ISLAND SOUNDS
Compilations honor local musical legacies

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

One of Hawai'i's iconic figures from the musical past, a couple marking 30 years on the circuit and a Big Island kumu hula sharing his chants, provide a range of sounds and styles on new CD product.

Classic Hawaiian sounds, duets, mele — they make for good, diverse listening.

• Genre: Classic Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: Johnny Almeida (1897-1985) is the unopposed dean of Hawaiian Music, with a legacy that dates to the territorial era. He was often called "Hawaiian's Blind Musician," but he was able to relay and share his fondness and aloha for Hawai'i. Performing only here, with his musicians and numerous others in this collection of 22 songs associated with his career (Almeida wrote most) distinguishes him as an authentic pioneer and frontiersman. From "Iesu Me Ke Kanaka Waiwai," rendered with the Genoa Keawe Trio, to the indelible "'A'Oia!," with Pula Almeida & His Polynesians, Almeida conveys a real feel and flavor of a pure Hawai'i.
• The outlook: A great opportunity to delve into the archives, to rediscover a master's voice, or for neophytes, to discover the genuine article. Songs you may know but have forgotten who composed them live anew now. "Green Rose Hula Medley," "Kiss Me Love," "Holoholo Ka'a," "Ka Nani A'o Hilo," "Lei Hinahina" have been restored with all its charm and glory.
• Our take: Go, Johnny, go!

"Iesu Me Ke Kanaka Waiwai" by John K. Almeida. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: The Haugens have been a Waikiki fixture for three decades, putting their stamp on familiar island melodies as well as originals composed by the husband of the team. Clearly, this 16-song collection (the first together in seven years) speaks as much of the duo as those who have followed their career — a lot of fond recollection and sentiments, from the performers, for the listeners who have requested these titles. Classics such as "He Punahele No 'Oe," " 'Ainahau," "I Kona" and "Kalena" are part of the riches of the Hawaiian library, but Haugen's originals ("Ke Ali'i Wahine Aloha," "Ka'u Mea Aloha") sound like evergreens, in tone and texture.
• The outlook: They may not have the best voices, but the Haugens sing from their hearts — alternating lead vocals, singing harmony — and the couple thing is a strong selling point, embracing a catalog of Hawaiian tunes plus a few tunes in English. No doubt a take-home souvenir at their Royal Hawaiian Hotel shows.
• Our take: A gentle stroll down memory lane, with the Haugens as your tour guides.

"He Punahele No 'Oe" by Keith & Carmen Haugen. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: Hawaiian chants.
• Distinguishing notes: Big Island kumu hula Pekelo Day assembles 21 Hawaiian chants, many incorporated into the hula kahiko his students are expected to learn and master. This collection is more instructive, with ceremonial importance and relevance, than entertaining; with the kumu chanting, and his dancers responding in what is called kahea. Some of the fare is vividly exciting, such as the chant-with-pahu accompaniment on "Ho'opuka E Ka La Ma Ka Hikina," a mele commonly utilized as an entrance piece by students.
• The outlook: This is a celebration of language and the spirit of Hawaiian culture.
• Our take: Mostly for students of hula, this CD reflects the heartbeat and mana'o of a kumu brave enough to share his artistry with folks beyond his halau.

"Ho'opuka E Ka La Ma Ka Hikina" by Pekelo Day. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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