• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Dennis Pavao, the late singer with Hui 'Ohana and I Kona, possessed one of the Islands' most admired falsetto voices. This collection updates some of his treasured, never-before-released tracks, embellished with incredible duet voices of Raiatea Helm (on "I Kona" and "Bora Bora Nui") and Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom ("Haleakala," "Ke Kali Nei Au," "Ipo Lei Manu," "Hanalei Moon," "Singing Bamboo?" and "Imi Au Ia 'Oe"). The companion female voices radiate with front-andicenter freshness, with Pavao showing off his lower register; the concept, of course, no longer is new — Natalie Cole made it fashionable to add a current voice to tracks of a beloved loved one (in her case, her late dad, Nat "King" Cole). Call it an homage, call it exploitation, call it flattery; in the end, it works. Bobby Ingano's steel-guitar work also adds a layer and measure of inspired brilliance — and Hawaiianess. Marcus Johnson's bass work, notable on the fragile and eloquent "Makee 'Ailana," also should be acknowledged.

• The outlook: While an old "new" release by Pavao would have been a welcome and joyful treasure for his fans, the addition of the favored songbirds raises the appeal a notch or two or three. Other instrumental tweaking simply brings out the radiant hues of Pavao's voice, much in the manner of a precious diamond reset to create a new sparkling ring. Especially potent: "I Kona" and "'Imi Au Ia 'Oe."

• Our take: Producer Trav Duro Jr. has augmented the simplicity of Dennis Pavao's sound with a stable of respected talents; this "collector series" release should reap plenty of rewards and hurrahs from music fans, particularly those devoted to Pavao's legacy.

"I Kona" by Dennis Pavao. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Rock; contemporary.

• Distinguishing notes: Fire Prince is Kai (P.D. Kai Swigart), who is the psychologist who worked with shark victim Bethany Hamilton back to full recovery, sans left arm, and a six-member band. The title song, on which Hamilton, the Garden Island surfer, does background vocals, was used in part of her trauma recovery therapy, and it housed the flounce and bounce of a wave heading for the shore; the lyrics recapitulate the tragedy and (without naming her or the attack) the triumph of what happened. "Look through her eyes and see the blessing in disguise," goes one line. Much of the music, written on Kaua'i as well as Johnston Island, where Kai previously resided, is alt-rock in style and manner, with periodic surprises, like a Pledge of Allegiance add-on (again, with Bethany and friends reciting), on "Heroes, Saints, and Angels," and a folkie's posture of storytelling ("Ocean Eyes," "Don't Feel Like Heaven Anymore," "Many Kinds of Sexy").

• The outlook: Fire Prince offers a valid, meaningful rock sound, performing new music with a variety of styles (ballads, rockers). The question, however, is intended audience. Does leader Kai want to seek out listeners who simply adore his sound, or curiosity seekers eager to find out how Bethany Hamilton — not identified on the cover, but mentioned on a back photo — is involved here? Could be a case of confused intentions.

• Our take: This one's from left field; will the public tune in to a collection of rock linked to a surfing phenom, pictured on the CD cover?

"Soul Companion" by Fire Prince. Audio sample available in mp3 format.