• Genre: contemporary, world music.

• Distinguishing notes: One-half of the Cecilio and Kapono team, Rodriguez proves here that he's still prolific, precise and potent as a pop music force, writing lyrics and music for 13 of the 14 tunes here. Like his sometimes collaborator, Cec, as he's called, operates in a diverse musical mode, turning folkish on "Do It All Again," a lite-rocker on "You Never Told Me About You," a passionate romantic on "If I Could." He goes on a slightly Latin path on "Liliana," plays off his Hispanic heritage on "Ensenada." No doubt, there is unstated reflection and flashback in some of his originals; his songbook reads like a troubadour who's lived life here, there, everywhere. Guitars and harmonicas retain the contagious spirit of C&K, but make no mistake, this is Cec country through and through.

• The outlook: Aptly titled CD; could be Cecilio's time to relaunch and be rediscovered by his fans. And stellar production values, right down to the liner booklet with lyrics.

• Our take: Cec never ceases to surprise — and this is a prime example.

"You Never Told Me About Him" by Cecilio Rodriguez. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: 'ukulele, slack-key guitar and bass instrumentals.

• Distinguishing notes: At 16, Brittni, a home-schooled Hilo student and musician, is fearless. In her CD debut, she strums her way on three different instruments (hence the title). Big Islanders know of her; we're catching on, albeit late. What's remarkable about Brittni is how she spears (get it, Brittni Spears?) and shatters traditions, with her masterful strokes. One moment, she's offering rhapsodic ki ho'alu on the indelible Lizzie Alohikea classic "Radio Hula" and on Ozzie Kotani's "Ewalu," the next she's plucking uke on the familiar "Hava Nagilah" and putting an Island spin on it and introducing an original by her teacher Keoki Kahumoku on "New Beginnings." For more variety, she coasts on the virtues of George Gershwin's "Summertime" and adds her own stamp on Barry Flanagan's "Lei Pikake." Oh, she is a composer, too ("Thunderstorm Slack Key"). Her bass is largely a background entity, but go figure — she's the do-it-all girl.

• The outlook: Clearly, this is one is intended to showcase her instrumental dexterity and strength. But we hear she sings, too — next outing, for sure.

• Our take: Brittni is this year's Raiatea Helm.

"G Minor Fleas" by Brttni Paiva. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: spoken word; local ghost stories.

• Distinguishing notes: Jeff Gere is one of Hawai'i's leading storytellers; he has managed to make a livelihood out of his passion. In this first volume of an apparent series to come, Gere shares nine tales with occasionally hair-raising impact (five dwelling on the intimidating Madame Pele), depending on when and where you listen to them. "The Man Who Met Pele" is crammed with drama, emotion, fear and suspense, and its access and success are partly hinged to our fascination with the volcano goddess.

The tales embrace the myths and legends we've all heard or experienced before, in one form or other, involving sharks, ironwood trees, kahuna and more. Gere, born on Halloween, has a gift of creating mood and mystery through his voice and inflection; the tales tap longstanding beliefs, or rituals, that you're advised not to try (because you'll get bad luck or infuriate 'aumakua, ancestors or gods that might assume the shape of sharks or other species).

Music by keyboardist Les Adams and percussionist Lee Akaka embellish two stories. The format is sometimes a tad too biographical but is uniformly conversational (with occasional audience applause), yielding a live-in-concert flavor.

• The outlook: Storytelling helps preserve and perpetuate popular tales; Hawaiian stories are rich and robust, reflecting cultural traditions and retaining the lingo and spirit of the adventure. While fascinating and applaudable, the intensity here might be overwhelming for young children, who easily could get nightmares, so consider this mostly a romp for thrill-happy adults.

• Our take: A haunting he will go ... Gere has presence and is poised to make us better listeners.

"The Man WHo Met Pele" by Jeff Gere. Audio sample available in mp3 format.