ISLAND SOUNDS
Danny Couch, Hulu Lindsey and a young voice

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

A familiar voice, still romantic and powerful, reconnects with an audience; a songbird with an auntie sound offers a joyous kanikapila; a child newcomer seeks her place in the island galaxy.

Take your pick.

• Genre: Contemporary Island sounds, pop balladry.
• Distinguishing notes: Most folks have differing entry levels into Danny Couch's career; he was a member of the Ali'is, has performed solo in gigs from the old Trappers at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki to the Hale Koa Hotel; his most recent and visible effort has been the powerful "These Islands," a tune he wrote that has become an anthem for luring visitors to the Islands. Now he unveils four new compositions, such as "Tamara," "Let's Go Back to the Country" and "Ku'uipo," and adds his lingering imprint on some familiar tunes, like "Somewhere" (from "West Side Story") and "My Baby You" (the Marc Anthony signature tune) and "It Might Be You" (a hit by Christopher Cross). A dark-horse tune: "When Hawaiians Fall," a tribute to those who've influenced him, without mentioning their names — but lyrically linking, through key words and phrases, the likes of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Gabby Pahinui, Loyal Garner, Arthur Lyman, Mackey Feary, Moe Keale. "If you listen, you can hear their song," he sings. Indeed.
• The outlook: Long overdue and bubbling with amour, Couch also introduces his daughter, Daena, on a duet of "I Want To Spend My Lifetime Loving You." The CD boasts earnest liner notes revealing the singer-composer's affection for Hawai'i and music. "These Islands," unfortunately, is heard as an instrumental track.
• Our take: A good vehicle for Couch, who possibly has the best male voice in Hawai'i, to reconnect with his devotees — and tap a new generation of admirers.

"Tamara" by Danny Couch. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: Hulu Lindsey's second CD is a joyous celebration of truly authentic Hawaiian fare, rendered in old-school style. Think backyard jam and a kanikapila flavor as Lindsey puts her auntie-like soprano voice to a favored roster of greats, including "Makee 'Ailana," "Ku'u Hoa Maka Onaona," and "Beautiful Mahealani Moon." The tempo switches from purely irreverent to the romantic, and it's a compliment to say that Hulu makes the old sound fresh and new.
• The outlook: It's difficult not to respond, toe-tapping or hula-ing, when you get into the groove of this album. Great production values, with valuable lyrics in the liner notes.
• Our take: Hula lovers, get to know this one and you'll be swirling and swinging to a real charming master.

"Makee 'Ailana" by Hulu Lindsey. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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• Genre: Inspirational music.
• Distinguishing notes: Allison Chu is a child performer with music in her heart; her debut CD tackles songs with lyrics that inspire, either emotionally or religiously, depending on the listener's orientation or mood. The title song is a familiar inspirational classic, rendered in English and Hawaiian, which makes it special; "I'll Be on Your Side" and "In Kahalu'u" are fragile but suit her thin but sweet voice. Among the familiar tunes she tackles are "Somewhere" (from "West Side Story") and "Hawaiian Lullaby" (the Manoa classic linked to the Brothers Cazimero and Sunday Manoa). Despite the wide-ranging songs (a couple of "South Pacific" tunes are here, but also a curiosity — "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"), her youth and her material would make it a challenge to get radio airplay.
• The outlook: If Hawai'i is ready for another child star, Allison Chu would be a contender. The road to fame, however, is loaded with potholes and bumps. If you know Allison, you'll find pleasures galore; however, for most listeners, the CD is rich in effort but lacks focus.
• Our take: An ambitious debut; in a few years, Allison could be a real "player" in the musical landscape.

"Let There Be Peace on Earth" by Allison Chu. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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