ISLAND SOUNDS
Flavor and soul of Tahiti captured in Vaihi's 'Vahitian'

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

An album of Tahitian melodies.

A collection of classic hula titles.

A low-budget curiosity that yields some comic moments.

That's the range of this week's CD finds.

"VAHITIAN" by Vaihi; Vaihi Entertainment

Genre: Tahitian.

Distinguishing notes: Vaihi is a harmonic and melodic ensemble. The group (Bruce, Sam, Aaron and Piko) pays homage to Tahiti with a dozen tunes composed by Marotea Mariassouce, one of Tahiti's prolific tunesmiths. Not surprisingly, this CD — originally released in Tahiti — has been a top seller throughout French Polynesia. It's the first CD rendered in the Tahitian language by a non-Tahitian act. The melodies capture the flavor and soul of Tahiti ("Te Haeha'ara'a," "Hei Tere," "Fakateretere," "Tei Tei Te Reva") and project the love and devotion of the group for the nation. Several guest artists bring authority and authenticity to the fold.

The outlook: An easy-to-appreciate entry, even if you don't understand the language; the rousing joy and appreciation of Tahiti are very apparent.

Our take: A savvy way to visit Tahiti without boarding an airplane.

"Te Haeha'ara'a" by Vaihi. Audio sample available in mp3 formats.

"CLASSIC HAWAIIAN HULAS, VOL. 2" by George Kahumoku Jr. and Daniel Ho; Daniel Ho Creations

Genre: Hawaiian vocals and slack-key.

Distinguishing notes: Kahumoku and Ho are becoming stunning collaborators; the former is a singer-guitarist with deep affection for themes Hawaiian; the latter is an accomplished guitarist who provides 'ukulele accompaniment. The fare is no-frills essentials: "Lovely Hula Hands," "Laupahoehoe Hula," "E Huli Makou," "Papalina Lahi Lahi," "Kawika," "Royal Hawaiian Hotel." Beautifully and lovingly interpreted with uncluttered arrangements that suit the novice hula pupil.

The outlook: A natural companion to the earlier volume of hula hits.

Our take: Clearly, this is one for the hula population — but anyone with an appreciation for classic hula songs will find it a gem.

"Lovely Hula Hands" by George Kahumoku Jr. and Daniel Ho. Audio sample available in mp3 formats.

"KOOKULELE!" by Stench; no label

Genre: Contemporary; tongue-in-cheek vocals with 'ukulele accompaniment.

Distinguishing notes: David Gibbs, aka Stench, has put out a peculiar CD that features 10 titles, with the help of friends. On his Web site, he admits, "Our motto is 10 songs for 10 bucks," and that sums up the tone and tempo here. Low-budget, acoustic, ill-recorded originals ("Duty, Duty, Duty," "Crystal Cave," "Nice Little Life," "Skateboard Commando"). Production values are low — but that seems to be the whole point: Get something out there without losing your shirt. As a comedy disc, there aren't many laughs — though some of the renderings are deliberately mediocre. Still, a cut or two sound like they have potential, if only a serious effort was made to upgrade quality. Admittedly, a takeoff on hard rock is kinda cute.

The outlook: Serious or a joke? You decide. The best thing about this one is its clever "Kookulele" title, though the kookiness is erratic.

Our take: Sounds like a demo record, so check out Stench's Web site (kookulele.com) before plunging.

"Duty, Duty, Duty" by Stench. Audio sample available in mp3 formats.

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