ISLAND SOUNDS
Yamasato goes romantically 'One'; Nina classic returns from the '70s

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Something contemporary; something hapa-haole and Hawaiian; something infinitely Hawaiian.

You'll find merit and magic in this week's CD explorations.

"ONE" by Jon Yamasato; 808 Productions

Distinguishing notes: Romantic ballads by the one-time member of Pure Heart, who proves he's still got a lot of heart and tuneful soul. His songwriting and musicianship (he plays all instruments here) maintain a reflective, romantic stance; "The Way It Should Be" and "Love's Got a Hold on Me," from his pen, demonstrate his ability to dot the points, making lyrics and notes come alive. A couple of covers suit him well, too: Iva Kinimaka's "He Aloha Me" (with pal Justin Young doing back-up vocals), James Taylor's "Fire and Rain," Peter Moon's and Larry Kimura's "E Pili Mai," Sam Cooke's "You Send Me" and Smokey Robinson's "Tracks of My Tears" (with Mailani Makaina Kalahiki also on vocals). His guitar and 'ukulele work add to the many pleasures.

The outlook: Yamasato's sensitivity shines in this low-key, high-potency release; not a party disc but one for cruising down love lane.

Our take: A do-it-all marvel with many expressions of love; he's evolving into the Audy Kimura of his generation.

"The Way It Should Be" by Jon Yamasato. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"NINA" by Nina Keali'iwahamana; Mountain Apple Records

Distinguishing notes: Available in the CD format for the first time since its 1970s origins, "Nina" remains a long-time favorite; her soprano voice is a classic, her enunciation and delivery are lessons for future singers. With Jack de Mello's rhapsodic orchestral and choral support, these remastered favorites are easy to take. Rediscover, then, the many pleasures here — "Moloka'i Nui Ahina," "Hawai'i Aloha," "'Akaka Falls," "Beyond the Reef," "E Huli Makou," "Pupu A 'O 'Ewa," and one we've cherished and forgotten about: "Adios Ke Aloha (Farewell My Love)."

The outlook: A primer for soprano wannabes; a welcome replacement for those worn-out vinyl long-playing albums. Nina has always been, and still is, a picture (and the perfect sound) of graciousness.

Our take: Nina rules again! But has she ever been away?

"Moloka'i Nui Ahina" by Nina Keali'iwahamana. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"THE GIFT OF MUSIC — FROM FATHER TO SON" by Dennis Kamakahi and David Kamakahi

Distinguishing notes: The father (Dennis) and son (David) connection gives this a familial charm; the elder Kamakahi is a legendary singer-composer popular as an integral member of Eddie Kamae's Sounds of Hawaii; the son is a still-blooming chip off the old block who, at 22, is establishing his own credentials as vocalist and instrumentalist. Here, they tackle some beloved favorites ("Hanohano Hanalei," "Ia 'Oe E Ka La," "Ka Manu") and some family tunes ("Dream Lady," "Ku'u Lei Pahipahi," "Ka Loke 'Ula Lahilahi"). Spoken narratives opening each tune provide explanations and relevance, but this element properly should have been in liner notes — so if you pretend that a learned deejay is "introducing" the playlist, you'll be all right with the format.

The outlook: Guitarist Dennis already is an accomplished master of Hawaiian music; involving his 'ukulele-strumming son David here adds a luster of 'ohana pride.

Our take: This is a "gift" that will keep on giving ... pleasurable listening.

"Hanohano Hanalei" by Dennis and David Kamakahi. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.