ISLAND SOUNDS
Traditionalists will love new CD releases
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
A consistent island band dwells on territorial sounds; an eminent Hawaiian mentor and resource is back with a reissue to please a new generation of hula enthusiasts; a Kaua'i couple adds an unusual historical spin to ki hoalu.
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Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
Distinguishing notes: Kenneth Makuakane, the driving force behind The Pandanus Club, is an industry triple threat — a composer, an engineer, a performer. This stylish, easy-mannered foray into songs known and not so common suits his artistry. From the opening "Papalina Lahilahi" to the closing "Pua Melia 'Ula'ula," there's sweet and gentle fare, great for hula, even better for relaxed listening. The riches are many: "Ke Kumu La'au," "Ku'uleimomi," "Na Pua Hiwahiwa." Close your eyes and you transit to territorial Hawai'i, with simple pleasures galore.
The outlook: A wonderful collection, performed with restraint and respect — that is to say, no flash, no glitz, just plain-folk vocalizing and adding occasional harmony. One shortcoming: the disc is devoid of useful liner notes; nowadays, listeners demand data on who did what and why.
Our take: The CD title means conviction, determination; The Pandanus Club reflects that, and more, like a commitment to preserve a cherished style of island singing and playing.
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"Papalina Lahilahi" by The Pandanus Club. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats. |
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Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
Distinguishing notes: This 1980 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards winner for Best Traditional Album reflects the magnitude of the artistry of the late Aunty Edith Kanaka'ole, a source of inspiration and even intimidation among hula types and Hawaiian music fans. Her music — reissued on CD for the first time — embodies her culture, her life, her vision, her emotions; the Hawaiian monologues introducing the tunes set the tone of the performances, and extensive liner notes with lyrics extend the worth and wonderment of this beacon of Island music. Yes, this is the same Kanaka'ole whose name has become synonymous with the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo; her 'ohana includes daughters Pualani Kanahele and Nalani Kanaka'ole, and granddaughter Kekuhi Kanahele.
The outlook: The enlightenment factor probably overshadows the entertainment prospects here; listen to Aunty Edith's phraseology, her asides, her naturalness; her wisdom is indelible. This is the genuine stuff.
Our take: A valuable resource, now readily accessible; should be revered by hula enthusiasts.
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"Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai" by Aunty Edith Kanaka'ole. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats. |
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Genre: Hawaiian slack-key guitar.
Distinguishing notes: This Hanalei, Kaua'i entry, showcasing Doug's ki ho'alu artistry, is part talk-story, as wife Sandy narrates the history and growth of slack-key guitar, venturing to demos on ipu (gourd), nose flute and 'ukulele, and providing historical notes. The guitarmanship is soothing and atmospheric, tapping numerous classics from "Pua Sardinia" to "Salomila," from "Aunty Alice Slack Key" to "Hawai'i Aloha." The narratives are intended to acquaint the listener to Hawai'i, so the appeal likely would be to visitors with little or no knowledge of these Islands.
The outlook: If you savor slack key, the narratives may be intrusive.
Our take: The talk over the strumming makes this CD unusual — like listening to liner notes.
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"Pua Sardinia" by Sandy & Doug McMaster. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats. |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, phone 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
