ISLAND SOUNDS
Bumatai's 'friends' brings joy, laughs in live-gig recording
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Andy Bumatai is back with a vengeance — and a new "live" CD to enhance, promote and propel his new "live" gig in Waikiki (see below).
Two other new Christmas CDs emerged since our compilation last Sunday; they get a listen. And an old favorite is back in a new dress.
Enjoy.
"Andy Bumatai/Brain Child" by Andy Bumatai; Hula RecordsGenre: Comedy.
Distinguishing notes: Bumatai has been billed as Hawai'i's first stand-up comedian, and he's back. Recorded live at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, Bumatai goes to town, demonstrating his ease and wizardry in embracing Island (and ethnic) comedy. A Filipino himself, he pokes fun at his ethnic group (yep, with references to black dogs); he also surfs into Frank DeLima turf, finding fodder in Portuguese and Chinese characters. Sample tracks: "How Eating Dog Started," "Neighbor Island Directions," "Big Mahu." All funny. All current. (Hey, Brothers Caz, you are the target of a lovely dart). You're likely to hear these jokes at the Palace Showroom of the Ohana Reef Towers Hotel, where Bumatai has a new Friday- and Saturday-night stand with Paul Ogata.
The outlook: Bumatai makes the mundane madly comical, like his take on "stupid signs" (like the little sticker on apples). And he also does a multitude of voices. And hooray, he remains deliberately clean — no expletives, no questionable material, no offensive vignettes.
Our take: Could be this year's favorite stocking stuffer. Something the whole family can enjoy.
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"Neighbor Island Directions" by Andy Bumatai. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats. |
"Mele Kalikimaka from Kanilau" by Kanilau; independently released
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Distinguishing notes: Kanilau is true 'ohana, family members and friends engaged in wholesome and tuneful recreation: singing and playing Island music. In this Christmas venture, Roland Chang (vocals, 12-string guitar and sundry other instruments), Alapa'i Chang (vocals), Kimo Artis (vocals, 12-string guitar and more) and Noelani Chang (vocals) frolic amid such staples as "Christmas in Hawai'i," "Christmas Lu'au," "Christmas Island" and a delightful medley stringing together "Sleigh Ride," "Hawaiian Santa" and "Mele Kalikimaka."
The outlook: A family spirit and sound prevails; the solemn selections ("O Holy Night," "Silent Night") recall Christmases past. And: "What Child Is this/Mary Did You Know" deserves to be a classic.
Our take: Nahenahe sound — gather-'round-the-piano, strum-the-guitar moods — make this one a pleasure and a treasure.
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"Christmas Island" by Kanilau. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats. |
"Moonlight Christmas" by Traci Toguchi; Imanaka Kudo & Fujimoto
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Distinguishing notes: Traci Toguchi is a former Miss Hawai'i with a big, bluesy, even theatrical voice. Here, under the aegis of Bruce Hamada, she takes a stroll through Christmas terrain, amid a light jazz musical cloak. The result is soothing, wistful rendering of popular holiday tunes, from a gentle "Joy to the World" to a boppin' "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," from a samba-shuffled-tempoed "Little Drummer Boy" to a solemn "Silent Night." The arrangements by Hamada bring new insights to some titles, so there are surprises at every turn.
The outlook: With a limited-time window of opportunity for promotion and airplay, it may take Toguchi several seasons to establish herself as a Christmas artist.
Our take: A bold but endearing take on holiday hits. For Toguchi, who can be a wailer, the peace and calm themes yield a new dimension to her vocal reputation.
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"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Traci Toguchi. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats. |
"Hawai'i's Favorite Christmas Songs" by various artists; Hula Records
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Distinguishing notes: Since earlier including this CD as one we'd take along if stranded on a paradise island, it's been repackaged and reissued by producer Flip McDiarmid III, so it warrants a few fresh notes. There are new entries from Nina Keali'iwahamana ("White Christmas"), Hilo Hattie ("Santa's Hula") and Frank Leto ("Auld Lang Syne"), plus a cheerful version of "Kani Kani Pele" by the Hawai'i Calls Chorus. The popular "Numbah One Day of Christmas" has been elevated to lead track (as performed by Ed Kenney and the Honolulu Boy Choir).
The outlook: Still a keeper, since tunes such as "E Aloha 'E" by Brickwood Galuteria, "Christmas Day Promise" by Danny Couch and "Christmas Cheer" by Cecilio and Kapono remain staples.
Our take: A solid choice to say Mele Kalikimaka the Hawaiian way.
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"White Christmas" by Nina Keali'iwahamana. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats. |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
