ISLAND SOUNDS
Island music strains echo in space, time

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Territorial sounds, transported through stylings of a wizard of acoustic guitar and steel guitar, should appeal to those who relish nostalgia.

A Maui resident percolates with his Gypsy jazz stylings.

And a former Honolulu resident, now in the Midwest, has a release with his up-and-coming group that includes some very pointed, folk era-style laments.

"HAWAIIAN TANGOS, HULAS & BLUES" by Ken Emerson & Friends; HanaOla Records

Distinguishing notes: Ken Emerson has been one of the Islands' masters of ki ho'alu and steel guitar, specializing in vintage sounds from the Territorial era. This collection demonstrates the hypnotic lure of the genre, with Emerson playing guitar and steel in the acoustic mode. He also is a singer and composer and has tapped the wellspring for support, with the likes of Darlene Ahuna, Todd Rundgren, Cindy Combs, Papa George and more to add credence to his artistry. "Roselani," "Moonshadows on Coconut Grove," "Kalamaula," "Ulupalakua," "Hilo Hanakahi" and "Wahine Ilikea" best represent his theme of tango and blues, Island-style.

The outlook: With the scarcity of product that handsomely reflects a devoted past, this one says it best.

Our take: A richly rewarding and nostalgic stroll through time with a capable guide.

"NO FIXED ADDRESS" by Tom Conway; no label

Distinguishing notes: Tom Conway, who lives and works on Maui, serves up a zesty concoction of his own compositions, performed by a trio that includes Conway on guitar, Marcus Johnson on bass, Willy Wainright on violin and Phil Benoit on guitar. It's an unlikely but effective mix, with a collection of "place" tunes suggested by a crossroads sign on the CD cover that lists, among other places, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Detroit, with Maui as the starting point. Thus, you can put a regional spin "Black Forest jam," "French Kiss," "Mystery in Morocco," "Maui Mango," "Red Ginger" and "Capricorn Rising."

The outlook: Conway has the smarts to juxtapose imagery and nuance in his music; anything can be of a particular place if you simply listen and imagine. His guitar solos and the presence of the fiddle yield a unique, percolating sound.

Our take: A CD worth seeking out, for its instrumentation and its quest to be different.

"PUBLIC PROPERTY" by Public Property; Salsiccia Records

Distinguishing notes: While recorded in Iowa, this one qualifies as an "Island" product since its lead singer-guitarist, David Bess, is a former Honolulu resident, the son of publisher Ben "Buddy" Bess. Further, there's a dominant hula motif in the liner graphics and coconut tree images on the cover, even though this is largely a soulful, contemporary and reggae-infused outing. The combo (Adam Grosso, bass; Matt Grundstad, percussion and vocals; Shane Kraske, organ; Nick Narigon, drums) is supported by a female trio (Georgette Stern, Margaret Larson and ex-localite Mareva Minerbi). Bess, a graduate (1999) of Iolani School and the University of Iowa, wrote all songs with his fellow musicians. Listen and you realize the songs aren't merely a treacle of love and reflection but have messages, like the politically-motivated "Fess Up," "Blood Banner" and "Ticker Tape News."

The outlook: This is an act that will be gigging in the Midwest this summer. (Not a widely-distributed CD, but Revolution Books and Native Books should have copies; or go to www.publicproperty.com).

Our take: This Property has voice and relevance.

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