• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: The late Moe Keale embodied the aloha spirit in many ways — through song, through example, through his nightclub work. This CD, recorded over three nights in 1999 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, where Keale worked, succinctly captures his aura — you can experience his aloha, complete with twinkle in the voice, on 17 tunes, including "Waiomina," "Kaimana Hila," "Kane'ohe," "Kawika' and "Papalina Lahilahi." He plays ukulele, too, and the musicians here are Mel Amina (guitar) and Analu 'Aina (electric bass), who both sing. As is traditional of "live" sessions, this one includes periodic stories about specific titles, further reflecting the easy-going manner that Keale possessed. With Nalani Keale also guesting, "Live in Waikiki" is a living tribute to Uncle Moe's silenced talent.

• The outlook: For those who cherished the sincere and expressive songs of Keale, this one's a must-have.

• Our take: A belated recording by the beloved performer still is a bounty of joy.

"Waikiki Hula" by Moe Keale. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: This is a reissue of a 1975 disc, and it sweetly displays a younger Kaiwa in a dozen tunes that capitalizes on his rich and resonant baritone voice. Sweetness reigns on "'Oiwi Nani," "Nani Kipukai," "Ho'omau" and "Waimanalo," and the Hawaiian cadence reflects a rich and varied repertoire for this Hawaiian singer. The lyrics are reproduced, for added joy, and Kaiwa's eloquence is especially noteworthy.

• The outlook: Forgotten songs rebound in their original glory.

• Our take: Kaiwa's voice is classic and still endearing today.

"Kamakahala" by Bill Kaiwa. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Contemporary, folk.

• Distinguishing notes: Kramer is a storyteller at heart, with a penchant of capsulizing moments of life in a tidy and tuneful manner. "Tell Me a Story," the opening track, sets the tone; "Kids Like to Jump (Testing the Equipment)," "I Wish That I Could Fly," "Happy Am I," "Nap Time" and "Tutu, I Love You, I Do," are good for family sing-alongs. The guitar accompaniment yields a folksy and fun tone.

• The outlook: Goodness and wholesomeness are the hallmarks here — with wistfulness and imagination thrown in for good measure.

• Our take: 'Ohana with keiki should examine and adopt this one.

"Tell Me a Story" by Steve Kramer. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: World music.

• Distinguishing notes: inoA'oLe is an expansive seven-member group skipping from hip-hop to reggae to Island contemporary tunes — and back. It offers a lot of bounce per ounce of music — "Take This Raft," "Let's Dance," "Pretty Island Woman" will keep the feet stomping and the fingers snapping — and inoA'ole clearly is a band of the moment. Four share lead vocals — George Taulani, Derek Wegner, Jerry Lee and Duane P. Souza — and musicians are Jeff Philip, Matthew Honda and Kevin Phillip.

• The outlook: Hot, hip and heady stuff here.

• Our take: iNoA'oLe spells excitement, once you get beyond the typographically challenging name.

"Take This Raft" by inoA'oLe. Audio sample available in mp3 format.