• Genre: 'Ukulele instrumentals.

• Distinguishing notes: This one combines the talents of Lyle Ritz and Herb Ohta and is billed as the "first live jazz 'ukulele recording ever." It was done at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, Calif. The pair take solo turns, finishing up the session with collaboration. Ritz's contributions include "Lulu's Back in Town" and "Tonight You Belong to Me," while Ohta tackles "September Song," "The Very Thought of You," and updates his signature "Song for Anna." Together, Ritz and Ohta-san explore "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Stomping at the Savoy." If Ritz was one of the pioneers of showcasing the uke as a solo instrument, then Ohta has been one of the disciples of the form. "Live" simply means there's periodic audience applause to acknowledge the joys of strumming.

• The outlook: A nostalgic teaming of two bright lights of the 'ukulele family.

• Our take: For uke buffs, this one's a keeper.

"Triste" by Lyle Ritz and Herb Ohta. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: A blend of two cultures: Native American and Native Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Talk about cultural integration and harmony: Nakai's Native American flute artistry is a perfect match with Beamer's Hawaiian ki ho'alu mastery; the songs are largely Hawaiian in spirit and motif, largely composed by Beamer or arranged or adapted by him, with one significant collaborative effort, "Lapule — Sunday," co-authored by the two artists. The flute yields a soothing, new-age-type tranquility to the vocal and instrumental eloquence of Beamer, who continues to ponder themes and places close to his Island heart; numerous authentic instruments (ipu or gourds, pahu or drums, 'ohe hano ihu or Hawaiian nose flute) create tranquility and serenity with exquisite precision, and a reflective tone is omnipresent, whether the recollection is of a person ("Waip'o Paka'alana"), place ("Aia I Moloka'i Ku'u 'Iwa") things ("Ka Mano — 'The Shark' ") or history ("Ke Ha'a Ala Puna"). The cross-cultural elements permeate a couple of Hawaiian melodies, when Native American lyrics dominate — pause and applaud "E Manono" and "The Good Road." Note, however, that the mana'o of the music is decidedly more muted and controlled, more atmospheric than flashy, more academic than entertaining — but still wondrously seductive in the end. The effect is a slo-mo, dream-like journey with pastoral and environmental ?lan, like coasting over a verdant valley or soaring over a vast desert — exemplified on "Ke Ao Nani (The Beautiful World"), with Beamer singing Hawaiian lyrics and Nakai reciting the Diné (Navajo) translation.

• The outlook: Nakai is an eminent and expressive flutist of Navajo-Ute heritage and Beamer is a valuable and trusted resource for things Hawaiian, so this joint effort embodies two titans on a common mission — to preserve and perpetuate, through performance and sharing, their respective artistry.

• Our take: A very significant celebration of cultural diversity.

"Waipi'o Paka'alana" by R. Carlos Nakai and Keola Beamer. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Retro rock.

• Distinguishing notes: Beethoven's Nightmare prides itself in being the only deaf band in the world, and the title song sums it all up: "When you're looking for a good band, check us out." Members are Ed Chevy, Hawai'i-based bassist and vocalist; Steve Longo, rhythm guitarist; and Bob Hilterman, drummer and vocalist. The CD is an attempt not only to show off the trio's accomplishments but to bring awareness to the world of the misconception that you have to be able to hear to enjoy and perform music. The Beethoven name, clearly, is an homage to Ludwig van Beethoven, who became deaf at age 35 and never quit composing. So the Nightmare roars on, too, saying "rock 'n' roll music is a safe place" on its "I Want To Be an American in a Rock 'n' Roll Band." The rhythms recall classic rock faves such as "Louie, Louie" and "Surfin' Safari" — the group wails, with foot-stompers, soul-stirrers, movers and shakers. Some are vocals, others are catchy instrumentals.

• The outlook: Beethoven's Nightmare has dreamed big — and won.

• Our take: A remarkable demonstration of the power of music and the joy of performance.

"Turn It Up Louder" by Beethoven's Nightmare. Audio sample available in mp3 format.