ISLAND SOUNDS
Three new albums with Hawaiian flavor

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Songbird Darlene Ahuna returns to the spotlight with a stunning collection of Hawaiiana — traditional mixed with some hapa-haole stuff.

Melveen Leed also is back with sizzle, fusing Hawaiian with country. Whee-ha, it's a great return for Da Tita.

For kiddie and family audiences, a partly educational entry is helpful for 'ukulele upstarts and beginning hula pupils.

"BRIDGE BETWEEN GENERATIONS" by Darlene Ahuna; HanaOla Records

Distinguishing notes: Darlene Ahuna can rightfully be called a songbird; she has a majestic old-style voice reminiscent of a lark serenading from the back porch. Her sweet and fragile notes evoke another era, and the songs here are suited for her regal, relaxing style. The material includes melodic old favorites such as "Ke Anuenue," "Ho'onanea" and "Kalamaula," plus familiar hapa-haole entries such as a pair of medleys fusing "Blue Hawai'i" with "Sweet Leilani," and "Hilo March" with "Nani O Hilo." A Big Island legend, Ahuna continues to impress.

The outlook: This is Ahuna's sixth album — and it won't be a last. The musicianship is top notch, too, with valuable liner lyrics so you can sing along.

Our take: Another one of Ahuna's must-haves.

"Ke Anuenue" by Darlene Ahuna. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

"A PART OF ME, A PART OF YOU" by Melveen Leed; Lehua Records

Distinguishing notes: Da Tita, long missing in action as a CD live wire, has assembled a dozen titles that tap her multitextured vocal prowess. Recorded in Nashville, there's a country undercurrent, but Leed essentially is an Island artist with global connections. Thus, there's a worldliness that means appeal beyond our shores. "Kailua," with a little bossa-nova tempo, and "Love Is, Tau'atuahine," a romantic ballad with Tahitian inspiration, are originals. She casts widely for the rest of her repertoire, updating Johnny K. Almeida's "Holoholo Ka'a," borrowing Eddie Kamae's "Ka Lae O Ka'ena," putting her own brand on the oldie "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You," and simply being her old self on the session's best cut, "Nani Ko'olau," with Hawaiian and country components. And to tune into her twang, don't neglect "When the Leaves Turn to Brown."

The outlook: Leed is one of the most enduring songbirds. This album will help put her back in the limelight — and, I hope, on the radio, too.

Our take: Great to have a great talent back in her element.

"Kailua" by Melveen Leed. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

"HAWAI'I KIDZ SING-A-LONG" by Hawai'i Kidz; no label

Distinguishing notes: Isaiah Nagatani, Krissan A.F.S. Kama, Lily Foster and Are'a Ka'imi'ola Amaral are the Kidz; they take you through simplistic 'ukulele-strumming tunes and simple hula. Lyrics are provided, so youngsters who can read will find some joy. The tunes have a young people's orientation ("Mahalo My Hawai'i," "Shaka —The Hang Loose Song," "'Ohana One Family"). One title ("Kaholo Hula") has been heard on "Lilo & Stitch's Hawaiian Adventure," and that is the target audience — youngsters who have some interest in things and themes Hawaiian, whether it's entry-level hula or uke-strumming. Adults Les and Taina Fernandez are featured on some tracks.

The outlook: The CD has potent for families.

Our take: This one boasts more shared instructional values than entertainment quotient, but the kiddie voices are undeniably charming.

"Mahalo My Hawai'i" by Hawai'i Kidz. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

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