ISLAND SOUNDS
Na Leo's 14th album full of sweetness

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

A ranking female vocal trio popular here and abroad and an upstart soul combo poised for national stardom offer prime listening options.

"Hawaiian Memories"

• Artist: Na Leo Pilimehana.
• Label: Na Leo Pilimehana NLPCD 3014.
• Genre: Contemporary, traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: Na Leo's album continues a tradition of fusing island sentiments with endearing expression from Lehua Kalima Heine, Angela Morales and Nalani Choy. The musical journey this time is rooted in family remembrances, with small-kid-time memories infiltrating their adult perspective of Hawai'i as 'aina of choice.
• The outlook: Sweet harmonies, Na Leo's trademark, thrive on this, their 14th CD. A nostalgic, even religious, undercurrent ripples through "Ku'u Sweet Lei Makamae," "Ku'u One Hanau" is reflective of child-rearing. A winning medley of "He Punahele/Baby Mine" glows with parental joy and pride. "Hilo Hula" is a morsel of traditional island syncopation — dancers, take note. And "Koni Au" and "Kawohikukapulani" are exquisitely revived with Na Leo's nourishing, lucid persuasion.
• Our take: Memories are made of this.

"Kahakuloa" by Na Leo Pilimehana. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Jimmy has a go

"Soul Arrival"

• Artist: Go Jimmy Go.
• Label: Moon Room Records 22132.
• Genre: Soul, contemporary pop.
• Distinguishing notes: Jimmy's going places; the band (Jason "Bison" Friedmann, Ian Ashley, Andrew McLellan, Cameron Wright, Shon Gregory, Eric White, Fernando Pacheco) displays passion for what it does, mixing a danceable stew that taps soul, ska and old-fashioned pop rock, with an occasional jazz riff. Signed to tour the country with the Vans Warped Tour this summer, "Soul" comes at an opportune time. The cohesive blend on the likes of "Push Me Out," "Soul Arrival" and "In Between Time" should help fuel their summer fire.
• The outlook: A deserving island band, with the goods to make it nationally.
• Our take: Way to Go, Jimmy.

"Soul Arrival" by Go Jimmy Go. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.