ISLAND SOUNDS
Salsa, hula songs set mood for dancing

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

It's dance time, folks.

Those who savor the hypnotic and rapturous sounds of salsa and Latin hybrids will leap with joy over Son Caribe's rousing CD.

And if you're a hula enthusiast, particularly a beginner, you'll find comfort and inspiration in a compilation of familiar melodies from the Big Island.

"SALSA FROM HAWAI'I" by Son Caribe; Quiet Storm Records

Distinguishing notes: Son Caribe is an accomplished five-member combo led by Eddie Ortiz and featuring a crew of spirited souls with fire and sizzle in their blood. Cynthia Romero, featured vocalist, has helped bring the rhythms of salsa, merengue, cha-cha and more to the mainstream. If you love the pulse of Cuba, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and other exotic ports, you'll love this one. The vocals (also by Frankie Ramirez, Jerry Rivera and Alvin Lucio) export you to other time zones with hand-clapping, heart-pumping precision. "Solo Amor Por Ella," "Amor Prohibido," "Cuanda Falas Tu" and "La Negra Tiene Tumbao" possess an authentic spirit, mixing voices with seductive brass — like going to Latin America without boarding the plane.

The outlook: You don't have to know the language to get seduced by the beat.

Our take: For dancing, for romancing, for mere sit-and-listening, "Salsa" is a treat for the ears and a tonic for the soul.

"Solo Amor Por Ella" by Son Caribe. Audio sample available in mp3.

"HULA! BIG ISLAND STYLE" by various artists; Palm Records

Distinguishing notes: Packing is part of the appeal of a compilation disc; this one, done simply but with sass, assembles artists known and slightly obscure, but the mix works. Each track is blessed with a straightforward treatment, creating a big-picture quiltwork of danceable songs. Loeka's "Kaleponi Hula" demonstrates baritone and falsetto tones; Randy Lorenzo's "My Hula Girl" boasts pop appeal, Rodgers (Lena) Naipo's "Papalina Lahilahi" is sweetly nostalgic, The Lim Family's "Sweet Ka Makani, Ke Kalaulu" is richly traditional, Keoki Kahumoku's "I Kona" is charmingly eloquent, and Kevin Teves' "Keep Your Eyes on the Hand" is engagingly playful. A dozen titles offer ample choice and result in different colors of the Big Island rainbow of styles.

The outlook: A savvy gathering of some enticing melodies suitable for beginning hula pupils.

Our take: A skillful quickie look (er, listen) to the mele of Hawai'i.

"My Hula Girl" by Randy Lorenzo. Audio sample available in mp3.

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