ISLAND SOUNDS
Samples of the past, present and pidgin

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Boat day songs ... a compilation of contemporary island music ... a Big Island quintet making some noise ... and a pidgin version of obake stories.

That's quite a range in the local CD bins.

Listen up.

• Genre: A concept album — dockside serenades recalling the era of sea travels.
• Distinguishing notes: In reality, few would enjoy an entire set of boatside songs as passengers disembark. In an era of jumbo jets and security checks, however, perhaps this is the way to go — if you have the money and inclination. Chang encapsules the kinds of songs she and her group perform at a typical Aloha Boat Day at Aloha Tower Marketplace: "'Alika," "Sing Me a Song of the Islands," "Sweet Leilani," "Pua Be-Still," "Kalua," and "Hilo March."
• The outlook: A nostalgic trip — only the fragrant lei and ship horn blasts are missing.
• Our take: Strictly for the boat trade.

"Alika" by Moana Chang. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• • •

• Genre: Island rhythms, Jawaiian, contemporary Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: The Kekai Boyz (CJ, Myke, Avery, Uncle Jona, Tyron) are a Keaukaha (Big Island) fivesome making the right moves. The title number, a meet-and-greet, this-song-is-about-us outing, shows that the Boyz are hip, hot and happening. Other originals have at least an ounce of truth, with real life as inspiration. "Keaukaha" is a place song paying homage to the group's hometown, and it's a ballad without the Jawaiian riffs; "Shining Star" has Damon Williams guesting.
• The outlook: A mixed bag of rhythms and views of island-style living enable the Boyz to reach out for an audience beyond the Jawaiian crowd.
• Our take: For a freshman effort, the Boyz make their own brand of noize.

"Keaukaha" by the Kekai Boyz. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• • •

• Genre: Spoken word; supernatural tales by Glen Grant.
• Distinguishing notes: Kaua'i pidgin poet turns storyteller in this left-field entry, tackling Grant's chicken-skin tales, incorporating his local lingo with sound effects. Bradajo is one sharp brah when it comes to pidgin-kine talk.
• The outlook: Not for everyone; too bad there are no links to books with these stories for further exploration.
• Our take: A curiosity, at best, that requires the gift of listening and an appreciation of both pidgin and obake tales.

"Ka'ena" by Bradajo. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• • •

• Genre: Anthology of island contemporary, world music.
• Distinguishing notes: Producer Sean Na'auao, who offers the lone new track here, has tapped a few titles from his previous discs, along with selections by Three Plus, Kahiau, Toa and Uprising. The compilation provides an aural snapshot of the folks who make Poi Pounder pulsate. Thus, Na'auao's "Drop Baby Drop" and the fresh "So U'i," Three Plus' "Who the Cap Fit," Kahiau's "Roots Rockin,'' Toa's "Waiting in Vain" and Uprising's "One Draw" are quick, if not incomplete, reminders of the talent aboard. It's also a fast and easy way to put out a new product with little overhead.
• The outlook: Limited appeal, particularly since most tunes are readily available in each act's recent CDs.
• Our take: Sound concept, but possibly executed too soon.

"Drop Baby Drop" by Na'auao. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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