ISLAND SOUNDS
Duo carry on Maui's strong vocal tradition

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Two entries from Maui and a package of cover tunes highlight this week's CD choices.

• Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Mele Ohana is Wayne Kamakeeaina and Tarvin Makua, a duo performing at the Molokini Lounge in the Maui Prince Hotel. The CD blends mostly originals with covers of favorite island flavors to flesh out its identity as a twosome bound by love of music and the joy of sharing. "True Friends" capitalizes on the pair's vocal blend and universal spirit of friendship; "Ku'u Home 'O Kahalu'u," the Jerry Santos-Olomana signature song, is revived with reverence and adoration. For a dollop of blues, check out the honky-tonk flavor of "Olomana Blues."

• The outlook: Mele Ohana projects a warm, cohesive style, exploring such oldies as "My Sweet Sweetie" along with originals "Ka Mauna Fuji" and "Shinkansen" (both co-written by Kamekeeaina and Keli'i Tau'a). Both originals are in Hawaiian, the former evoking memories of four-part-harmony ensembles from yesteryear, the latter intoxicating with a Japanese narrative by Mimi Lopresto, a cross-cultural treat.

• Our take: Maui has been a resource for musical greats (Keali'i Reichel, Hapa, Uluwehi Guerrero, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Willie K); Mele Ohana could be the next breeze of success.

"True Friends" by Mele Ohana. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: Instrumental Gypsy jazz.

• Distinguishing notes: Guitarist Tom Conway is a Detroit native living in Hawai'i. With bassist Marcus Johnson and violinist Willy Wainwright (plus pianist Gene Argel on three tracks), Conway has recorded a rousing CD of Gypsy jazz covers that sizzle and swing. Performing on a Dell'Arte "Dark Eyes" guitar, Conway surfs the turf that recalls smoky New Orleans clubs where blues and jazz still thrive. The repertoire is a treasure trove of fun listening, including the crisp and contagious romps "Noto Swing," "Nuits des Saint Germain de Pres," "Ombre" and "Pent Up House." The combination of guitar and fiddle with bass and piano is a tribute to Gypsy jazz pioneer Django Reinhardt, whose originals are fondly interpreted here.

• The outlook: A homer from left field — a different discovery for the discriminating jazz fan.

• Our take: A free-wheeling excursion worth signing up for.

"Noto Swing" by Tim Conway. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: Pop, adult. contemporary.

• Distinguishing notes: This vocal couple takes turns covering 10 tunes in true-to-original arrangements. Carole and Florent have a clean, lean, respectable sound, but offer no clues as to why they chose these particular titles. "Africa," "Wild World," "More Than Words," "Listen to the Music" and "Sweet Child of Mine" are melodically pleasing, with arrangements faithful to the originals. Joe Satriani's "Surfing With the Alien," a 1987 rocker, is a curiosity, not attuned to the mood and motif of the other nine tunes. "Hotel California" is a standout, but with a 6:13 running time, difficult to program on radio.

• The outlook: Pleasant listening, but an original tune or two — or even a new take on an old one — might have offered a wise measure of the duo's originality.

• Our take: Everyone will know most of the tunes, but still a tough sell.

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