ISLAND SOUNDS
CD singles feature songs of aloha, patriotism

FROM LEFT: "Give Aloha," by the Give Aloha Performers, Synergy Hawai'i Day, SHD 2001 "God Bless This Country," by Rod Young, Moon Surfer Productions, MS 11201 "God Bless the USA," by the Society of Seven, no label credits

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Feel-good music, linked to the spirit of aloha and patriotism, is in the spotlight with these CD singles:

"Give Aloha," by the Give Aloha Performers: Jesse Rivera, who is as committed to his music as he is to his firefighting duties, had a notion, way before the events of Sept. 11, to create a moment of harmony and aloha here. He had a dream, finally realized, to compose a song (with the kokua from David Kawika Crowley and David Kahiapo) that could unite his musical peers and also all of Hawai'i.

It happened last Nov. 14, when 15 TV stations and 62 radio stations statewide all played "Give Aloha" simultaneously.

The come-together song, structured like "God Bless the USA" with a little bit of "We Are the World," speaks of love and smiles and friendship to create a bond of unity. Jerry Santos, Auntie Genoa Keawe, Malani Bilyeu, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Melveen Leed, Ilona Irvine, Kelly "Boy" DeLima and lots more sing the verses, capped by a chorus of keiki and adults.

An instrumental version also is featured. Proceeds from sales will benefit Prevent Child Abuse Hawai'i, so the effort not only has heart, but charity.

"Give Aloha" by the Give Aloha Performers. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"God Bless This Country," by Rod Young: Inspired by the 9/11, composer Gordon Broad wrote a song in somewhat of a country-music mode, which Rod Young delivers with soul-tingling appeal.

The lyrics don't miss a trick, upholding democracy, the melting pot spirit of America, the resolve of the nation. A narrative, midway through the tune, recalls the horrors of the terrorist bombings and calls for vigilance.

The companion tune, "Oldie But Goodie Love," demonstrates Young's command of a love song, with steel guitar work of Jerry Byrd a nice bonus.

"God Bless This Country" by Rod Young. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"God Bless the USA," by the Society of Seven: This CD single, issued last year at the height of the post-attack patriotism, has been refashioned with the addition of an a cappella rendering of the national anthem. The lure remains their long version of the Lee Greenwood signature coupled with "America the Beautiful," a rouser that closes the SOS show at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel, where copies are on sale after each show.

The nation anthem by Society of Seven. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.