By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

The 'ukulele continues to be a source of divine entertainment — in the right hands.

Four artists who have been on a mission to explore the solo virtues of the uke have a new CD out; a fifth, a master who has not lost his touch, continues to add global awareness through his artistry.

For beginning student or accomplished strummers, there are stunning morsels to savor here.

"The Art of Solo 'Ukulele," by Benny Chong, Gordon Mark, Jake Shimabukuro and Byron Yasui (Tradex).

• Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian, world music, instrumental 'ukulele.
• Distinguishing notes: This volume is the result of a collaboration to spotlight the 'ukulele as a solo concert instrument; just as there are different songs for different moods, there are varying styles by these venturesome virtuosos. The performances are unblemished, pure, simple and outstanding, without accompaniment — just the uke, pure and precise.
• The outlook: Surprises are bountiful; Shimabukuro's usual frenetic style is toned down a bit on a patriotic yet expressive "God Bless America," Chong evokes a cool jazz hue on "The Way You Look Tonight," Mark proves to be a shameless romantic on "Love Theme From Romeo and Juliet" and Yasui is the razzle-dazzle sparkplug on "March Medley."
• Our take: A lingering aural snapshot of the versatility of the uke and the amazing artistry of four who take charge and let their nimble fingers do all the talking as they put new polish on the favored island instrument.

"Ku'u Ipo I Ka He'e Pue One" by Gordon Mark. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Hawaiian Suite" by Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta (Victor Entertainment)

• Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian, world music, instrumental 'ukulele.
• Distinguishing notes: One of the pioneers who helped give the uke a solo status has combo support in a chic, smooth assembly of island tunes geared to the Japanese market.
• The outlook: Ohta-san has been ichiban (No. 1) for four decades, perhaps longer, in bridging Hawai'i and Japan with his uke-strumming. The fare includes Ohta originals such as "Wailea" and "Waikoloa," island hits such as "Flying" and standards such as "Waikiki" and "Ka Makani Kaili Aloha," all rendered with grace, warmth and a spirit of idyllic adventure. Just the kind of tunes you'd love to hear after a joyous island holiday; just the kind of performances that prod you to imagine dancing hula maidens interpreting the beauty of the moment.
• Our take: Ohta's soothing take on new and known songs has yielded a fusion of sorts — the new-age stance marrying bossa nova melding with light jazz stirred with romantic expression.

"Hawai'i" by Ohta-san. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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