ISLAND SOUNDS
A pair of artists sing tribute to Big Island

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Two Big Island residents offer different perspectives on island music and the way we live here. One is deeply rooted in a tradition that goes back two generations; the other is a contemporary reflection of life's simple pleasures.

A rare gem
"Honey Boy"

• Artist: Kekuhi Kanahele.
• Label: Mountain Apple Co. (MACD 2089).
• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian, with a few contemporary Hawaiian cuts.
• Distinguishing notes: Kekuhi's roots go back to her late grandmother, the illustrious and inspiring Edith Kanaka'ole; her mother is the eminent kumu and scholar Pualani Kanahele. Kekuhi, herself an innovator unafraid of taking risks, shows off her prolific composing husband, Kaipo Frias, and breeze through an accessible, enriching the Hawaiian journey fresh with songs of everyday life experiences and indelible beauty. Beautifully packaged, the CD is gemstone for the ears and for the eyes.
• The outlook: Grandma's composition, "Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai," is a blessedly energetic foray into the Hawaiian turf. Kekuhi expands the borders of Hawaiiana with a style and manner that is truly an original. Hers is a voice you'll be haunted by, one you'll never forget. Her raw, assertive vocal style, purely personal, breathes gusto and life into such classics as "Kane'ohe" and a sumptuous "Moon Medley." Husband Frias' chant at the beginning of "Ka Ipo Lei Manu" typifies the rare artistry at hand. The title tune is as modern as she'll ever get, and she really gets down in a blues-jazz mood. And listen up: there's a "bonus" track on titas — an irresistible surprise.
• Our take: Kekuhi is the female counterpart to Gabby Pahinui — one of a kind.

"Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai" by Kekuhi Kanehele. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Love of Hawai'i
"Back to Hawai'i"

• Artist: Randy Parker.
• Label: Mauka Productions MP 100.
• Genre: Island rhythms.
• Distinguishing notes: Parker is composer of all but two tunes here; his stories set to music reflect a joyous time in the Islands, so the journey is part reflection.
• The outlook: Good fun, party spirit prevails, on "Chamorita Tita," with small-kid-type phrases galore; much of the other tracks hint of love, friendship and simple pleasures; check out "Iliahi," "Honey Pie," "Back to Hawai'i" and "Happy To Be Me."
• Our take: Yet another excursion into a mindscape that cherishes Hawai'i as a very special place to live and love.

"Chamorita Tita" by Randy Parker. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.