ISLAND SOUNDS
Maui group delivers with infectious sounds

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Maui boasts another Hawaiian ensemble with promise and potency — very pono.

An advocate of ki ho'alu is back with more great strokes.

And a Californian brings his guitar style to the Islands.

"HOME OF MINE" by Pono; Rip Tide Records

Genre: Island contemporary, Hawaiian.

Distinguishing notes: Yet another Maui group — Kaleo Phillips, Joshua Kahula and Pi'ilani Arias — makes an auspicious debut with a 12-song collection of originals and borrowed titles. The title song is sweet and poignant, succinctly displaying the trio's resourceful and refreshing contemporary sound, capped by a chant by Pono Murray at song's end. There are a couple of expressive and enticing Hawaiian cuts, including the traditional "Pauoa Ka Liko Ka Lehua" and "Waikaloa," plus a revival of Palani Vaughan's "He Puawehiwa" (with Vaughan himself guesting midway with his unmistakable baritone). There are some beguiling covers as well, including Van Morrison's "Wild Nights." It's an eclectic mixture, but the harmonies and sensitivity are hallmarks.

The outlook: Pono is rightfully named — its music is upright, filled with goodness; its sound is infectious, suggesting success and dutiful diligence.

Our take: Pono traverses that bridge between then and now with likeable charm.

"Pauoa Ka Liko Ka Lehua" by Pono. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

"KEOKI KAHUMOKU" by Keoki Kahumoku; Daniel Ho Creations

Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian, ki ho'alu, 'ukulele and a hint of blues.

Distinguishing notes: Keoki Kahumoku is one of his generation's masters of the stroke and the voice. This outing contains a mixture of his own creations ("Hunt'n Brown Dog," "Aloha Sunday Stroll," "Take Dis An' Dat"), which show off his wit and wonderment about Island living, and some special interpretations of established favorites such as Keola Beamer's "Real Old Style." Slack-key fans will find joy in his "Slack Key Circle Song" and "Blues Slack Key," which demonstrate his confidence and signify his ability to take risks, fusing his Hawaiian roots with more contemporary elements.

The outlook: This is Kahumoku's most enchanting endeavor yet.

Our take: Kahumoku continues to develop, grow and impress.

"Slack Key Circle Song" by Keoki Kahumoku. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

"FROM ME TO YOU" by David Yamasaki; J-Town Sound

Genre: Instrumental guitar.

Distinguishing notes: Yamasaki recently relocated to Honolulu from the Bay Area, bringing with him this CD of urbane sounds mixing his Asian background with flavors from California and abroad. "Samurai Hee-Haw," sets the tone for the disc — a journey of fresh visions, precise instrumentation and joyous musical flights. He composed several tunes ("Just for You," "Joan," "From Me to You") with a jazzy, urbane flair, and surrounds himself with colleagues who enhance his guitar. He's played and recorded with some of the best (Pete Escovedo, Tito Puente, Sheila E.), so a solo voyage was inevitable.

The outlook: Seek him out on the club circuit; his musicality is top-notch.

Our take: Great companion for wee-hour enjoyment, alone or with a loved one.

"Samurai Hee-Haw" by David Yamasaki. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

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