ISLAND SOUNDS
Local ensembles put their best onto CDs

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Groups are in the spotlight this week.

"KA MANO WAI (THE SOURCE OF LIFE)" by 'Ike Pono; 'Ohana Records

Genre: Traditional, contemporary Hawaiian.

Distinguishing notes: After competing in local contests (Ka Himeni Ana, Battle for the Bash), 'Ike Pono, a quartet, has evolved into a group worth watching. Donovan Collier, Stanton Oshiro, Bobby Yu and Michael Lowe have a winning acoustic sound, dwelling on two strains of Island music. For sweetness in the traditional song bag, check out the backyard flavor of "Kalakaua" and "Ka'ano'i Pua"; for a more modern take, give "Jumpin' Rock" a ride — the latter, a composition of Yu dealing with the rock at Waimea, could become a break-out hit. For diversity, "Ha" features the nose flute ('ohe hano ihu) and other traditional implements. Throughout the CD, there's splendid 'ukulele and ki ho'alu work, and impressive harmony.

The outlook: Eclectic songs reflects a breadth of talent.

Our take: Could be one of this year's emerging combos.

"Kalakaua" by 'Ike Pono. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"KA 'OI NO (THE BEST INDEED)" by Ka'u; Quiet Storm Records

Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian, world music.

Distinguishing notes: Ka'u, from the Ka'u region of the Big Island, offers a buffet of sounds — contemporary Island ditties alongside reggae, a little bit of country, a smidgen of nostalgic do-wop and even religious sounds. Demetrius Oliveira, Greg Foxx, Leslie Gravela, Bill Grannis and Guy McKeague include oldies ("Lost in the '50s/In the Still of the Night)," country ("Neon Moon"), originals ("Cut It Loose"), Jawaiian ("Strange Fruit"), Island-themed cuts ("Footprints in the Sand") and traditional Hawaiian ("Paulo").

The outlook: Kind of a "best of" CD, with some tunes heard on the group's first two albums.

Our take: Ka'u sounds as relaxing and appealing as the district where members live.

"Cut It Loose" by Ka'u. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"MY HAWAIIAN GIRL" by Ko'u Mana'o; U'ilani Productions.

Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian, contemporary.

Distinguishing notes: Ko'u Mana'o is a five-member group featuring Chauncy Bermodez, Keoni Ku, Kaipo Tong, Jon Alcordo and Freddie Algono. The title song is clearly Island rhythm, with a reggae tempo targeting radio airplay and perhaps a measure of commercialism. But the group's strengths are in covers that showcase its vocal prowess: "This I Promise You" and "Everything I Do." Another good bet: the falsetto reading of "Kaipolani."

The outlook: Some things works, others don't.

Our take: A mixed bag with mixed results.

"This I Promise You" by Ko'u Mana'o. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

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