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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, September 22, 2002

ISLAND SOUNDS
Sweet Sani sounds helped out by friends

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

A budding singer, with a romantic voice, makes his debut, bringing aboard a cluster of friends.

A Hawaiian ensemble, paying tribute to its mentor, finally gets a CD out.

A reorganized group, hard to categorize but easy to appreciate, makes a stunning return, performing hip island rhythms.

On with the discovery:

• • •

"Sani," by Sani (Lucky Star Records/Feel Good Entertainment)

  • Genre: Urban, world music, island rhythms.
  • Distinguishing notes: A new voice, sweetly romantic despite the prevailing tempos; a hot sound, is augmented with efficient support from local hipsters. Lots to explore here: "Front Door" is a Jawaiian anthem with Tanoa of Three-Plus guesting; "So Many People" taps B.E.T. and Ilona Irvine; "Quarter of a Man" shimmers with Ho'onua's and Fiji's obvious presence.
  • The outlook: Sani's voice is his calling card; it would be prudent to showcase it in future outings in all its purity with less outside embellishments. It's all about focus.
  • Our take: There's a star ready to shine somewhere in this mix.

"I Just Called" by Sani. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• • •

"Na Mele 'Auhau (Songs of Tribute)," by the Kahauanu Lake Singers (Hula)

  • Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
  • Distinguishing notes: The K-Lake Singers are a family group. They sing songs in the style, with haunting reverence, of their founder, K-Lake, and Tommy Lake, who were part of the landmark Kahauanu Lake Trio of yesteryear.
  • The outlook: Abundant pleasures, in both the serious mode ("Pualeilani") and fun spirit ("Kauoha Mai"), all rendered in the easy-going innocence of a territorial Hawai'i. "Kawena," the tune Lake penned for the late Mary Kawena Pukui, epitomizes the luminous Lake mana'o.
  • Our take: You can't sound more Hawaiian than this group.

"Waimea" by Kahauanu Lake Singers. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• • •

"Identity" by Pacific Blu (Pacific Blu)

  • Genre: Island rhythms, Jawaiian.
  • Distinguishing notes: The Pac is back with a vengeance. Kawehi Kekauoha, and original members Paul Yoshida and Alika Kalauli IV are joined by Clayton Apilando, Fred Alcain and Revelation Kalauli for a groovy second-CD cruise. Especially notable: "Everyday I Write the Book," with potential Top 40 clout. Unequivocally an audience favorite: "Okole Boogaloo," with bold blues, jazzy funk.
  • The outlook: Fluctuating rhythms make The Pac hard to pigeonhole, hard to predict, easy to appreciate and easy to explore.
  • Our take: To quote a line in one song, "Stay with the rhythm ... don't quit."

"Stay With The Rhythm" by Pacific Blu. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, phone 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.