ISLAND SOUNDS
Jazzed-up Hawaiiana from Owana Salazar

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

A Hawaiian songbird connects the dots, fusing vintage Island tunes with a splendid jazz seasoning.

A popular group continues its journey through Island rhythm turf.

And a lawyer finally gets to say what's been in his heart for a lifetime.

"HULA JAZZ" by Owana Salazar; Moonbow Records

Genre: Hawaiian with a jazz flavor.

Distinguishing notes: Owana Salazar is an acknowledged Hawaiian favorite, generally sticking to a traditional Hawaiian songlist. Here, she embarks on a delightful, lilting journey, marrying her love for Hawaiian music with her appreciation for jazz. Think Richard Kauhi meeting Herb Hancock, shaking hands with Teresa Bright and, well, even Ethel Azama — folks who have been pioneers in their own little ways. Salazar is in that league, with a revealing and resonating songbook that includes vintage tunes (hapa-haole as well as traditional Hawaiian titles) that suit the matrimony.

Listen to the sultry syncopation of her original title song, along with the nostalgic reflections of "Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi," "South Seas Sadie," "Kainoa," "Pretty Red Hibiscus," "A Song of Old Hawai'i," and "E Mau."

The outlook: Not an original concept but a smartly executed one, with satisfaction guaranteed.

Our take: Could be Salazar's biggest endeavor yet — with broad appeal over wider demographics than mainstream Hawaiiana.

"Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi" by Owana Salazar. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

"BACK TO THE VALLEY (The 3RILOGY)" by Ekolu; Waiehu Records

Genre: Island rhythms.

Distinguishing notes: For its third CD, Ekolu goes "back to the valley," with a reflective compilation of nine original songs and some "adopted" favorites that suit the hip and contagious riffs, vocal and instrumental, of Akoni Dellomes, Makapu Hoopii and Lukela Keala. Typifying the trio's affinity with their emotions and 'aina: "It's the Way I Feel About You," "Groovy Reggae Music," "You Are My Sensation," and, of course, the title song. There's a surf orientation to "Critical Liquid," and Fleetwood Mac's "Everywhere" is a sweet diversion.

The outlook: Outstanding production values enhance the performances; a suitable companion to the group's earlier "Down in the Valley" and "Shores of Waiehu" albums.

Our take: Ekolu has it all together — a loving appreciation of what they do, reflected in how they do it.

"Critical Liquid" by Ekolu. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

"CHILDREN LIKE ME" by Terrance Tom; Tom Tom Records

Genre: World music, plus piano instrumentals.

Distinguishing notes: This CD realizes a longtime dream of blind composer-pianist Terrance Tom, a lawyer and one-time legislator, who does, with this simple but resourceful CD, a lot more for youth than he possibly could as a politico or attorney.

His music comes from the heart and it's this excursion into his soul that bares his "vision," if you will, of what it feels like to be a child, full of hope and innocence, of joy and aspirations, of promise and potential.

The Keiki Kani Choir (Shayna Lum is the soloist) embraces the title song with a splendid vocal, and Alison Chu factors in "Year of the Family," which involves the 1991 state legislators, too. But the sweet, fragile, expressions without words — tracks such as "To Paint a Dream," "A Child's Lullaby," "In My Room" and "Happiness" — speak volumes about the destiny of children.

The outlook: A special effort that requires attention and promotion — with boundless feel-good energy.

Our take: Beat the Tom-Tom; this is a powerful discovery worth seeking out.

"In My Room" by Terrance Tom. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

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