• Genre: Paniolo music, with a historical perspective.

• Distinguishing notes: With packaging that might hint of a DVD release, "Na Mele Paniolo" is a historical audio document — an ethnographic recording, if you will — that had been out of print since 1990. Recorded between 1985 and '87 and previously available only on cassette, the two-record set was then, and remains, a collection of songs favored and savored by paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboys. A 50-page booklet offers knowledge and insights into the genre, with lyrics that help enlighten the newcomer to this area of Island history, or at best, provide brush-up data for those who might have forgotten these treasured tunes and times. Performers include Clyde "Kindy" Sproat, from the Big Island; Ku'ulei's Own, from Maui; Peppie and Gippie Cooke, from Moloka'i; and Na Molokama O Hanalei, from Kaua'i. Also featured: Bill Kaiwa, from O'ahu, who has roots on Kaua'i. Vocal styles represented range from falsetto to backyard kanikapila songfests, with "emcee" notes and snippets, and periodic introductions by the performers. The format is homey and concise, almost in the spoken-word/storytelling tradition; the performances are beautifully authentic, like encountering a time capsule of pure artistry.

• The outlook: Mostly for historical reasons, this one's a keeper (available at the Honolulu Academy of Arts gift shop).

• Our take: Take a ride to paniolo country and reacquaint yourself to a collection of lasting and illuminating tunes about rustic Hawai'i and its cowboy denizens.

"Pua Lilia" by Na Molokama O Hanalei. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Traditional and hapa-haole Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Yet another sterling anthology, with 18 tracks by some luminaries of the past — Andy Cummings, Gabby Pahinui, Jesse Kalima and the Kalima Brothers, Richard Kauhi Quartet, Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln & His Hawaiians and others.

• The outlook: Lots of fond memories are stirred.

• Our take: Splendid compilation to replace worn-out vinyl originals.

"Hi'ilawe" by Gabby Pahinui. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: 'Ukulele instrumentals.

• Distinguishing notes: Mark is a veteran performing artist, teacher and advocate of the 'ukulele. This limited-release CD — available only at Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i (Ward Warehouse and Fort Street) and Tower Records (Ke'eaumoku Street) — is a simple but genuine display of his basic instincts as a uke whiz. The repertoire says it all: the uke, in the right hands, knows no geographical boundaries. Hawaiian titles ("E Ku'u Morning Dew," "Akaka Falls," "Kamehameha Waltz") form about a third of it; the rest is a liberal but expansive global list that proves that Mark is capable of harnessing universal favorites ("Meditation," "Till There Was You," "Over the Rainbow," "Claire de Lune," "Malaguena") into a brew of local delights.

• The outlook: OK, he's no Jake Shimabukuro or Ohta-san (Senior and Junior), but Mark holds his own, able to make his uke "speak." Little-known fact: He plays by ear, has had no formal musical education, but he's up there with the best of 'em.

• Our take: Mark remains a virtuoso on his chosen instrument.

"Till There Was You" by Gabby Pahinui. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: This anthology by a groundbreaking Hawaiian ensemble showcases a sound and a style long associated by the composer of "Waikiki"; a 1946 version is provided here. What's amazing, besides the enduring appeal of his song, is the talent in Serenaders: Gabby Pahinui, Joe Diamond, David Nalu and Ralph Alapa'i, whose renderings of classic favorites ("Kaimana Hila," "Alekoki," "Kaua'i Beauty," "Mauna Loa" and "Henehene Ko Aka") and a couple of hapa-haole hits ("Get Hep to Swing," "In Spite of All"), demonstrate a prevailing motif of those prime years — an ensemble sashaying from vocal harmonies to falsetto tones, with uke, guitar, bass and steel guitar.

• The outlook: A fun and rewarding stroll down memory lane.

• Our take: The magic of territorial Waikiki lives anew for a new generation of listeners.

"Kawika" by Andy Cummings. Audio sample available in mp3 format.