ISLAND SOUNDS
Tunes, tales offer retreat into local fun

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Tropical relaxation
"Middle of the Ocean"

Artist: Coconut Joe.

Label: Turtle Bay Records, 00865-2.

Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian, hapa-haole.

Distinguishing notes: This is an easygoing, tropical treat, with songs that relate to fun in the sun, joy in the water, memories of an island paradise by daylight and by night.

The outlook: "All About Love," "Sweet Angelina," "Island Rendezvous" and "Haupia" are laid-back tracks projecting a lifestyle in the tropics; it's the perfect companion while relaxing beneath a coconut tree, on a sunny summer afternoon at the beach.

Our take: Good-fun listening.

"Sweet Angelina" by Coconut Joe. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Artist: Kent Bowman.

Label: Hula Records CDHS-502.

Genre: Pidgin storytelling, comedy.

Distinguishing notes: Before Booga Booga, Lisa Matsumoto or Lee Cataluna, there was Kent Bowman, a prime mover of pidgin in entertainment. This is a reissue, with Matsumoto's liner notes summing it up: "Dis is one classic."

The outlook: Whoa, da good fun. Braddah Bowman, he use diffr'nt kine accent and plenny Hawaiian words, and he go tell about Goldie and the T'ree Wile Pua'a, Rumple Dakineskin, Little Lei Puahi (Red Riding Hood), 'Ekolu Keiki Pua'a (Three Little Pigs), Keaka and Da Beanstalk.

Our take: One good idea fo' replace da old LP to share wit' da 'ohana.

"Rumple Dakineskin" by Kent Bowman. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.