ISLAND SOUNDS
Take a trip into traditional Hawaiian

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Traditional Hawaiian music, performed by two venerable songbirds, tops the CD checklist.

And a compilation of 'ukulele strummers provides fun listening.

A fourth release explores ki ho'alu.

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Elaine Ako Spencer has been a beacon of joy in the Hawaiian music realm; she sings from the heart, with a particular grace and charm, and you can hear the smile in her voice. This anthology is a look to the distant past, when Spencer did her first album in 1976, but three newly recorded songs ("Makee 'Ailana," "E Ku'u Morning Dew," "Waikaloa") extend her journey to the present. The title tune is a cherished favorite, but she wears "E Ku'u Lei My Darling," "Haole Hula," "Kawika" and "Ho'okena" as if they were gleaming charms on a bracelet.

• The outlook: With a career spanning four decades, Spencer proves she's still relevant, radiant and reputable. A little retro never hurts, particularly when she's got the pipes. Here, she recalls the era when she was a lure and an amenity at the original Willows restaurant, where her kanikapila was a crowd pleaser.

• Our take: Spencer should be right up there with Auntie Genoa Keawe, Leina'ala Haili and Kealoha Kalama — durable and delightful.

"Honaunau Paka" by Elaine Ako Spencer. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Darlene Ahuna, a Big Island songbird, is a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, and this compilation provides example after example of her winning style. The fare includes a number of Island classics ("Makee 'Ailana," "Akaka Falls," "Ku'u Sweetie," "Papalina Lahilahi," "Pohai Ke Aloha,") plus newer gems ("Ka Pili Oha," "Mokuola") with liner notes detailing their first appearance on earlier Ahuna CDs. Hula enthusiasts will get this treasure for dancing practice; others may simply enjoy the gentle and relaxing vocal styles.

• The outlook: A great introduction to Ahuna, if you're not yet on her bandwagon; should be a bridge to securing her other discs.

• Our take: Hawaiian through and through — a darling of an anthology.

"Ku'u Sweetie" by Darlene Ahuna. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: 'Ukulele instrumentals.

• Distinguishing notes: Aloha Joe is the producer of this 22-song compilation; the splendid collection includes local and national strummers, and the different playing styles makes the listening a particular joy. Imua Garza's (he's an Opihi Picker) take on "Stars and Stripes Forever" leads the grand parade; along the way, there are beloved classics (Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta's "Song for Anna," Eddie Kamae's "Ka Ua Loku," Eddie Bush's "Blue Hawai'i," Jessie Kalima's "'E Liliu 'E") and recent performances (Daniel Ho's "Pineapple Mango," Jake Shimabukuro and Charles Michael Brotman's "Honu's Dream," Herb Ohta Jr.'s "Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi." Some whimsy, too ('Ale'a's Ryan Gonzalez on "Dueling Banjos," and some rah-rah rousers (Nedward Ka'apana's medley of "Lover/Ladies of Spain."

• The outlook: Great diversity of talent (Ken Emerson, Benny Chong, David Kamakahi of Na 'oiwi, Lyle Ritz are among others) makes for fun listening.

• Our take: Different strokes by different folks — a joyride for uke fans.

"Stars and Stripes Forever" by Opihi Pickers featuring Imua Garza. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"MAI KU'U WORLD (Slack key stylings" by R. J. Stovich; Mele O Ka Pu'uwai Records.

• Genre: Hawaiian slack key instrumentals.

• Distinguishing notes: R. J. Stovich is a San Jose-based ki ho'alu artist who has studied with George Kahumoku Jr., who makes a vocal appearance on "Ho'okuu Kamapua'a." Clearly, the slack key bug has reached epidemic proportions, and Stovich is a competent devotee of the genre. He offers a number of his originals, including "Johnny's Bounce" and "2 A.M. Slack," but also puts his guitar impressions onto a host of of classics, from "The Queen's Jubilee" and "Maori Brown Eyes," from "Over the Rainbow" to a traditional "Polish Hymn."

• The outlook: A fan of Island music tests the waters, starting small but making gains. Check home.netcom.com/~lsrs/ or Booklines.

• Our take: An earnest effort by an eager beaver.

"Johnny's Bounce" by R.J. Stovich. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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