ISLAND SOUNDS
Diverse styles reflected in new CDs

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Herb Ohta Jr. continues to create his own niche as an 'ukulele soloist, but he now sings, too.

Yet another member of the Kanaka'ole clan of the Big Island emerges as a talent to reckon with, so remember his name: Kaumakaiwa "Lopaka" Kanaka'ole.

And a steel-drumming couple, Greg and Junko MacDonald, explore the classics in an award-winning CD.

Diversity rules ...

" 'Ukulele Romance" by Herb Ohta Jr. (Roy Sakuma Productions).

Distinguishing notes: By now, Herb Jr. has made his own imprint on the island music scene and won't be mistaken for his father, Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta. Like Dad, Herb Jr. has clearly made the uke a solo instrument of distinction, plucking through a variety of songs here, from local faves "He Aloha No O Honolulu" and "Honolulu City Lights," and established standards that periodically infiltrate local repertoire such as "Can't Help Falling in Love With You" and "What a Wonderful World." Herb Jr.'s original composition, "Look Into My Heart," marks his debut as a singer, too, with Jomel Sumira, a Moanalua High School student, also featured on the love ballad.

The outlook: Herb Jr.'s musicianship continues to marvel and impress; there's quite a bit of eloquence and emotion in his touch. And yes, he takes risk, too, and proves he has a future as an occasional vocalist!

Our take: Herbie rides again — and it's a smooth and sensuous journey from start to finish.

"He Aloha No O Honolulu" by Herb Ohta Jr. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Ha'i Kupuna" by Kaumakaiwa "Lopaka" Kanaka'ole (Hula Records).

Distinguishing notes: Lopaka has ancestral ties to island music; his great-grandmother was the eminent hula and chant chiefess, Edith Kanaka'ole; his grandmother is Pualani Kanahele, revered kumu hula and Hawaiiana expert; his mother is Kekuhi Kanahele, a distinguished singer-composer in her own right. So he has a lot of tradition to uphold, yet he is framing his own destiny with a style that bridges the past with the future. This debut CD, launched initially at the Merrie Monarch Festival earlier this year in Hilo, is a wondrous, satisfying excursion into his 'ohana. Lopaka has a sweetness bordering on falsetto, his vocal delivery reflecting his generational influences; and in the family tradition, he sings what he writes (in two instances, borrowing great-grandma's compositions).

The outlook: The Kanaka'ole way of doing things is to share what's in the heart, what's in the soul, and not do what everyone else is doing. Lopaka is one to watch, now and in the future; he is well-trained (and yes, you hear Mom and Tutuwahine on some tracks).

Our take: A stunning debut, combining the best of yesteryear with the promise of success tomorrow.

"Kokolo Au I Hilo Hanakahi" by Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Sweet Dreaming" by Greg & Junko MacDonald (Greg MacDonald).

Distinguishing notes: Greg and Junko MacDonald have been leading exponents of steel pan drums in Hawai'i; in fact, Junko is the first female Japanese steel drummer ever. The instrument, of course, has New Age wonderment and nuances; when augmented here by keyboards, keyboard harp and guitar, there's an eloquence that's magical, almost music box in moods evoked. The couple sashay through a tried and true repertoire — "Ave Maria," "Edelweiss," "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "Santa Lucia," "La Donna e Mobile" — with romantic, charming results.

The outlook: A different sound by a dedicated couple truly adding variety and spice.

Our take: This CD won Best Classical Album laurels at the Hawai'i Music Awards, so it's already a winner.

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Greg & Junko MacDonald. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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