traditional manner. He sings with assured blessings and support from a core of stylists, including Cody "Pueo" Pata on back-up vocals.
• The outlook: Songs about Hana add to the riches of recorded Hawaiiana; Kai's easy-going style is easy on the ears.
• Our take: If you savor the glory and gusto of falsetto, this one's a must.

"Hanohano Hale'iwa" by Kai. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.