ISLAND SOUNDS
New albums offer traditional Hawaiian, 'ukulele, a bit of pop

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Two albums of traditional Hawaiian songs — one by a still-on-the-ascent teenager, the other by a Hawaiian music pioneer from a long disbanded group — top this week's CD fare.

A classic 'ukulele stylist returns for more instrumentals aimed at the Japanese market and a New York-produced disc tries to find an audience here.

All in all, great listening.

"Among My Souvenirs" by Anelaikalani (Shaka Records)

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: At 14, Anelaikalani has completed her third disc, this one compiling an atmospheric list of songs that suit her old-style falsetto tones. The title is hitched to a Genoa Keawe signature from the past, "My Hawaiian Souvenir," with the thrust of the CD geared to her ability to bring innocence and expression to titles from yesteryear. Best bet: "I Ali'i No Oe," with the real "auntie" sound being perpetuated by the likes of Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom. Other gems: "Ka Lei E," "Le'Ohu," "I Ka Po Me Ke Ao" and "Nanea I Kou Nani." Too bad liner lyrics are not included as a listener's bonus.
• The outlook: Anelaikalani's voice is a succulent one, bursting with emotion; arrangements by Ken Makuakane help bring out her best, while it bridges the warmth of yesterday with the joy of today. A clutch of music vets pitch in — Buddy Fo, Jeff Rasmussen, Chris Kealiaa, Casey Olsen and Makuakane.
• Our take: The third time's the charmer for Anelaikalani.

"Le'Ohu" by Anelaikalani. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Manuela Boy" by Ohta-san (MH Records)

• Genre: Hawaiian instrumentals, featuring the 'ukulele and guest vocals.
• Distinguishing notes: Before there was Jake Shimabukuro or Herb Ohta Jr., there was Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta, who still is very much a part of the 'ukulele mainstream. Here, with support from a battery of musician friends, Ohta shows how powerful and poignant his uke can be as he tackles such favorites as "On a Coconut Island," "My Isle of Golden Dreams" and "Haole Hula." In the process, Ohta demonstrates his precision on the uke — demonstrating its strength as a solo instrument, its capabilities as a back-up instrument. Among the vocals: Buddy Fo updating "To Make You Love Me Ku'uipo," Henry Imaikalani Young injecting whimsy and nostalgia on "Manuela Boy" and Bruce Hamada providing a jazz flavor on "Swingtime in Honolulu."
• The outlook: Intended for a Japan audience but also available here, this is a stylish entry that upholds the strength and versatility of the 'uke in Ohta's capable hands.
• Our take: Ohta-san still is ichi-ban (No. 1).

"Ka Leo Ki'eki'e" by Dennis Pavao (Poki Records)

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: The late Dennis Pavao was the lead singer for Hui 'Ohana, the seminal Hawaiian group that emerged in the 1970s. In this reissue, fans can recall his classic falsetto voice and his prowess in Hawaiian songs. The fare includes "Hula Lady," "Kimo Henderson Hula," "Puna Ku'u Aloha" and "Puamana," plus a Pavao original, "Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka 'Aina I Ka Pono," performed in lower registers.
• The outlook: Great chance to replace your vinyl or cassette version of this album, which earned Pavao the 1987 Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Best Male Vocalist.
• Our take: This could be an introduction to a new wave of Hawaiian music fans who were too young to appreciate Pavao in his prime years.

"Kimo Henderson Hula" by Dennis Pavao. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Dreams Do Come True" by Janine Alondres (Honu Productions)

• Genre: Adult contemporary, pop.
• Distinguishing notes: Though produced in New York, this disc by a sultry jazz-pop singer is available here because Janine Alondres is eager to become part of the musical landscape in the Islands. She covers big territory — show tunes like "Summertime," pop classics like "Misty," blues indelibles like "God Bless the Child" and international favorites like "Wave." Her phrasing, her emoting, her delivery are characteristic of a true songbird of the club; surely, she ought to find a perch from which she can share her serenades.
• The outlook: Tough go to get airplay for this caliber of music, amid playlists that favor Hawaiian, Jawaiian, etc.
• Our take: A talent eager to find her place in the sun.

"All My Tomorrows" by Janine Alondres. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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