ISLAND SOUNDS
Three compilations at top of the CD heap

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Compilations work when they are thoughtfully mounted, with reason and purpose and artistry that shines.

Three such CDs are in the stores now, each with a different perspective, each a delight to discover. One looks back at the highs and hits of a small record label, a second collates tuneful riches with an underlying fund-raising mission, and the third assembles songs old and new in an environment of friendship and aloha. Plenty good listening, in other words.

• Genre: Compilation of island rhythms, pop, contemporary music.
• Distinguishing notes: Under the able hands of producer-musician Les Gantan, this tiny record label has been a major player in the local recording biz. A two-disc assembly of 28 tracks marks the 15th anniversary for the label, proud of its glorious past, eager to soar and conquer in the years ahead. A host of hits prevails, including digitally remastered versions of 5:05's "Pua Nani," Jon Basebase's "Suddenly" and Chant's "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow." Tracks by Glenn Medeiros, Native Blend, Quintinn Holi, Mr. Orange Undercover, Keone Wilson, Brother Noland, and yes, even producer Gantan, put this collection into jukebox turf, without having to shove in quarters for a great jam. The pendulum swings widely, from Jawaiian to romantic ballads; lyrics to some tunes are an added enhancement.
• The outlook: A mirror of prevailing musical styles, ranking musical talent.
• Our take: Time flies when you're having fun — and it hasn't felt, or sounded, like 15 years of musical good will from this camp.

"Suddenly" by Jon Basebase. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• • •

• Genre: Anthology of tracks by 17 island acts, united on this benefit CD for Friends of Foster Kids.
• Distinguishing notes: If children are our future, and songs a reflection of emotions and life, there's a bright outlook for kids in this CD. Musical powerhouses, from Na Leo Pilimehana ("For the Sake of the Children") to Henry Kapono ("The Hero"), from Melveen Leed ("Hold Me")to Robert Cazimero ("Rainbow Connection"), from Tino Ibach & the Rhythm Klub ("Happy Jam") to Guy Cruz ("Someone for You"), from DisGuyz ("Give Them Your Love")
• to George Kahumoku ("Lokomaika'i"), from Tony Conjugacion ("For the Children") to Brother Noland ("Little Lullaby"), from Daniel Ho ("The Best That I Can") to Wade Cambern & A Blue Canoe ("Sunflower") have contributed time, talent, and tunes, most of them angled to a theme of kokua for children.
• The outlook: Think fund-raising marathon without the TV pitches; this is a powerful promotional tool, a source of entertainment and enlightenment.
• Our take: A feel-good cluster of songs for a do-good community effort.

"For the Sake of the Children" by Na Leo Pilimehana. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• • •

• Genre: Compilation of Hawaiian music, then and now.
• Distinguishing notes: A quickie look at what's hot in the musical realm, with recent entries such as Nathan Aweau's title song, the remake of "Home in the Islands 2000" with Henry Kapono, Melveen Leed and Keali'i Reichel, and an update of "Chotto Matte Kudasai" by the New Hawaiian Band. Of 20 titles, some classics stand out: Moe Keale's "Aloha Is," the Ali'is' "Maka Hilahila," Jon Osorio and Randy Borden's "Hawaiian Soul," and Country Comfort's "Waimanalo Blues." Other acts include the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, Barry Flanagan, Palolo, Danny Couch, Don Tiki and more.
• The outlook: More than a recap of island tunes, this CD is a gathering of musical friends, from the perspective of co-producer Aloha Joe (www.alohajoe.com), whose Aloha Radio Network airs and monitors local music on the Mainland.
• Our take: Beaucoup aloha, tapping several facets of island sounds — and easy on the ears.

"Chotto Matte Kudasai" by New Hawaiian Band. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.