ISLAND SOUNDS
Kipapa goes solo with romantic ballads and songs for lovers

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

A member from two earlier groups goes solo, three artists with decades of experience debut as one, and a sextet dwelling on urban hip-hop sounds makes its maiden journey: It's a good week for discovery.

• Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: Kurt Kipapa is an emerging star, despite his earlier musical endeavors as a member of Na Kane Nui and Hokua. With one exception (a remake of "Ain't No Sunshine"), Kipapa is composer or collaborator on all tunes here, which puts him leap years ahead of those who don't write music. His pendulum swings widely, from the sweet ("Na Mele No E Kaho'olawe") to the upbeat ("He'e Nalu Man"); he's fashioned a romantic ballad that could become a new anthem for bridal couples ("Wedding Day") and if any one track has the potential to establish his talent, it might be "Eye Candie" with its pop orientation and commercial clout. For sheer honesty and warmth, however, "Song of Love" and "Time" are persuasive romantic chansons d'amour.
• The outlook: With the creative juices from the Hobo House on the Hill family (nominated for a Grammy last year), Kipapa is in good hands. Further, Kipapa has the support of such artists as Henry Kapono, Barry Flanagan and Alden Levi on guitar, with Tony Conjugacion chanting on "Sunshine."
• Our take: Be first on your block to discover this musical force.

"Ain't No Sunshine" by Kurt Kipapa. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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• Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: Despite more than 60 years of collective experience, Hawai'i Loa — a trio comprised of Joseph Mokulehua, Eddie Palama and Herb Lee Jr. — has been together for just a few years. Mokulehua is from the Paradise Serenaders 'ohana; Palama is a veteran trouper; and Lee was a founding member of Kipapa Rush Band. The group's sound reflects an aloha for island music, well suited for its usual showcase, beneath the spreading banyan tree Thursdays and Saturdays at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel. The blend of voices, with guitar, tiple, steel guitar and bass guitar, add color and clarity to songs old ("Maunaloa," "Waikiki") and new ("Malihini Hula," "Honeymoon Hotel," "Hawai'i Loa").
• The outlook: Good vibrations rendered in the classic Hawaiian manner with a dose of nostalgia, yet as refreshing as the tradewinds.
• Our take: Old Hawai'i meets new Hawai'i.

"Malihini Hula" by Hawai'i Loa. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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• Genre: Urban, hip-hop, soul.
• Distinguishing notes: This six-member group, led by principal composer Brian Cabatu, includes Corey Apo, Ryan Tanaka, Sarahlea Gamiao, John Palpallatoc and Jacob DeLa Nux, dwells on today's musical style and attitude — the rush of reggae, the hustle of hip-hop. Thus, tracks such as "Feelin' Irie," "Lonely" and "Move On" are connected with the island rhythm format favored by twentysomethings. DeLa Nux and Gamiao take turns on vocal leads; deejays will find a lot to adopt here for the dance crowds.
• The outlook: Even within the urban format, the sound and songs vary, with tempos to suit all palates.
• Our take: Flush with today's jive.

"Feelin' Irie" by Cool Rush. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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