ISLAND SOUNDS
Kaua'i duo's slack-key sounds easy on the ear
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Ki ho'alu (Hawaiian slack-key guitar) is the motif for a Kaua'i duo offering a collection of tranquil, quiet and romantic tunes.
If reggae's your trip, go traveling with one of the Islands' best.
And a religious curiosity — with biblical passages set to pop music — offers a challenge for both its makers and the listeners.
"Island of Peace" by Doug & Sandy McMaster; Aloha Plenty Records
• Genre: Hawaiian slack-key (and 'ukulele) instrumentals.
• Distinguishing notes: The fifth collection of instrumentals by this Kaua'i pair provides gentle and eloquent images of a tranquil Island lifestyle. Some of the duo's favorites ("Radio Hula," "Punahele," "He Aloha No Honolulu") are revived in this assembly; tunes such as "Lumahai" and "Sea Turtle Serenade" create images of relaxation and solitude. Particularly moving: "Amazing Grace."
• The outlook: Easy-listening, mood-provoking line-up makes this a natural for romantic dinners, background soundtrack to your slide or digital photo/show, or just plain listening. The spirit is definitely nocturnal. This is an enhanced CD, with a five-minute video snippet, sunset photos and a screensaver.
• Our take: All they are saying is give "Peace" a chance.
"Radio Hula" by Doug & Sandy McMaster. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
"Jesus Said ..." by various artists; Moonsurfer Productions
• Genre: Biblical tunes (full title: "A Musical Adaptation of What Jesus Said ... From the Sermon on the Mount"), with words from the bible and music by Gordon Broad and David "Kawika" Crowley, arranged by Broad and David Kauahikaua. This is a CD begging to be a DVD — or a staged musical — in the realm of "Jesus Christ Superstar." The religious tone will keep as many away as it would draw fans; the passages from the Bible are lovely when set to tunes, with a sweeping range of emotions. The spoken word — now sung — is not necessarily commercial, without benefit of a staged production.
"Jesus Said ..." is a collection of Biblical words from The Sermon on the Mount, set to music.
• Distinguishing notes: There is no shortage of vocal talent here; the voices include Rod Young, David Crowley, Al Erub, Rachel Gonzales, Angelo Jensen, Roslyn Catracchia, Kau'ionalani Mead, Gordon Broad, Bobby Ingram, Nell Ava, Kanani Marie Ava, Segi Palepoi, Eric Kaaihue, May Toki, Vicky Norman and the 7 Simple Pieces Group. Plus a handful of children. The provided libretto is a valuable listening tool.
• The outlook: The biggest challenge is to get enough exposure to make this project and vision known to the masses. A tall, tough order, given the nature of the biz.
• Our take: Big, ambitious and daring in approach and scope, but its sheer magnitude swamps it as a sales commodity.
"Jesus Said." Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
"Marty Dread: The hits (1993-2003" by Marty Dread; Five Corners Music
• Genre: Reggae.
• Distinguishing notes: There's quite a range of music here among the 19 tracks — some studio cuts, some live tracks, all party-ready with a Caribbean/Jamaican beat, and with a few detours that feature a Pacific spin. "Going Back to Tahiti" involves Oshen and Fiji, "Rain" welcomes Leiohu Ryder, "Pray for Them" taps Pato Banton, "On the Beach" features Fyah Wyah, "United We Stand" beckons the Pharaoh. Dread is front-and-center on tracks such as "Wicked Wahine," "Ready for Love," "Reggae Rock Maui Style," and "Paradise."
• The outlook: This one's aimed directly to the reggae buffs; others should listen elsewhere.
• Our take: An original pioneer of the local reggae movement; outpaces the imitators, from start to finish.
"Going Back to Tahiti" by Marty Dread. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
