ISLAND SOUNDS
'Seasons Change' for 2 music veterans

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Two music-industry veterans unite to form a band with edge and an exciting sound.

A friend of island music assembles titles and performers for a dose of joyous nostalgia.

A release of new island chants and mele, in English and in Hawaiian, needs a professional nudge.

"Seasons Change" by Edgewater; Edgewater LLC

Genre: Alternative lite — contemporary rock with mild thrust.

Distinguishing notes: The two performers here have a long and varied career in island music; Dave Ray Toma was half of the Toma Natto band; Denny Miyasato was a previous pop soloist who founded a vending company, Video Vend Inc. As a new group, they collate 11 new tunes with a contemporary flavor, shuttling from medium-tempo rockers ("Seasons Change") to ballads ("This Dance") to jazz ("7ATE9") to pure rock ("Sublime") and back. Guest artists Kutmaster Spaz (scratcher), Barry Flanagan (slack-key guitar), Michael Paulo (tenor sax), Jon Basebase (acoustic guitar), James Ronstadt (harp) and Robi Kahakalau (Hawaiian narration) add just the right touches where they count, and lest they forget their roots, Edgewater puts a Hawaiian edge to test on "Ku'ulei."

The outlook: Truly a mixed bag, by a pair of diehards ready for another go-'round in the music cycle here. "This Dance," "I Need You Here" and "Blinds" are particularly diverse and appealing.

Our take: A comfortable sound, with elements of Toma Natto, Kalapana, Hall & Oates and the Righteous Brothers, depending on the cut. Clearly, an act worth embracing.

"Seasons Change" by Edgewater. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"A Placed Called Hawai'i 2" by various artists; HanaOla Records

Genre: Compilation of traditional and contemporary island music.

Distinguishing notes: Aloha Joe's name is synonymous with Hawaiian music, thanks to the success of his Internet radio station, ALOHAJOE.com. Here, he assembles 21 titles, some long forgotten, but each reflecting a facet of island sounds over the decades — from Sunday Manoa's original "Hawaiian Lullaby" to Jay Larrin's indelible "The Snows of Mauna Kea," from Joe Recca's "Talk With Me Waikiki" to Teresa Bright's "Crushed Flowers in My Lei," from Dennis Pavao's "My Yellow Ginger Lei" to Buddy Fo and the Invitations' "Kiss Me Love," from George Helm's "Haole Hula" to Country Comfort's "Manha de Carnaval."

The outlook: Like a jukebox jammed with joyful memory-makers, Aloha Joe has the smarts to lead a happy and snappy parade of classics with an occasional surprise or two. The roster of performers includes Melveen Leed, Gabby Pahinui, Moe Keale, Ken Emerson, Danny Kaleikini and more.

Our take: A very colorful stroll down memory lane, laced with nostalgia and bursting with the rainbow hues that make Hawai'i Hawaiian.

"Hawaiian Lullaby" by Sunday Manoa. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"Mana Maoli" by 7th Generation; Halau Ku Mana

Genre: Contemporary island mele and chants, performed in a traditional vein but with modern English lyrics as well as native Hawaiian tongue.

Distinguishing notes: There's a wealth of powerful and potent material here, muddled with quirky production values and accompanied by liner notes that are far too difficult to read. Still, if you listen, you will find gems that reflect a new generation's voice — sometimes in choral chanting, other times in duets, still other times in solo outings.

"Native Sounds of Da Underground" and Halau Ku Mana are co-presenters, and they're onto something, if only they can find support for such tracks as "7th Generation," "La'ieikawai," "Eo Mana Maoli," "Hoa'aina," and "Eo e na 'Oiwi."

The outlook: Wade through the contents, and you'll be swimming in some mighty impressive tunes, but the inferior packaging is a frustration you need to overcome.

Our take: Can someone please help these youngsters connect with an audience?

"7th Generation" by 7th Generation. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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