ISLAND SOUNDS
Traditional falsetto evokes territorial era

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

A backyard party spirit, a homecoming of musicians who collaborate as a group, and a next-generation combo of a popular reigning act — these are the spokes on this week's musical wheels.

Spin on ...

"Makani 'Olu'olu" by Na Palapalai; Koops 2

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: Na Palapalai is Keao Costa, Kehau Tamure and Kuana Torres, a magically melodious trio with a refreshingly nostalgic backyard sound of simpler times and fond memories. In a time of change and high tech, it's joyous to encounter a group that blends voices with traditional instruments in a soulful parade of songs that tell of a Hawai'i of yesteryear.
• The outlook: Eight of the 12 titles are covers, four are originals, all have that stamp of territorial Hawai'i. Falsetto notes prevail; the mood is mellow, kanikapila-style; some songs are solos, but the blend of voices is the draw here. Imagine a leisurely back porch party at tutu's, where the beer flows as quickly as the music — that's Na Palapalai. The title tune is a Tamure original that captures the intoxicating sweetness of the Na Palapalai sound, but a quick listen to Johnny Almeida's "Ku'uipo Pua Rose," Bill Lincoln's "Nani Lawai," or Alvin Isaacs' "Nani Nani" melded with Mary Pukui and Kahauanu Lake's "Nani Venuse," and you get the essence of the trio's shimmering brilliance.
• Our take: Old-timers and new fans of traditional Hawaiian music will find this one particularly relaxing and reflective of an era gone by — but happily not forgotten.

"Ku'uipo Pua Rose" by Na Palapalai. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Coming Home" by Five by 5; Sugarcane on the Rocks Records

• Genre: Contemporary island, pop.
• Distinguishing notes: Five by 5 is a group of five pals reuniting after years apart; the CD is sort of a coming home celebration that reflects their musical interests and pop styles, evocative of Jackson 5, the Temptations and Smoky Robinson from Motown and local acts like Na Leo Pilimehana, B.E.T. and Sean Na'auao. Members are Darrell (aka DK Kahalewai), Neal (one-named wonder), Karauna Nasasu, Tony "Taigah" Bower (aka Big T) and Jalen Garcia.
• The outlook: Numerous treats abound here, from an update (with B.E.T. support) of the J5's "I Want You Back" (a natural for airplay here), to a handful of sleek, smart originals by group members ("Ku'uipo I Need You," "Get Down With You," "Coming Home (My Hawai'i)," and "Just a Dream." One to flag: "What Would Love Do," a rock ballad composed by Carlos Villalobos and Glenn Medeiros. Ballads to here-and-now hip-hop; variety's their middle name.
• Our take: Could be this year's hottie.

"I Want You Back" by Five by 5. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Let's Rock" by The Next Generation; Dan-Pa Productions

• Genre: Island rhythms, pop.
• Distinguishing notes: What a clever, natural evolution: The Mana'o Company presents this Next Generation foursome, composed of Kamuela Sing, Micah Francis Keolanui, Caleb Joseph Keolanui and J.P. Kennedy, kinfolk of the original TMC. A handful of guest acts — Fiji, Pati, Danny Kennedy, Tiare Kekaula , John Kaina — bring a measure of pleasure to the discovery of this younger offspring of TMC.
• The outlook: A menu of originals (yep, group members write songs, though Uncle Danny Kennedy also authored a couple) gives The Next Generation a fresh and appealing outlook. The title song, plus "In the Morning" and "Highway to Loneliness" could fuel fan reaction; then again, locals love remakes, so "La La Means I Love You" and "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" should surface and help the group soar.
• Our take: A chip off the ol' block(buster).

"In the Morning" by The Next Generation. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Reach Wayne Harada by e-mailing wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, phoning 525-8067 or faxing 525-8055.