ISLAND SOUNDS
Paulo serves up Island standards

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

A veteran pianist is back in the mainstream with a collection of largely familiar Island melodies — and he even sings.

Troy Fernandez (of the Ka'au Crater Boys) leads the charge (with some new and some known pals) through a splendid menu of contemporary Island songs.

And a compilation of reggae tracks, while available separately, makes for a nifty montage for summertime listening and dancing.

Ah, happy listening time.

"WAIMANALO MOON" by Rene Paulo; Respect Records. Homestead Productions.

Genre: Hawaiian instrumentals.

Distinguishing notes: Paulo is a seasoned show biz veteran, father of Michael, Kathy and other entertaining Paulos. He's had an illustrious career the past five or six decades, interpreting Island, pop and Japanese melodies, letting his fingers do the work on the ivories. In this Japan release, his serenades beckon with images of a lovely and idyllic paradise. The title song is his own, but most of the tunes are familiar and favored entries — "Pua Lilia," "Morning Dew," "Lei Pikake," "Kaleohano," "Kanaka Waiwai," "Pua Lililehua" and "Hawaiian Lullaby." Paulo sings on a bonus track of the title song; his voice has character, but suffice it to say he's better as a keyboardist.

The outlook: A new CD should put Paulo back in the Waikiki limelight; he's been doing periodic, low-profile gigs. The liner notations, unfortunately, contain some title misspellings.

Our take: Paulo still is a poet of the piano.

"Pua Lilia" by Rene Paulo. Audio sample available in mp3 formats.

"TROY FERNANDEZ AND FRIENDS: COLLABORATION 1" by Troy Fernandez and various artists; TNT Records.

Genre: Island contemporary, with an emphasis on reggae/Jawaiian.

Distinguishing notes: Ka'au Crater Boys' Troy Fernandez, still one of the best uke strummers, taps a cluster of local buddies to belt out a hip and hypnotic collection of Island rhythms.

"Once Ago" and "Nothing Can Change This Love" feature Ekolu's Kela Keala, "From the Soul" boasts Typical Hawaiians' Shaka, "Ala Moana Bowl" presents Tapa Groove's Kaulana Pakele and "Oh Baby" showcases B.E.T. — one of the best bets in the assembly. A couple of newer acts — Mackenzie on "Do You Love Me," The Rockers on "Reggae Music" and Unity on "Why" — benefit in the company of the more established community of reggae artists. Fernandez also whisks through a lively and stunning "We Are Warriors" that's worth the price of the disc.

The outlook: Great summertime item; put on the disc for a backyard or beachfront party.

Our take: Fernandez's love for groovy vibrations penetrates the session and he steers one and all through a very satisfying excursion.

"Once Ago" by Troy Fernandez with Kela Keala. Audio sample available in mp3 formats.

"REGGAE IN PARADISE" by various artists; Neos Productions.

Genre: Island contemporary, reggae and Jawaiian.

Distinguishing notes: A wondrous collection of heavy-hitters of the genre, including Big Mountain ("Baby, I Love Your Way"), Fuji ("Sweet Darlin'"), Native Blend ("Take Me Back to Paradise"), Sean Na'auao ("Coming In from the Cold"), Norm ("Stay With Me"), Pepper ("Stone Love"), Pound 4 Pound ("I Don't Wanna Dance"), O-shen ("Cool Fever"), Justin ("Shake Me"), Pati ("Why Don't We"), Ho'onu'a ("Good Feeling"), Kawika Regidor ("For Your Love") and lots more.

The outlook: Another socko seasonal treat. Plenty to drool over, dance to, sing along with.

Our take: While largely available in previously-released CDs, this compilation reflects a diverse and mixed plate of styles and vibes.

"Baby, I Love Your Way" by Big Mountain. Audio sample available in mp3 formats.

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