Posted on: Sunday, March 13, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
Pianist creates mood music, Hawaiian style
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
Hot for Hawaiian love songs for those quiet evenings of romance?
Hungry for Christian tunes, with a local spin?
Still bopping to reggae beats?
These CDs are worth a listen.
• Genre: Piano solos of Hawaiian love songs.
• Distinguishing notes: Frenchman Pierre Grill, a long-time Hawai'i resident and recording industry beacon, brings a tender touch to 14 Island songs of varying vintages, each one like a pearl on a necklace. Grill, normally an engineer for a host of local recording projects, periodically takes a front-and-center bow; this is his second solo piano endeavor and his relaxed, classicist stature brings quiet dignity and beaucoup amour to the limelight. His roster of favorites include hits such as "E Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u," "E Ku'u Morning Dew," "Pua 'Olena" and "Hawaiian Lullaby," and oldies such as "E Ku'u Sweetie, "Pua Lili Lehua," "Pua Carnation" and "Ho'onanea." The simple arrangements bring out the solitude and warmth of a romantic moment in time; Grill's piano stylings are just the thing for a cozy evening of calm and cuddling.
• The outlook: As zee French say, c'est magnifique!
• Our take: This is mood music at its best.
• Genre: Christian music. • Distinguishing notes: Shanita Akana, an 'Ewa Beach singer, composer and recording artist, offers two collections of inspirational music. Both CDs offer a revealing and lingering portrait of Akana as an artist; her voice is rich and warm, her compositions reflect a spirit of praise and renewal; her adopted tunes suit her commitment to the Lord; and she embraces some popular classics for commercial clout. Further, her father, Ernest Aana, has composed a song on each disc.
On "Verboten," Akana embraces "Ave Maria." Dad wrote the title song and daughter's originals include "Jacob's Song" and "This Is Who I Am," both emoting heartfelt sentiments.
Pierre Grill performs on keyboard and synthesizers on some cuts; production values are high.
• The outlook: Clearly, both albums are a labor of love.
• Our take: Rejoice! Akana is faithful to the Christian genre and has crossover potential.
• Genre: Reggae, world music. • Distinguishing notes: Local and global reggaemeisters mean soul-stirring joy in the Jamaican realm. Or Jawaiian, if you will. This compilation, out for a while, assembles a host of talent and tracks to fit any groove, any mood. Easy favorites: Ooklah the Moc's "Roots Music," Butch Helemano's "Stand by Me," Ky-mani Marley's "Warriors," Dread Ashanti's "Mok's Song," Musical Youth's "Pass the Dutchie" and Marty Dread's "Not Good Enough." • The outlook: Better late than never to soak up the reggae rousers.
• Our take: A welcome addition to any reggae fan's collection; like receiving an iPod loaded with groovy moves.
"KE ALOHA" by Pierre Grill; RVR Records
"Pua 'Olena" by Pierre Grill. Audio sample available in mp3 format.
"CHRISTIAN SONGS SUNG WITH ALOHA" and "VERBOTEN" by Shanita Akana; Lyric Productions
On "Aloha," dad's contribution is "The Lord Is Coming"; Akana's originals include "The Family of Our Lady" and "The Pure and Simple." "O Holy Night" transcends the Christmas experience here. Local composer Robert Mondoy contributes "The Lord Is My Light," rendered with rousing sincerity.
"The Family of Our Lady" and "How Beautiful" by Shanita Akana. Audio sample available in mp3 format.
"ROOTS MUSIC" by Various Artists; Quiet Storm Records
"The Warriors" by Ky-Mani Marley. Audio sample available in mp3 format.
Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, or fax 525-8055.
