ISLAND SOUNDS
Kapono's 'Live' CD provides cozy listening

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Henry Kapono sings live from Duke's; Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett shares some personal mele; and a new group seeks a following.

That's the CD outlook this week.

"LIVE: DUKE'S ON SUNDAY" by Henry Kapono; Eclectic Records

Genre: Adult contemporary; live-in-concert performance.

Distinguishing notes: Kapono easily could be Hawai'i's most prolific composer — and certainly one ensconced in the many facets of the biz, as entertainer and club-owner (Kapono's at Aloha Tower Marketplace). His Sunday gigs at Duke's at the Outrigger Waikiki is a chance for him to get off his musical licks and an opportunity for fans to get up close and personal.

Predictably, the live format serves as a document of one aspect of his multitextured artistic life, and it's cozy listening as he treads his way through safe and familiar turf ("Home in the Islands," "Island Boy," "Sailing") but also on some tailor-made covers ("Mustang Sally," "I Can See Clearly Now," "Drift Away," "Desperado."

A bonus: "Duke's on Sunday" is a studio track — sans applause.

The outlook: A sure-bet best-seller at his Sunday sessions, amid locals and visitors; Kapono is at his vocal pinnacle.

Our take: This is the sound of our contemporary paradise, Kapono-style; you provide your own liquid nectar to make the party hearty.

"Home in the Islands" by Henry Kapono. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"MO'O'OLELO" by Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett; Makuakane Music Corp.

Genre: Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian.

Distinguishing notes: Hewett dedicates this body of personal tales and emotions to his kupuna, his elders, as well as his mo'opuna, his children and future grandchildren, and what a loving, beautiful collection of reflection of happy and sad times, of myths that could become traditions of the future.

Hewett's mele, in Hawaiian, are accompanied by savvy English liner translations, so enjoyment is enhanced with this added knowledge. "Kaua'i Hemolele I Ka Malie," which speaks of the beauty of the Garden Island, and "O Ka Holokio," about the queen on horseback, are just two brighteners. Hewett has surrounded himself with stellar musicians, including Jerry Santos on vocals, Hoku Zuttermeister and Lorna Lim on background vocals, Ken Makuakane on several instruments including 'ukulele and keyboards, Calvin Murasaki on violin, Calvin Hoe on nose flute and Paul Kim on steel guitar.

The outlook: Easily one of Hewett's best, reflecting his breadth of knowledge.

Our take: Hula halau, among others, should find a gold mine of danceable (and singable) new material here, all from the Hewett pen.

"Kaua'i Hemolele I Ka Malie" by Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"FRIENDS FOREVER" by Pohaku; RBM Records

Genre: Island rhythms, Jawaiian.

Distinguishing notes: Pohaku (rock or stone in Hawaiian) is an Island rhythm band featuring Danferd Kealoha, Billy M., Josh Martin, Ka'aomae ("Shagga Man") and Daniel Keliikoa. The music is geared to the Jawaiian crowd; Papa T (from BET) raps on "One Night," "Fling With a Ring" and "Someday." Ballads such as "Turn and Walk Away" and "Sweet Thing" provide variety.

The outlook: A noble effort, but Pohaku needs deejay support for exposure and club gigs for building a fan base.

Our take: With effort, the group could wind up in the winner's circle.

"One Night" by Pohaku. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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