ISLAND SOUNDS
Jake Shimabukuro CD proves he is ichiban

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

What's hot? Jake Shimabukuro's dynamic new solo 'ukulele CD, due Tuesday.

What's old, but newly available? Rene Paulo's piano serenades, of Hawaiian and Japanese favorites.

"Sunday Morning" by Jake Shimabukuro (Four Strings)

Genre: Instrumental 'ukulele; world music.

Distinguishing notes: Jake-san, as he is called in Japan, where this CD was done (one exception: "Crazy G" was recorded at Chai's Island Bistro), is ichiban (No. 1) among the 'ukulele players of his generation. This exquisite sampler combines Shimabukuro's mood-shifting originals ("Sand Channel," "Let's Dance," "Love Is ..." and the title tune), with evocative love songs from the past ("My Heart Will Go On," "Close to You," "Sleep Walk") that speak a precise language of intimacy, often with resourceful orchestral sweetening. His trademark fast-fingering fireworks are displayed selectively ("Toastmaker's Revenge"), too, and his uke sometimes sounds like the koto ("Selections from Caprice No. 24").

The outlook: Shimabukuro continues to be a sparkplug who's hot, hot, hot.

Our take: "Sunday" is suitable for morning, noon and night.

"Waikiki" by Rene Paulo (Respect Records)

Genre: Instrumental piano; contemporary Hawaiian.

Distinguishing notes: At 73, Paulo remains an integral part of the piano-playing hierarchy after being a pioneer for four decades. These solo piano interpretations of island songs bring him up to date with his die-hard fans. The disc mixes of hapa-haole ("Beyond the Reef," "My Hawaiian Souvenirs," "Lovely Hula Hands") with contemporary Hawaiian favorites ("Honolulu City Lights"), reflecting a panorama of songs known the world over. One gem: Paulo's eloquence on "Pupu Hinuhinu," the Nona Beamer signature about little shells that remains a children's sing-along favorite.

The outlook: A cherished stroll down memory lane, with enlightening liner notes in English and Japanese.

Our take: Paulo's latest captures the various moods of a tropical paradise.

"Beyond the Reef" by Rene Paulo. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Surftide" by Rene Paulo (Respect Records)

Genre: Instrumental piano; contemporary Japanese.

Distinguishing notes: Paulo grew up in Hawai'i at a time when Japanese music was readily aired on radio and performed in clubs. Many tunes here have been part of his repertoire, including his signature "Koko Ni Sachi Ari (Here Is Happiness)," "Kimi to Itsumademo (Together With You Forever, Forever More)" and "Hamabe No Uta (Beach Song)." Others paint pictures of a tranquil and nostalgic Japan. One topped the American pop charts, "Sukiyaki (Ue Wo Muite Aruko)."

The outlook: The poet of the keyboards has a technique that often makes a Japanese oldie sound like a classical-genre stand-out; precise liner notes in English and in Japanese address his fan base.

Our take: Easy-going, easy-listening.

"Koko Ni Sachi Ari" by Rene Paulo. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.