ISLAND SOUNDS
Tabu's Polynesian mix has seductive vocal punch

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

A female singer with a hard-to-pigeonhole sound, influenced by the rhythms of Polynesia; another soulful female with a radio-friendly songbag and a jazz trio with new-age appeal fill up this week's CD bin.

It's a mixed bag, so explore.

"Polynesia" by Tabu; Polyriddim Records

Genre: Island rhythms.

Distinguishing notes: Tabu is a female vocalist, inspired by the pulsating syncopation from the cultures of Hawa'i, Tonga and the South Seas, so her debut disc is an exotic mixture of styles and rhythms, occasionally sounding like reggae with jungle fever elements or tribal rituals set to a hip-hop beat. Think Sade with a sarong number — the vision of a musical hybrid with a seductive vocal punch. "Polynesia (Rainbow Country)" is the most commercial track, a reworking of a Bob Marley tune and one of two covers on the disc; eight tracks are new, including "Partytime," a party-pleaser featuring B.E.T., and "Can It Be Love," which is a slice of her pop/Top 40 side.

The outlook: Difficult to categorize, and perhaps market, because of its Polynesian influences and hybrid sound, but an intriguing excursion into yet another layer of the reggae phenom.

Our take: Tabu-late the charms, and you have a bracelet of unusual gems.

"Polynesia (Rainbow Country)" by Tabu. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Stacie" by Stacie; Ear Candy Records

Genre: Adult contemporary, Island rhythms.

Distinguishing notes: Stacie has a soulful voice that ought to go places; her sound is geared for radio, her delivery pack a wallop and the tunes deal with love on several levels. Best bets: "Oooh Baby," "I Like," "All Over You," "Only You."

The outlook: One of the emerging "stars" of this outing is composer Brandon Caires, who wrote eight of the 10 tunes (Stacie wrote the other two).

Our take: A performer to watch in the months ahead; to borrow one of the titles, "I Like," and you'll probably like, too.

"I Like" by Stacie. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Cool Breeze" by Kohala; Palm Records

Genre: Instrumentals, with a lite jazz flavor.

Distinguishing notes: Kohala is guitarists Charles Michael Brotman, Kevin Teves and Charlie Recaido. Kohala's escapades cover turf that taps Hawai'i, Japan and the Pacific rim — all in a tranquil, dream-like posture.

The outlook: Not your father's or grandfather's jazz; kind of an eloquent new-age version.

Our take: Cool sounds that easily can convert a nonjazz fan into an instant aficionado.

"Night Marchers" by Kohala. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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