ISLAND SOUNDS
Ells treats chartbusters to smooth island style

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

"Let's Do It Again" by Ells (Twin Waters Records)

• Genre: Contemporary pop.
• Distinguishing notes: Ells (no longer using his full name, Ellsworth Simeona) is "Groovin'" (the Young Rascals classic, updated with a rap by Mr. Vanray at midpoint) on his second CD. Guests add octane to the material, too: Ilona Irvine joins Ells in a bluesy "Let's Do It Again," Tanner Henderson of Chant earns his rap-u-tation on the whisper-soft "Muskrat Love," and two young talents, Alana Noland (daughter of John and Sylvia Noland) and Kanoa Goo (the budding star of stage, last seen in "Titanic" and "Mame"), bring a youthful measure to "Black and White." Ells demonstrates communicative prowess, especially on love songs like "When a Man Loves a Woman," "Longer" and "The One You Love," quickly earning ownership of the earlier Top 40 hits.
• The outlook: Smooth vocals, crisply produced, should help Ells sell.
• Our take: Ells has been an opening act for the likes of Ho'okena and The Commodores; this CD could establish him as a headliner.

"Let's Go Dancing" by Ells. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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"Lineage" by Sam Kapu III (SK Records)

• Genre: Contemporary and traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: Sam Kapu III pays tribute to his family heritage on his second CD: Dad Sam Jr. is the menehune of the radio waves; his grandfathers, are Sam Sr. (a veteran on "Hawai'i Calls") and Jesse Kalima (the 'ukulele virtuoso). So it's no surprise that he's taken a backward look to chart his future. His vocals perpetuate some island classics, some part of his family lore ("Mauna Loa" was a hula favorite of Grandpa Kapu, "Chotto Matte Kudasai" a hit for Dad, "Lepe 'Ula 'Ula" a signature of Grandpa Kalima). There are more personal attachments: "Because of You" was written by the singer to commemorate the birth of his daughter.
• The outlook: A revealing collection that at once shows off Kapu's easy-going Hawaiian voice ("Hi'ilawe" is rendered as a backyard jam song, marvelous and laid-back) and his commitment to recalling his 'ohana.
• Our take: Sam's the man, for this and future generations.

"Maunaloa" by Sam Kapu III. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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"He Aloha No" by Keawe Lopes (Mana Pa'i Records)

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: A labor of love, Keawe Lopes' debut CD taps his strengths as a Hawaiian singer, dancer and composer. Most of the titles are his; a couple were penned in collaboration with his wife, the former Tracie Farias. Most of the tunes have a hula orientation, and all of the songs have ties with island living — of places ("Aloha NŒnŒkuli," "Hanohano Kahalu'u," "Nani Pauoa," "Welina Manoa"), of things ("Ka Melia Henoheno," about plumeria, and "Ua Sila Ka Pelika," about lehua). Of course, Hawaiian-style music often has kaona, or hidden meanings.
• The outlook: Lopes' falsetto and his poetry show promise — a Bill Lincoln for his generation, maybe?
• Our take: Lots of aloha in the voice, in the music, in the listening.

"Aloha Waianae" by Keawe Lopes. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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