ISLAND SOUNDS
'Strumming' features frisky, upbeat sounds

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

For joyful CD listening this week: Hawaiian staples performed in the traditional (with zesty 'ukulele support), instrumentals delivered with reverence on an eight-string guitar, and a duo "kissing" its way through a new song.

"Still Strumming" by Kawai Cockett (Hula Records).

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: Kawai Cockett is a recording and performing veteran, known for his powerhouse 'ukulele-strumming as well as his contagious vocalizing. The menu is a blessed mix of old ("Green Lantern Hula," "Palisa"), new ("Ku'u Sweet Pikake," composed by the singer's wife) and borrowed (a medley of "Maika'i Waimea" with "Yonder Lahaina Mountains." His frisky singing and his frenetic strumming combine to maintain an upbeat momentum.
• The outlook: With such a stunning collection, you can practically smell the pikake, hear the swishing ti-leaf skirt and feel the radiant smile of satisfaction.
• Our take: Like a Zip-pac bento, there's good nourishment in this appealing excursion by an old-timer, who proves that the proof is in the playing — in his case, the traditional old-fashioned style.

"Green Lantern Hula" by Kawai Cockett. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Ho'omana (Worshiping) Hawai'i" by Winston Tan (Golden Bell Records).

• Genre: Hawaiian instrumentals with a classical sound.
• Distinguishing notes: Winston Tam is a seasoned and sensitive classical guitarist performing on an eight-string here, and interpreting a dozen Island favorites, including the title song, which features a vocal by soprano June Simon as well as a guitar-only treatment. It's poetic and lyrical stuff featuring such landmarks as "Hawai'i Aloha," "The Hawaiian Wedding Song," "I'll Remember You," "Blue Hawai'i" and "E Ku'u Morning Dew."
• The outlook: This is a romanticist's outing, not fodder for your next lu'au, and Tan shows restraint and respect in performing subdued, quiet moments that ultimately equate with love.
• Our take: Super for the wee-hours or music for quiet reflection.

"Blue Hawai'i" by Winston Tan. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Honihoni" by Mele, G & Company (Hula Records).

• Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian, island rhythms.
• Distinguishing notes: Big Islanders have known what others are discovering: Mele Delaries and Gerald Farm Jr. have a way with words and music. The title song, about kissing, has the sound of a signature-in-the-making.
• The outlook: The original songs give the duo its own identity, but their covers are appealing, introducing oldies to a new generation of listeners. "Groovin'" (the Young Rascals classic) and "Under the Boardwalk" (recorded by many, but unmistakably still The Drifters') are two great revivals.
• Our take: Mele and G are an act to watch and embrace ... with a generous honihoni, of course.

"Groovin'" by Mele, G & Company. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, phone 525-8067 or fax525-8055.