ISLAND SOUNDS
Pairs of Hawai'i voices lend charm, chemistry to CD

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

A collection of male-female duets, interpreting some familiar songs, makes for delightful listening.

A stellar but not widely known ki ho'alu artist from the Big Island seeks a place on the roster of slack-key legends.

And the godfather of Island reggae offers a second-volume of popular hits.

"DUETS — ISLAND STYLE" by various artists; Neos Productions

Genre: Contemporary.

Distinguishing notes: If you savor duets — think Sonny and Cher, Donny and Marie, or in a local vein, Leon and Malia and Teddy and Nanci Tanaka — you'll find enchantment and amusement in this compilation of male and female acts tackling reggae, soul and light rock, all in the contemporary vernacular. Some have commercial appeal — Norm and Faith Rivera's "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing," Sean Na'auao and Robi Kahakalau's "We've Got Tonight," Bitty McLean and Rocky Brown's "I Want a Love I Can See," Kawika Regidor and Lehua's "You've Got a Friend," Kekoa and Maila Gibson's "More Love," B.E.T. and Ilona Irvine's "Put a Little Love in Your Heart."

The outlook: There's lingering charm and chemistry with some of the twinbills, elevated with cunning arrangements.

Our take: Winsome twosomes ... a few of these acts might consider a full-on duet album together.

"Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" by Norm and Faith Rivera. Audio sample available in mp3 formats.

"KIKAHA MALIE" by Chris Yeaton; Woodsong Acoustics

Genre: Slack-key guitar.

Distinguishing notes: Chris Yeaton is an O'ahu-born, Big Island-raised musician who studied with some of the best in ki ho'alu, including Keola Beamer and John Keawe. He draws from other influences (Alex de Grassi, Peppino D'Agostino, Antonio Calogero) in this freshman CD, which offers Yeaton originals such as the title song, "Sliding Doors," "Leo Mele Hoa Pili," and "Skyward Granite," plus some familiar guitar classics such as Jerry Santos' "Ku'u Home 'O Kahalu'u," Sonny Chillingworth's "Moe Uhane," Leonard Kwan's "'Opihi Moemoe" and John Keawe's "Mana 'Olana." There's assurance and invention in his strumming; he's learned well and carries the tradition with dignity.

The outlook: Yeaton is one of those bubbling-under artists, awaiting public endorsement; in time, he should be right up there with his mentors.

Our take: He's got a Hawaiian soul and is one to watch.

"Sliding Doors" by Chris Yeaton. Audio sample available in mp3 formats.

"REGGAE HITS, VOL. 2" by Butch Helemano & the Players of Instruments; Kana'i Records

Genre: Reggae.

Distinguishing notes: Butch Helemano has been a pivotal force of rasta and reggae in the Islands since the mid-1970s. This 21-song collection celebrates his nearly three decades of musicianship and his prowess in surviving the competition. The opening track, "Only the Strong," alluding to survival, could serve as the theme song for his longevity. All tunes are from his pen, and he's been a prolific beacon of Island-style reggae; because he pretty much adheres to the founding rhythms of reggae, he avoids the "Jawaiian" mold adopted by many Hawaiian acts taking the Jamaican journey. "Catch a Wave," "Rub a Dub" and "Love Me Now" are among his sparklers.

Our take: Helemano's name is synonymous with reggae; he's the boss.

"Only the Strong" by Butch Helemano & the Players of Instruments. Audio sample available in mp3 formats.

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