ISLAND SOUNDS
An anniversary, faith and Maui reggae lilt

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Hawaiian Airlines marks its 75th anniversary with a worthy freebie — a mixed bag of Island classics you'll quickly treasure. Get one while it's available, though there's a hitch.

A Maui quartet puts its own spin on a collection of original reggae.

And a Maui musician-composer has spirit and invention on his mind, creating a winning CD of Christian Hawaiian tunes.

"FOLLOW ME HOME" by various artists; Hula Records

Genre: Compilation of Island classics, then and now.

Distinguishing notes: As part of its 75th anniversary festivities, Hawaiian Airlines has joined Hilo Hattie in releasing a limited edition, 14-song sampler of popular Hawaiian favorites from yesteryear, many still popular on Island radio. Tracks tap contemporary and traditional performers, with a forgotten few revived to boggle the mind. Not a single throw-away here; the journey includes Genoa Keawe's classic "Alika," Keali'i Reichel's groundbreaking "Kawaipunahele," The Sunday Manoa's indelible "Kawika," Lena Machado's reverent "Ho'onanea," Olomana's career-launching "Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u," George Helm's unforgettable "Kalama'ula," Gabby Pahinui's incredible "Hi'ilawe," Eddie Kamae & the Sons of Hawai'i's "Ahe Lau Makani," the Kahauanu Lake Trio's definitive "Pua 'Ahiahi." And more — by Country Comfort, the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau (yes, with Israel Kamakawiwo'ole), Andy Cummins, Alfred Apaka and Na Leo Kane (with Ledward Ka'apana).

The outlook: Betcha the demand will exceed the supply. This CD is free to Hawaiian Airlines customers with any purchase of $50 or more at Hilo Hattie stores in the Islands, Orange County, Calif., or Las Vegas; through July 7, Hawaiian interisland and in-bound passengers from the carrier's eight Mainland cities will receive redeemable certificates. You can't buy it from normal retail sources.

Our take: Just like listening to an in-air audio concert.

"Ho'onanea" by Lena Machado. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

"OPEN DOOR FOR STRANGERS" by Nuff Sedd; Goofy Foot Records

Genre: Reggae.

Distinguishing notes: Maui-based Nuff Sedd includes John Kahula, Dave Wood, Kit Okazaki and Duane Rosa. It started out as Ho'omau and underwent a name change, taking time to ferret out its pop/reggae/ska stylings. The 16 tracks are finger-snapping, toe-tapping entities suitable for dancing and partying. "Cherry Bomb" has traits for singular success, combining sweet lyrics and an infectious; since the foursome writes its own material, there's a burst of refreshing energy and none of those copycatting covers. The outlook: Crisp reggae/Jawaiian journey, with sweet brass flourishes.

Our take: Nuff Sedd; go out and acquire the CD and start your own exploration; you won't be disappointed.

"Cherry Bomb" by Nuff Sedd. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

"A FEW MORE DROPS: HAWAIIAN CHRISTIAN PRAISE" by Wendell Warrington; Warrington Publishing

Genre: Christian with a Hawaiian flavor.

Distinguishing notes: Wendell Warrington has been active in the Island music spectrum for years, currently working as a singer and guitarist with the Maui-based theatrical spectacular, "'Ulalena." His participation in the local Hawaiian praise movement has resulted in a rich, textured slate of inspirational music, many in the Hawaiian tongue ("E Nana Aku I Ka Nani O Iehova," "'Aole Wau E Ho'iana," "Nani Ka Hohonu O Ka Waiwai"). The sincerity and invention are remarkable.

The outlook: Appealing collection with a spiritual core.

Our take: Clearly, Warrington is blessed with a special talent.

"E Nana Aku I Ka Nani O Iehova" by Wendell Warrington. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

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