ISLAND SOUNDS
Pahinui goes mainstream in move beyond tradition

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Martin Pahinui joins the Dancing Cat Records family with a masterful debut that breaks new ground, reaching a widespread Mainland audience.

Maui no ka 'oi? You betcha, in an anthology of tunes about the Valley Isle.

A Christian rock artist relays God's message with reverence — and a rock beat.

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: For two decades, Dancing Cat Records has brought Hawaiian slack-key guitar to the mainstream, with a series of ki ho'alu releases by island masters, principally through its Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters Series. Departing from the mostly instrumental genre, Martin Pahinui's haunting, classic vocal style still supported by ki ho'alu embellishments goes well beyond, putting Hawaiian vocal style in the limelight. He tackles 13 beloved tunes, with gentle sweetness ("Beautiful 'Ilima," "Waikapu"), carefree fun ("C-A-T, Popoki Spells Cat"), religious sentiment ("Kanaka Waiwai"), genuine Hawaiian soul ("Pua Lilia," "Lauoha Mai") or backyard kanikapila joy ("Hanohano Hawai'i").

• The outlook: Clearly a major opportunity for Pahinui to gain national recognition. Backed by a stellar crew featuring George Kuo (background vocals, slack-key), Aaron Mahi (bass, background vocals) and Bobby Ingano (steel guitar), Pahinui has never sounded better.

• Our take: An extraordinary effort by an exacting talent who already is a notable trouper here, both as a soloist and a group member. For those just discovering his solo flight, this is a first-class ticket.

"'Ahulili" by Martin Pahinui. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Long a popular visitor destination, Maui also has been a source of musical inspiration. This anthology of 20 tunes about island sites makes a remarkable tribute to the Valley Isle. A user-friendly, 28-page liner booklet details each song and has a map marking places that inspired the songs.

Artists include Lei'ohu Ryder, Ata Damasco, Pekelo Day, Cody Pueo Pata and Kaiolohia Funes Smith, with guests Richard Ho'opi'i, Cliff Ahue and the second- and third-grade students at Pa'ia School.

• The outlook: An ambitious, well-executed tribute through chant and mele.

• Our take: A great way to understand and appreciate the cultural riches of Maui through the interpretation of singers and composers.

"He Aloha No Ku'u Aina" by Holo Mai Maui. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: Christian music with a dollop of rock.

• Distinguishing notes: Matthews, previously lead singer and musician with the Christian rock group Illustrator, continues the rock-pop element in his first solo outing. The songs in pop, rock, blues and jazz mode have secular lyrics geared to Matthews' Christian audiences. The title tune has a knock-out melody; "Compassion," "Thank God" and "Heartbeat Away" are also hip tracks that address the Almighty in a contemporary vein.

• The outlook: With a recent Na Hoku Hanohano Award nomination, Matthews has made inroads into the local music scene.

• Our take: Matthew delivers his message with reverence — and shows that God rocks.

"Hey Man" by Mark Matthews. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or you can send a fax to 525-8055.