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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, February 16, 2003

ISLAND SOUNDS
Flamboyant reggae with a Hawaiian lilt

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Reggae and Jawaiian still remain an integral source for recording artists. Another Pure Heart-type trio searches for a following. And for dance bugs, a compilation of old-style exotica instrumentals offers nostalgia.

"Reggae Soul" by Butch Helemano (Neos Productions).
  • Genre: Reggae, Jawaiian, island rhythms.
  • Distinguishing notes: Butch Helemano is one of the pillars of the island reggae movement, a composer and performer who attracts a Gen-X audience as well as an older crowd who continue to dig roots music. Here, his flamboyant reggae rhythms are a bit more subdued, with romantic, soulful riffs on such tracks as "Once Bitten," with romantic vocal harmonies, and "In the World," which promotes world peace and tolerance. Of course, he doesn't forsake his diehard reggae fans, with "Ride da Riddim" and "You're the Only One." All tunes are Helemano originals, an indication of his pace-setting status in the decades-old Jawaiian movement.
  • The outlook: Helemano likely will expand his fan base with this outing — it's a lot more accessible, with flavors that suit a wider audience but are faithful to his roots in reggae.
  • Our take: Helemano demonstrates reggae can be fun for all.
"Once Bitten" by Butch Helemano. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• • •

"Cruizin' Wit Da Boyz" by Ho'okani (Hot Mix Hawai'i).
  • Genre: Island rhythms, contemporary Hawaiian.
  • Distinguishing notes: Ho'okani is Kaleo Van Titcomb, Ikaika Gonzales and Micah Sadoyama. The title tune is a contagious, contemporary item with a hearty party spirit; the general tone of the CD is Pure Heart reinvented, with Titcomb doing the 'ukulele parts and Gonzales and Sadoyama taking turns doing vocal leads, as well as background. The selections generally showcase the uke, the tone is gentle and sweet, and, yes, the thrust positive and happy. "Ho'okani Tonight" typifies the group's attitude and sound.
  • The outlook: With the demise of Pure Heart, which became Colon, which also disbanded, is Hawai'i open to a successor? That's the issue.
  • Our take: Ho'okani means to play music, and this trio plays, plays, plays.
"Ho'okani Tonight" by Ho'okani. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• • •

"From the Top" by Small Axe (no label).
  • Genre: Island rhythms, Jawaiian.
  • Distinguishing notes: This is an 11-member group of family and friends, appearing to be of Samoan origin, who enjoy sharing music together. The originals are accessible, with a few titles possessing hit potential ("Rock Steady," "Hold Me").
  • The outlook: While the disc is available here, and suitable for airplay and discovery, little is known about Small Axe. A snail-mail address indicates the group is based in Bountiful, Utah.
  • Our take: One big axe to grind: Who are you? Where are you?
"Rock Steady" by Small Axe. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• • •

"Exotica Hawai'i" by Ultra Vibe (HanaOla).
  • Genre: Anthology of international dance tunes.
  • Distinguishing notes: Inspired by Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman, who put "exotic" music on the map since the early '50s, but with roots in postwar Hawai'i, this CD is a dated but fun compilation of Latin and Asian rhythms suitable for ballroom dancers. There are cha-chas, rumbas, tangos and more — with tunes from Japan, China, Indonesia and the Philippines.
  • The outlook: A limited-appeal, nostalgic waltz down memory lane.
  • Our take: If you owned early 49th State Records versions of some of the tunes here, this is your dance ticket.
"Holi Chin Sai Lai" by Ultra Vibe. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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