Posted on: Sunday, November 30, 2003
ISLAND SOUNDS
Retrospective from Hawaiian renaissance
By Wayne Harada
A compilation of 1970s classics, a live-in-concert reunion featuring a beloved pair, and an 'ukulele whiz waxing romantic.
Quite a range for diverse tastes.
• Genre: Compilation of contemporary Hawaiian, pop. • Distinguishing notes: Banking on fan support for compilations, Quiet Storm embarks on another series of collectible cuts — this time spotlighting the Hawaiian renaissance, beginning in the 1970s and journeying into the '80s. Cecilio and Kapono and Kalapana defined the times, with such tracks as "Goodtimes Together," "About You," "Nightbird" and "Naturally." Jon Osorio and Randy Borden's "Hawaiian Eyes" and "Hawaiian Soul" are other gems, but Audy Kimura's "Lovers & Friends" and Simplicity's "You Look Wonderful Tonight" evoke more recent memories. Among other acts here: Summer and the Mackey Feary Band. • The outlook: A retrospective like this is limited by the availability of licensed tracks. Still, the concept is a time-tested favorite. Olomana, Country Comfort, Sunday Manoa and the Brothers Cazimero were also integral in the reawakening of Island music way back then, but not everyone was available for a montage.
• Our take: More editions should be forthcoming. • Genre: Live-in-concert recording; contemporary Hawaiian. • Distinguishing notes: Amy & Willie created sparks on a West Coast tour earlier this year; this CD is the result. Only highlights can be included, so Amy goes to town with her signatures: "Hale'iwa Hula," with the requisite gusto; "Palehua," with its soothing vibes; and "Autumn Leaves," with Chino Montero's trademark guitar work. Willie, too, sizzles with "You Ku'uipo" and "Katchi Katchi Music Makawao," with infectious audience responses. Of course, Amy can warble, giving "I Ali'i No 'Oe" her whee-ha oomph. Willie is no slouch either, bringing guitar and vocal power to "Waterfall." The quips and asides, banter and putdowns are on-stage antics that give this one its "live" quality — it's a sensible reunion surely to be endorsed by the duo's fans. • The outlook: If you couldn't be there, this would be the next-best ticket to their reunion.
• Our take: Shouldn't a DVD follow, to further expand and enhance the concert experience? • Genre: World music; some vocals, some 'ukulele instrumentals.
• Distinguishing notes: Before Jake Shimabukuro or Herb Ohta Jr., there was — and still is — Herb Ohta, known to his fans as Ohta-san. His grace and prowess can be heard in varying moods here (a Japan release), but clearly, romance is in full bloom. No flash, just simple and direct impressions on the uke, with guest vocals by Nina Keali'iwahamana, Iwalani Kahalewai and Gary Aiko. Ohta's musicians include the Islands' best — Jim Howard on keyboards, Bruce Hamada on bass (and vocals) and Noel Okimoto on drums. Ohta has become a prolific composer ("Rainforest Waltz," "When I'm Not Around," "The Finer Things," "Lazy Day" are among his best here) and he collaborates with a handful of lyricists. Lyrics are in the liner notes (and with the dual-language audience, part of the text is in Japanese).
• The outlook: A different kind of a journey for Ohta, who customarily re-interprets well-known music.
• Our take: This excursion provides sound snapshots of what's in Ohta's mind and heart.
Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067 wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.
"Island classics" by various artists; Quiet Storm Records.
"Good Times" by C&K. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
"Amy & Willie Live" by Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom and Willie K; Blind Man Sound Records.
"Hale'iwa Hula" by Amy & Willie K. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
"Rainforest" by Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta; Globe Roots Records.
"Rainforest Waltz" by Ohta-san. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
