• Genre: Hawaiian slack-key guitar.

• Distinguishing notes: Ozzie Kotani is hardly an unknown, at least in Honolulu. His timing may be perfect to release another solo slack-key album, in the wake of the first-ever Best Hawaiian Album Grammy winner (a gathering of strummers, led by producer-performer Charles Michael Brotman) earlier this year. Kotani's style, like the sound of his guitar, is atmospheric and alluring, capturing the essence of romance, the beauty of nature, the fragility of a fragrant lei. His repertoire here taps some vintage favorites, such as "Ia 'Oe E Ka La E 'Alohi Nei"; a revisit to "Danny Boy" (here entitled "The Londonderry Air," and included to demonstrate the versatility and exquisite nature of slack key); a new take on a spirited Chet Atkins arrangement of "Opihi Moemoe"; an original (the title tune), which Kotani wrote, with a strumming style suggesting a pahu or ipu (drum or gourd); and "Na Pua Lei 'Ilima," a sweet tribute to the favored lei blossom. Daniel Ho provides 'ukulele support on selected tracks.

• The outlook: Ki ho'alu is primed for more examination outside of Hawai'i. This effort is a beautiful and worthy conduit for newbies to savor.

• Our take: Ozzie's wizardry will find an audience abroad.

"Ia 'Oe E Ka La E 'Alohi Nei" by Ozzie Kotani. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Contemporary, soul, reggae, Island rhythm, world music.

• Distinguishing notes: This one definitely is hot and hip, and difficult to confine in one simple category — unless it's "now." The vocals pack urban energy and street-smarts; with Jaster's Polynesian roots, it's certainly a measure of musical diversity. The titles tell the tales: "Us Together," "Spend the Night," "After Nine," "Sweet Talk," all from the combined pens of Lloyd Wendt, Tim Carter and Robert Wendt. Production values are solid; however, some of the music is repetitive in spirit.

• The outlook: This should be a staple for the club crowds.

• Our take: Could be Jaster's breakout disc; it's a natural progression of growth, since she previously was part of a compilation disc.

"Us Together" by Leilani Jaster. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: World music.

• Distinguishing notes: Ron Ka ipo has been absent from the recording scene for some time now; he periodically fashions a contagious brew (check out "This Melody," with a catchy tune that lingers and promotes sing- and clap-along joy, with both English and Hawaiian lyrics; "Polynesian Serenades," with a romantic posture that seems suitable for a Don Ho-type voice). The packaging, however, leaves a lot to be desired. He does turn in some clever lines and projects some warm images.

• The outlook: A diamond in the rough; fellow entertainers might find a gem to adopt and extract for a show.

• Our take: Ka ipo's worth as a composer has not diminished with time.

"This Melody" by Ron Ka ipo. Audio sample available in mp3 format.