• Genre: Folk- and pop-oriented vocals.

• Distinguishing notes: For most, Ray Bumatai is an actor and a sometimes comedian. Of course, he's done some singing gigs, and this emerging collection of 10 originals will be a ticket to new appreciation of his bulging talent. There's a sweet, rustic flavor to his homespun compositions, many embracing Island benchmarks and landmarks.

"Take a Ride" is an appropriate opening tune, introducing an easy-going manner — it's a smooth journey. The guitar accompaniment is simple, showcasing a man with something to say.

Often, the titles alone suggest the ride — "The Holoholo Song," "The Hand You're Dealt," "Bus Up Pick Up Truck." Bumatai's actor side enables him to turn a piece of music into a storytelling experience.

"Holoholo" presents a delicious sliver of pidgin; it recalls the wit and charm of Keola Beamer's "Mr. Sun Cho Lee," with an equal dose of with-it impressions on what makes our lives in Hawai'i so special. (Any song about a squashed up toad can't be dismissed.) There's a contemporary Hawaiian tune (English and Hawaiian lyrics) in "E Malama 'Ohana."

Alas, you have to be in the know about the existence of this CD; until a distributor is lined up, it's available only online at www.bumataiisland.com.

• The outlook: Bumatai fits a lot of love and living into this effort; musical embellishment (keyboards, drums, bass, guitar, steel guitar, 'ukulele) is by a contingent of savvy locals, including Rockwell Fukino, Greg Sardinha, Stan Albrecht and Kawika Ortiz. Background vocals are by Katie Doyle and Rosyln, with Bree Bumatai — aka, Karen Brilliande Bumatai, the performer's spouse — providing the photography.

• Our take: A very special re-introduction to another side of Bumatai; indeed, his is an eloquent voice worth noting.

"Take a Ride" by Ray Bumatai. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: 'Ukulele instrumentals.

• Distinguishing notes: Herb Ohta, also known as Ohta-san, has inspired a whole new generation of uke-strummers with his groundbreaking work, over the past four or five decades, when he helped eke out a solo spotlight for the instrument used by many Island combos.

This mix of old and new recordings continues to demonstrate the expansive range of the instrument, in classical, jazz, pop and Latin genres.

"Open Arms" and "Whiter Shade of Pale" are pop hits simplified to a strum-along; "Summertime" bounces with a jazz-inspired flavor, appealing for any season.

"Preludium/Fugato No. 2" explores a classicist posture; "Body Surfing," the title tune, is a revved up charmer that could easily be used by a TV show lensed here.

• The outlook: While some tracks may be familiar, since they were in an earlier Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning album, the surf's up for other cunning adventures with Herbie.

• Our take: Ohta-san still has the Midas touch.

"Open Arms" by Ohta-san. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Compilation of nostalgic rock, Island-style.

• Distinguishing notes: You really had to be there to fully appreciate this compilation of '60s rockers in the Islands, who created a commotion on the scene way back when.

The cuts, heard today, demonstrate the innocence and crudity of rock for devotees who followed the Val Richards V ("Ain't Too Proud To Beg"), Spirits ("Double Shot"), the Undertakers ("Roselyn"), the Casuals ("My Girl Sloopy"), the Telstars ("Spaghetti Strap"), the Mopptops ("Mop-Top") and Joey and the Classics ("Ringo's Walk") in venues mostly long gone — the old Civic Auditorium, Fat City, The Lemon Tree, Reilly's A Go Go, The Morgue and The Swamp.

The lone "hit" from the past included here is Linda Green and the Tempos' signature tune, "My Little Japanese Boy."

Vintage photos in the liner notes identify band members — a bonus for the curious who might wonder what the ruckus was all about.

• The outlook: A period piece that will generate some remembrances and perhaps trigger a quick trip down memory lane.

• Our take: Boss sounds from the past provide a blast, if you grew up in the '60s or are a garage-rock fanatic; the rest of you will be scratching your heads in confusion.

"Ain't Too Proud To Beg" by Val Richards V. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Island-style ska.

• Distinguishing notes: Seven Isle ska bands perform 14 songs, giving this showcase for the local music scene some flourish.

It's a mixed plate with all kinds of material. Bands participating are All the Extras ("Rockmaninoff"), Battle Royale ("Opposite of Cool"), The Ex-Superheroes ("New Girl in Town"), Black Square ("Fallin' "), The No-No Boys ("Let It Ride"), Pimpbot ("Ragga Muffin") and Upstanding Youth ("Paint by the Numbers").

The punk-ska music advances a genre that has been bubbling for years in the Islands.

Is this the one that will bring wider exposure and acceptance of ska? Could be.

What the disc lacks, however, is a liner complete with mini-bios and images of each participating act.

• The outlook: There's strength in numbers; a cut or two or three by each band has resulted in a full-on album, where seven CDs by each act might be too unrealistic a task.

• Our take: This is a tidy reflection of the ska scene — and an opportunity to tap new fans, re-energize existing fans, and build on a future.