ISLAND SOUNDS

By Wayne Harada

'Ukulele players are in the limelight this week.

One sings — with confidence and assurance.

Another returns from a solo stance to his group footing — and the bonding lingers.

A third — call him a blast from the past — shows how it was done then, and how he remains relevant and inspiring today.

"SIMPLE AS A SUNRISE" by Daniel Ho; Daniel Ho Creations

• Distinguishing notes: The sun rises on musician Daniel Ho's "new" career as a vocalist; he's mostly been showcasing his artistry in guitar and 'ukulele instrumental albums. This outing displays a vibrant attitude and a vocal palette that reflects both confidence and creativity. Mostly, Ho sings of things and places that touch his inner soul and he succeeds as a storyteller, since most of the originals are from his pen (with collaborators).

The style is folksy — check out "Cup of Joe," "Off to Work," "Along for the Ride," "Simple as a Sunrise" — and you begin to see the luminous and lingering colors in his views. He also "covers" the Jonathan Cain rock ballad, "Faithfully," giving it a sweetness not found in the original. The arrangements are crisp, the musical backup seductive and supportive — the essence of a savvy musical force.

He plays most of the instruments, too, and mastered and even designed the total package. Further, he adds another dimension to his vision — the liner photographs are his, from his travels.

• The outlook: Ho's a contender to score as a singer; his talent is boundless.

• Our take: Nothing ho-hum from this prolific tunesmith.

"Off to Work" by Daniel Ho. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

"TOGETHER AS ONE" by the Opihi Pickers; Go Aloha Entertainment

• Distinguishing notes: The Opihi Pickers — Hoku Garza, guitar; Imua Garza, 'ukulele; Kahale Morales, bass; and Kevin Okimoto, guitar — have emerged as a dependable new-breed ensemble, competent at both vocal harmony and instrumental pluckings (notably, the uke stylings of Imua Garza). Here, Imua also shines as the principal composer, turning in a collection of love songs that alternately feature different members of the group.

He sings on "Our Love Is Divine," "Let's Call It a Day," "I Found a Love." Okimoto takes the lead on "Here We Go Again," "Let Me Be Myself" and "The Light." Great pickings, all. And there are 14 cuts — including a shred of whimsy in the vaudevillian "Waikiki Chickadee," which features — what else? — a kazoo.

• The outlook: There's unity and bonding with this foursome, which continues to command an Island following.

• Our take: After his solo CD, it's a blessing that Imua has returned to his group roots — his prowess and presence forms the Opihi Pickers' heartbeat.

"Let's Call it a Day" by Opihi Pickers. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

"HEART OF THE 'UKULELE" by Eddie Kamae; Mahalo Records

• Distinguishing notes: This timeless classic is back in CD format, and oh what pleasures (and treasures) await. Produced by the late Bill Murata, and performed by the master Kamae, whose eloquence has been challenged but never diminished, this is both a lesson in the essence of strumming as well as a ticket to the past. The repertoire here is half Hawaiian, half Tin Pan Alley, with "Kamehameha Waltz" and "Akaka Falls" fitting snugly alongside "Come Back to Sorrento" and "Granada," proving that the 'ukulele is never foreign to a tune, as long as the artist is in charge.

• The outlook: There's a lot of splendid artistry that new fans of the uke will find in this oldie, which is anything but moldy. Lest you forget, Kamae is the heart of the Sons of Hawai'i, but that's another story of another kind of glory.

• Our take: Before there was Jake Shimabukuro, there was — and still is — Eddie Kamae. For that, the past and current generation of solo uke players and fans should be grateful and inspired.

"Come Back to Sorrento" by Eddie Kamae. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

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