ISLAND SOUNDS
Three new takes on contemporary music

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

One of Waikiki's nightlife powerhouses offers an album that displays its considerable strength and versatility.

A Christian septet demonstrates, through song, many reasons why it warrants your ear.

And a sweet voice with sensitivity and romance galore is beckoning a following.

It's a diverse week of discovery.

"TINO & THE RHYTHM KLUB" by Tino & The Rhythm Klub; Bluewater Records

Distinguishing notes: Tino & The Rhythm Klub has distinguished itself as one of Waikiki's top cards. Lead singer Tino Ibach and his crew (Ricky Ricardo, Lucky Salvador, Alwyn Erub, Hemingway Jasmine, Adney Atabay, Leslie Fernandez) embark on a musical journey that includes some Jawaiian, some hip-hop raps and introduces Tino as a composer. "Happy Jam," "Live It Up," "Hawaiian Rock" and "Sweetly" are among Tino's originals, each with a verve and spirit that caters to prevailing FM radio playlists. There are covers, too, that capitalize on Tino's considerable pop orientation including "Another Day in Paradise" (the Phil Collins jewel), "Babe" (the Dennis DeYoung fave) and "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" (the Barry Gibb smash). Personally, the group's romantic slivers works best — "Whenever You Love," for example, demonstrates a sweetness and sensitivity that speaks volumes.

The outlook: A mixed bag that shows off the multipronged prowess of this popular Island act.

Our take: Tino's well on his way to finding his spot in the Island galaxy.

"Hawaiian Rock" by Tino & The Rhythm Club. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

"7 SIMPLE PIECES" by 7 Simple Pieces; Island Christian Guide

Distinguishing notes: The group promises, in a spoken prelude, a "life-changing experience." A noble sentiment, but perhaps overstated. Still, there are seven simple reasons to enjoy this group: It embraces God with a youthful edge; its melodies are singable, without being preachy; its message is immersed in contemporary flavors and influences such as reggae and pop; it evokes a confident posture on a good life; its outlook is optimistic; it speaks in common-folk, understandable language; there's a positive quality to the entire mission. Stacy L. Kepa is lead vocalist; nearly everyone in the seven members sings.

The outlook: This is evangelism that is not offensive nor stand-offish.

Our take: A great one for a Sunday outing — to appreciate going to, or returning from, church.

"When I Be Prayin'" by 7 Simple Pieces. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

"ONE DAY" by Kekoa Erickson; Neos Productions

Distinguishing notes: Kekoa Erickson possesses a gently brooding voice and a soul that aches to share a story. His style is soft and bluesy, in the Babyface or Luther Vandross tradition, and he has written or co-authored eight of the 10 love songs here. There's a lot to embrace, notably "What If," with a genuine warmth, but he also acknowledges his Island heritage on "Wahiawa Rain" and "Island Life." The entire disc is produced and sequenced with a vision that exhibits the quiet but distinctive showmanship and hypnotic instrumental support at hand.

The outlook: A performer to watch, an act to discover; in other words, a bright future, with the right connections, beckons.

Our take: Kekoa has a voice with purpose and prowess; listen up, folks.

"What If" by Kekoa Erickson. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

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