ISLAND SOUNDS
Reggae, Japanese orchestra, pop songs sizzle

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

A Japanese orchestra with top vocalists of another era, performing post-war Japanese classics.

A onetime Honolulan who favors Ol' Blue Eyes, finally making his CD debut nearly four decades after his original fame and glory.

All show up on the Island Sounds meter this week.

"Think of Me" by Pati (Rukkus Entertainment).

Genre: Reggae, island contemporary.

Distinguishing notes: Pati's follow-up to "Nesian" is a savory fusion of reggae-Jawaiian rhythms, laced with blues and pop elements. This Polynesian powerhouse has a feel and fervor for tunes with edge, with a mix of romance and amorous pleas; tracks such as "Why Don't We," "Gimme Some More," "It's Gonna Be Tonight" and "Say Ooh" demonstrate his pliability and comfort with words and melodies. There are covers of Maxi Priest and the Manhattans that provide commercial appeal. Clearly, Pati has respect and love for do-wop oldies; check out the "Oldies Medley" that melds "What's Your Name" with "Donna" with "A Thousand Miles Away" with "We Belong Together." There's echoes of the originals but fresh seasoning and vision.

The outlook: Pati has a growing following, based on his freshman CD; this second one should be the one that gives him the clout and respect he deserves. He's not an imitator but an innovator, taking a genre that's getting old and tired but giving it a fresh and powerful new power.

Our take: Hearty party fare from this life of the Pati.

"Honor Bound" by the Hawaii Shochiku Orchestra (HanaOla Records).

Genre: Compilation of Japanese music of Hawai'i.

Distinguishing notes: Digitally remastered and freshly restored, this collection of old-time Japanese songs — popular among the local Japanese community after World War II — flourished on local radio and at teahouse parties. Island singers often "covered" these Japanese classics, satisfying a generation of migrant workers and their families. Many selections are party favorites, but often titles explored deep romantic traditions. Thus, from 21 titles, there's bound to be something that touches or rekindles a memory; maybe the songs here were your mom and dad's or grandparents' favorites — test 'em with a living room concert— and certainly, there're numerous magical hits here: "Wakare No Isochidori," "Hamabe No Uta," "Yoi No Wakare," "Ame No Hi Romance," "Suiteita Noni."

The outlook: The monophonic originals, while digitally refurbished, still reflect another time, another place — and that's precisely the motif of this ongoing series of Japanese oldies revived for those who remember them and for those eager to investigate a cultural phenomenon.

Our take: Banzai! And take a bow, HanaOla. Yet another jewel, repolished and repackaged for renewed joyful listening.

"Till the End of Time" by Larry Ching (Forbidden City Records).

Genre: Pop, jazz, island sounds.

Distinguishing notes: Larry Ching is from Hawai'i; he used to perform — no, croon — in San Francisco's fabled Forbidden City. This disc debut, nearly 40 years after his fame and glory, revisits his song bag of yesteryear, one that favors — guess! — Frank Sinatra. Noted San Francisco-based writer Ben Fong-Torres recognized Ching's talent and became a fan; he had to turn producer to get the oldtimer to sing long after retirement. His smooth vocals — the pipes are still trusty, though perhaps a skosh rusty — capture a time when clubs hired singers and combos. His song bag taps the likes of "All of Me," "I Only Have Eyes for You," "Stardust," and "Once in a While;" but Ching takes liberties and includes "Ke Kali Nei Au," "Hawaiian Paradise" and "Blue Hawai'i" to reiterate his island ties. Pianist George Yamasaki fronts a terrific combo; makes you yearn for the return of the era of torch songs.

The outlook: If you dig nostalgia, you'll find treasures and pleasures a-plenty.

Our take: Better late than never; Forbidden City fans may be few today, but it's never too late for a vicarious visit, courtesy Larry Ching.

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