ISLAND SOUNDS
'KUmZ' musical tour of halau spirit, dance

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Two kumu hula, augmented by singing halau members, embark on a tuneful journey through tradition-laced chants and melodic new songs; hula dancers and Hawaiiana fans are lucky for such vision.

A collection of vintage Island treasures, mostly from the territorial era, helps a radio wizard mark his 25th anniversary on the air.

And a "Hawaii Stars" winner searches for a spot in the local galaxy.

"KUmZ: REFLECTIONS" by KUmZ (Karl Veto Baker and Michael Lanakila Casupang); Kauakoko Foundation

Distinguishing notes: KUmZ is what na kumu hula Baker and Casupang are called by members of their award-winning Halau I Ka Wekiu. Like, abbreviated "kumus" but with a hipper zip to it. Musically, the blend of original, tradition-bound chant with contemporary lyrics and melody is a hallmark of this productive, innovative halau and its leadership, well-trained by mentor Robert Cazimero of Halau Na Kamalei, with whom Baker and Casupang earlier studied and still perform. The selections reflect on ancestors, the 'aina, and various aspects of life; all tunes are attuned to the hula element, the backbone of the duo's work anyway. There's joy of life linked to surfing on "Ka Ha'awina He'e Nalu," a recollection of a Kaua'i journey on "'O Kamawaelualani," a romantic moment of sharing on "Just Around the Corner," and, appropriately, a gift of song, "'Auhea E Ke Onaona?" from kumu Cazimero to his students on the occasion of the dedication of their pa hula Keonaonalani on Dec. 7, 2002. A simple but exquisite entry is "Mele Kahili," in which traditional implements (pahu, 'ili 'ili) are utilized to enhance the Mary Robins oldie, shared by two Robins kinfolk who are halau members.

The outlook: Kumu who are productive in song can only inspire and nurture their pupils; KUmZ (really, an awkward name to impose on an unknowing public — the lone flaw of this endeavor) are conduits of knowledge learned in the past, of knowledge to be created and taught and ultimately learned in the future. Cazimero's halau was among the trend-setters, where members not only danced, but sang, enhancing the listening and watching experience — and Wekiu buys into that custom.

Our take: A splendid reflection of what makes a halau tick — and a trove of melodic pleasures for other hula students and fans of Hawaiian music.

"Ka Ha'awina He'e Nalu" by KUmZ. Audio sample available in mp3.

"TERRITORIAL AIRWAVES" by various artists; HanaOla Records

Distinguishing notes: Digitally restored with historic photographs, this CD is a tidy and relaxing trip down memory lane, with youthful and venerable voices providing the thrills: Hilo Hattie doing "When Hilo Hattie Does the Hilo Hop," Andy Cummings galvanizing his signature "Waikiki," the Richard Kauhi Trio putting a slightly blues stamp on "My Yellow Ginger Lei," Alvin Kaelolani Isaacs adding a swing tempo to "Hula Mokulele E," Gabby Pahinui retaining his hypnotic aura on "Hi'ilawe," Melveen Leed showing off her country best on "Crazy," Buddy Fo and the Invitations sharing their harmonic style on "Malia My Tita," Auntie Genoa Keawe reaching for the highs on "E Mama E," Randy Oness' Select Hawaiian Serenaders providing a wistful postcard image of Hawai'i of yesteryear on "Hawaiian Hula Eyes" and Alfred Apaka bidding one and all a fond "Aloha Oe."

The outlook: Sure, this is a backward look at a Hawai'i long gone, but the CD serves as a primer for the younger generation — a foundation of what was, and still is, a vital part of the roots of Island music.

Our take: A must-have for your CD collection; a dandy companion to the weekly Soria "Territorial Airwaves" show on Hawaiian KINE 105.1.

"When Hilo Hattie Does the Hilo Hop." Audio sample available in mp3.

"HAWAII STARS PRESENTS TROY LAZARO" by Troy Lazaro; Mountain Apple Co.

Distinguishing notes: Lazaro, a Kaua'i native, has been an amateur contest participant for several years, virtually winning everything in his path. When he won last year's "Hawaii Stars" competition, he also earned the right to do a recording with Mountain Apple. This single, pairing "Come Become Hawai'i" and "In This Life," puts him in an enviable position: terrific production values, successful label and potential marketing blitz. The songs suit his sweet and smooth vocal tones; "Hawaii" is a Robert Cazimero composition, earlier recorded by The Brothers Cazimero, and "Life" was a Bette Midler recording popularized locally through an adaptation by the late Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. If just a smidgen of the 366,000 who voted on the finals show that brought Lazaro honors, he'd be an established chart item.

Our take: This is a far cry from "American Idol," but one dream has been realized, one wish has been granted. Perhaps a star will emerge.

"Come Become Hawai'i" by Troy Lazaro. Audio sample available in mp3.

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