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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Sunday, April 10, 2005

ISLAND SOUNDS
Revised and revived, Hapa is happening

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Hooray for Hapa; the reconvened Maui group, with veteran Barry Flanagan and new colleague Nathan Aweau, turns in a majestic album with morsel after morsel of good vibes, reflecting a link to the past but soaring mightily into the future. It's a Hawaiian music disc that will elevate the duo's profile.

A Kaua'i group with vast credentials also seeks out a spot on the charts — and listening is an adventure.

And a prolific local reggae singer-composer shows off his creations — and turns out to be more melodic than other reggae artists.

"MAUI" by Hapa; Hapa.com Records

Genre: Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian.

Distinguishing notes: Hapa — Barry Flanagan, guitarist, and Nathan Aweau, lead vocalist on all but one track and also bassist-percussionist — has been a pioneering resource of Island sounds for years. In its current status, it also is a band with insight and vision, depending on cultural roots to set its foundation, but open to contemporary elements to forge ahead of the pack. This recent arrival is aurally and visually a stunning package, executed with style and class, embracing Polynesian motifs that inspire and impress. "Haleakala," the opening tune by Jay Kauka, is a natural introduction to this gallery of artistic treasures, with freewheeling abandonment suggesting a joyous trek to the peak.

The fare includes vocals and instrumentals, each defining an exquisite experience in the Hapa journey. "Papa E," with foundations in the Tokelau islands, is an emotional lament about watching the site diminish as you depart via the sea; "Tahiti Manahune," with melody by Flanagan, tells the tale of how Tahiti got its name; "Redemption Song," the lone Flanagan vocal, is the Bob Marley tune reconfigured for a Hawaiian experience, complete with political message that could easily be retrofitted to the Hawaiian landscape; "Lei Manoa," a Flanagan contribution, is a sweet and succulent snapshot of misty and mystical Manoa, with an undercurrent of romance — easily this CD's "Lei Kukui." "I Ka La'i O Lahaina" keeps to the Maui theme, with charming results.

One other entry, with historical perspective, is "Mo'i 'O

Lili'u," an Aweau composition that reflects on Queen Lili'uo-kalani, and the emotional voltage at the time the Hawaiian flag was lowered, signaling the fall of her throne.

The CD packaging is stellar, with numerous fold-outs, enlightening notes, lyrics and commentary, and liberally illustrated by Native Hawaiian artist Solomon Enos — all proving the jacket is just as enticing as the book.

The outlook: Surely the disc re-establishes Hapa as a contender for future laurels and an important conduit for Hawaiian culture.

Our take: Hapa is happening again — deservedly so.

"Lei Manoa" by Hapa. Audio sample available in mp3 format.



"Kupaianaha" by Kupaianaha; Puana Records

Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian.

Distinguishing notes: Kupaianaha — a trio comprised of Pat Cockett on slack-key guitar, 'ukulele and vocals; Pancho Graham on bass and vocals; and Manulele Dudoit on vocals — is a group with Kaua'i ties. Cockett and Graham also appear as Na Pali, a Garden Island backyard band and are part of Taj Mahal's touring Hula Blues Band. Cockett (with Carlos Andrade) co-authored "Moonlight Lady," one of the signature hits from the Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band, and

Dudoit is an on-air personality on KKCR-FM. So there's a trove of riches here — reflected in a mixed bag of tunes —including a reggaefied "Love Chant," vocal appearances by Cockett family members Keao (son) and Patricia (daughter) on "Love Me, Too," a Dudoit lead on "Poli'ahu" (the Frank Hewett classic) which is melded with "I Believe in You and Me," extending and expanding the emotions of the Hawaiian tune. Numerous guest musicians appear, providing steel guitar (Ken Emerson), bass (Pancho Graham), drums (Kester Smith) and trombone (Dennis McGraw).

The outlook: With hometown support, should be a smash on Kaua'i.

Our take: Surprises abound, making this a listening adventure.

"Lokelani Blossoms" by Kupaianaha. Audio sample available in mp3 format.



"LANUI" by Ryler James Lanui Kaneao; Polytri Records

Genre: Island reggae.

Distinguishing notes: Lanui updates his musical past in this reggae-dominated release. As a youth, he performed alongside such local faves as Don Ho, Melveen Leed, Kapena, the Peter Moon Band and more; in recent times, he's played with Pati, Fiji and O-shen. He's also been part of the Tihati Productions 'ohana of troupers. This outing unites him with Fiji (on "The Quest" and "Who Is She"), B.E.T. (on "Oh My Baby") and Mana Kaleilani Caceres (on "1st Met You"). He wrote all of the songs here, a few with collaborators, so he has creative skills to spare. His tunes are more melodic and substantial than hard-core reggaemeisters'; check out "Love You Driving Me Crazy" and "Oh My Baby."

The outlook: This one targets the reggae crowd, so the appeal is limited.

Our take: Lanui should find his space on the reggae ladder.

"Oh my baby" by Ryler James Lanui Kaneao. Audio sample available in mp3 format.



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