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.
• • •
"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.
• • •
"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."
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"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.
