ISLAND SOUNDS
Hapa-haole, reggae and a C&K party

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Members of a contemporary Island group form a new combo to revisit hapa-haole favorites in the Hawaiian trio style.

A lead voice from a popular reggae band returns with his second solo CD.

A prolific duo reflects on three decades of merry music-making, in a live concert outing.

Happy listening awaits.

"THEN & NOW (MA'O, MA'ANE'I)" by Ua; Tihati Productions

Distinguishing notes: "Ua" is Hawaiian for rain; Ua features musicians from Reign, the contemporary group exploring a musical legacy of the past. Kuhio Yim, Afatia Thompson and Kale Chang, singers who also play instruments, revisit familiar turf, turning on harmonic and rhapsodic memories from the past via a splendid collection of favorites: "Maunaloa," "He Aloha No O Honolulu," "Nani Kaua'i," "Leahi," "Latitu," "Haole Hula," "Kipu Kai."

The outlook: A nostalgic stroll down memory lane, a valid introduction to a sector of Island music that today's younger audience may not be aware of; Ua is a great conduit to bridge generations. Chang's vocal arrangements pay homage to an earlier generation of troupers; one can imagine the trio serenading in the backyard, with hula dancers swirling in syncopation.

Our take: Yesterday meets today — and the melodic rainfall should have nourishing effect for both old and young alike. Think "Hawai'i Calls" for Gen X- and Gen Y-ers.

"Maunaloa" by Ua. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"HERE I AM" by Russell RJ Mauga; Kalo Music Productions

Distinguishing notes: Mauga's second solo album is blessed with guest appearances by a host of his friends, some from his Ho'aikane era, others from current groups. The Big Islander's return to the limelight is characterized by a crisp assembly of songs including "Natives," "A Loving World" and "There's No Getting Over Me." Guest personnel include Jamin Wong, Dennis Graue, Salaam Tillman, Brother Walter Aipolani, Keala Kawa'auhau and Pomai Williams, who add an edge of diversity and a measure of urban pop.

The outlook: Ho'aikane's former front man still rocks.

Our take: This could be Mauga's ticket to renewed glory.

"Natives" by Russell RJ Mauga. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"CECILIO & KAPONO: 30 YEARS OF FRIENDS — LIFETIME PARTY" by Cecilio & Kapono; C&K Records

Distinguishing notes: Recorded last year to commemorate three decades of merry music-making, Cecilio Rodriguez and Henry Kapono demonstrate how their tunes and tempos have survived the ages.

Though intermittently on separate musical pages, C&K make their best points together — and here, they breathe new life into some of their classics: "Friends," "Goodnight and Good Morning" (an audience chime-along), "You and Me," "About You," "Goodtime Together," "All Is Fair" and "Danny's Song."

With only 14 titles, the CD barely touches the nerves and soul of C&K fellowship, but it's also a coup to have two recent cuts ("Gather 'Round," a Cecilio original, and "Too Many Lovers," a Kapono newbie) that likely will be around for the next reunion.

The outlook: C&K are easily the most prolific of the contemporary tunesmiths, and they've inspired two generations of singers and composers with their artistry.

Our take: Let the goodtime party continue.

"Friends" by Cecilio & Kapono. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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