• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian, world.

• Distinguishing notes: Audy Kimura, the Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning singer-composer from yesteryear, is producer of this enticing collection by a group organized because they attended school together, adored Island music, but lived and studied (at the University of Southern California) away from their beloved Hawai'i. Mark Goto (Punahou '76), Richard Heirakuji (Kamehameha '77) and Kimo Naylon (Damien '76) used to perform at lu'au and other functions in Southern Cal, expanding the ensemble to include Randall Fukino (Kamehameha '74), Hattie Phillips (Punahou '66) and Donald Kaulia (Wai'anae '80). This is a labor of love by a group that sounds seasoned, accomplished and dedicated to the preservation of tradition and culture. From the politically charged "Kaulana Na Pua" to the fragile "Pua Lilia," I Ku Mau Mau brings gusto and reason into the limelight — a simple desire to share what is in their hearts. The repertoire is rich in freshness (new songs by Herb Ma-helona, including "No Ka Beauty O Honokohau," "E Nana Kakou" and "The Valley") but breeds familiarity with a zest (covers such as "Ka'ahi Kahului" and "I Believe in You," a non-Hawaiian entity and a hit by Don Williams, with a few Hawaiian modifications).

• The outlook: Great slack-key guitar work by Kaulia, with guest vocals by Mahelona, yield a richness that enable I Ku Mau Mau to join the roster of greatness. If you like Ho'okena, Maunalua, Pali, The Brothers Cazimero, The Makaha Sons, 'Ale'a and Na Palapalai, there are elements here you're bound to cherish.

• Our take: I Ku Mau Mau is on the doorsteps of fame; be among the first to discover them.

"Kaulana Na Pua" by I Ku Mau Mau. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Clyde Sproat is probably a storyteller first, then a singer; he's well known in falsetto and tale-telling contests on the Big Island, and this CD taps the multiple talents of this treasure/resource of Island mele. In non-traditional fashion, he precedes some tunes with an insight or two about why or how the song was conceived; "Moloka'i Nui Ahina," "'Olu O Pu'ulani" and "Kalena" are equally enlightening and entertaining in his grasp. Simply, the performances are like back-porch or living-room ho'olaule'a (with applause, laughter, etc., denoting a live audience at the time of recording). Personal. Devoted. Enchanting. His falsetto gets a workout on "U'ilani;" and it doesn't get any better than "Hula O Makee." The voice may not be the best, but the savvy and wisdom behind it is what penetrates the Sproat repertoire — an understanding and communion from the heart.

• The outlook: Those who know and adore the Sproat legacy will flock to this one; others discovering him for the first time will be in for a treat. And what wonderful liner notes to accompany this tuneful journey.

• Our take: With 22 titles from start to finish, this is one of the most satisfying finds in years.

"Na Kuahiwi 'Elima" by Clyde Halema'uma'u Sproat. Audio sample available in mp3 format.