ISLAND SOUNDS
Local bands jammin' while pianist reflects

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Ho'onu'a's third album has been nearly three years in the making; it's out and worth the wait.

A new group, helmed by Sean Na'auao, should find favor and a following.

And a former Islander collates classic Hawaiian favorites into two tranquil, mood-evoking instrumental piano CDs.

Genre: Island contemporary

Distinguishing notes: Ho'onu'a (Christian Yrizarry and Jared Keo) dispenses good-time music, mostly with a captivating tempo typified by "The Jam." This is the duo's third CD and it's boasting a chartbuster in "Passion Love." The feel-good motif repeats and serves as a calling card on such tunes as "She Looks Good" and "Beautiful Day."

The outlook: With notable guest appearances by O-Shen ("She Looks Good") and "Radical Rob" Onekea ("Gravity"), the disc should excite the party-hearty crowd.

Our take: The third time's a real charmer.

"Passion Love" by Ho'onu'a. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Genre: Island rhythms, contemporary Hawaiian, world music.

Distinguishing notes: Another local group benefits from Sean Na'auao's success and savvy; Na'auao produced the session and plays keyboards on all tracks. The band won the statewide Steinlager/Poi Pounder Records Battle of the Bands contest, with a with-it songbag encompassing Hawaiian, contemporary island and country. Tosh Kealoha, Brian Hyatt, Mark Yamanaka, Dexter Alpiche and Roland Kealoha have splendid chemistry — shuttling from the sweetly Hawaiian "Ka Beauty A'o Lana'i" and "Pa'ani Kolepa" to the country-tinged "One More Day" to the contemporary riffs of "School's Out." For Jawaiian-reggae buffs, a medley combines "I Shot the Sheriff" with "So Much Trouble."

The outlook: An auspicious debut by a band that can't help but succeed.

Our take: A mixed plate of music worth devouring.

"Ka Beauty A'o Lana'i" by Hanapa'a. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Genre: Instrumental piano.

Distinguishing notes: With only seven titles, this is either a long extended play CD, or half an album. Derek Nakamoto, formerly with Liz Damon's Orient Express, is an industry veteran, now Los Angeles-based. These reflections on keyboards recall his youth — songs with a nostalgia element. Among the treasures: "E Maliu Mai," "Days of My Youth," "Ku'uipo I Ka He'e Pu'e One."

The outlook: The CD probably works best for ex-pats who hunger and hanker for an Island connection. The motif is music-box gentle.

Our take: Lives up to its title — providing tranquil, peaceful recollection of faded but not forgotten memories.

"E Maliu Mai" by Derek Nakamoto. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Genre: Instrumental piano

Distinguishing notes: More romantic impressions of Island songs. Another seven keyboard renderings by Nakamoto, who adds his quiet and eloquent stamp to such evergreens as "Honolulu City Lights," "E Ku'u Morning Dew," "Ka Makani Ka'ili Aloha" and "I'll Remember You."

The outlook: Only the romantic need apply.

Our take: Same as above; a companion disc, actually.

"Honolulu City Lights" by Derek Nakamoto. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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