Forte's crisp sounds tipped for success
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
The week's finds include a vocal quartet looking for stardom and a traditional Hawaiian trio with the sound of success.
"Montage"
• Artists: Forte (Gisselle Tejada, Joanne Banda, Kristina Babaran, Marlene Balduezo).
• Label: Afterthought Music, AE 10105.
• Genre: Urban, hip-hop, pop, rhythm 'n' blues.
• Distinguishing notes: Forte has long been in search of stardom; this new CD may bridge the gap for Marlene, Jo, Kay and Gee, as they like to be called. Even with Britney-type echoes, Destiny's Child-inspired harmonics, TLC-like pizzaz and Janet-hip elocution, "Montage" remains purely personal from a foursome hungry for fame. Songs, mainly written by DisGuyz's Jason Lent and Elan Markos, are crisp and contagious, with beaucoup chart potential: "Straight Out," "Boys vs. Men" and "In Love Again" are first-rate. Guest appearances by DisGuyz on a "Close to You" update of The Carpenters' hit, plus Glenn Medeiros' presence on his "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love" add commercial insurance.
• The outlook: While the vocals are rich and resourceful, with immaculate delivery, there are sequences of idle chatter, self-introductions, personality-revealing sound bytes that disrupt the flow of the music. "Remember the Heroes" is a quiet surprise, an homage to 9/11 heroes full of emotion, pride and patriotism.
• Our take: Forte is flirting with success. You go, girls.
• • •
"Mali'o e"
• Artists: Kahua (Kevin Morikone, Gavan Miyashita, Nakana Wong).
• Label: Poki Records, SPCD 9067.
• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: Finalists in the 2000 Battle for the Bash, Kahua assembles a likeable roster of beloved island classics and a few new finds that handsomely reflect the talent in the ranks. Falsetto faves such as "Na Ka Pueo" and "Alekoki" immediately hurl you back in time and place (those are Miyashita's falsetto tones at work). And the journey taps other spirited vocals ("Papa Lahilahi," "Kauoha Mai") as well as ki ho'alu ("Slack Key Hula," "Keoki's Slack Key") by Morikone. Even established tunes ("Pua Hone," "Ka'a Ahi Kahului") get vigorous new workouts.
• The outlook: Versatility rules; and the accent on traditional Hawaiian vocals and musicianship (tune in to "Kauoha Mai") are evidence that this group could garner lasting popularity.
• Our take: Think Young Makaha Sons at the starting gate.
