Posted on: Sunday, March 27, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
Kanaka'ole updates the family tradition
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole, from the creative and prolific Big Island family, carries on the family legacy with an impressive new collection of chants and mele, steeped in tradition but with enough contemporary juice to suit all appetites of Hawaiiana.
Two other compilations assemble artists and tunes from the Big Island and Maui.
• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian, with elements of contemporary Hawaiian. • Distinguishing notes: Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole carries the banner of family matriarch Edith Kanaka'ole with pride; he is the great-grandson of Edith, the son of Kekuhi Kanahele and Kaipo Frias, and grandson of Pualani Kanaka'ole. (The lineage goes back further: Kaumakaiwa is the great-great-grandson of Mary Keali'ikekuewa). Clearly, "Welo" will be a beacon for others to admire, adopt and follow; it's loaded with exquisite chants, mele and stories, all told in the native Hawaiian tongue. This is an inspired primer on preserving and perpetuating things and themes Hawaiian. There is a lot to embrace: "Hilo Song," a tribute to the Big Island town, is a hoot, a blend of customary Hawaiian with contemporary rhythms; "Mele Hi'i Pepe" is an exquisite lullaby; "E o Kupu'eu Na Pae Moku" is a frisky and fun outing, set aboard the Hokule'a and as bouncy and carefree as a glide over the ocean waves; "Hilihia Ke Kauna O Ka Moku" — with snare-drum rhythms — marches to an evolutionary beat.
• The outlook: This will be a pioneering album, a youth mining the rituals of his ancestors and parents, yet finding his own groove as a young artist of today. It is the Hawaiian music of tomorrow. • Our take: One that requires special handling, for discriminating audiences; one that will stand the test of time for Hawaiiana purists.
• Genre: World music. • Distinguishing notes: Island singers, composers and musicians — some known, some new — join forces against substance abuse and addiction with songs of hope and inspiration. Participants include Keola Beamer and his mother, Nona Beamer, on "Kaulana Na Pua," bringing generational strength to the vintage favorite that boasts spoken lyrics by Auntie Nona and stunning ki ho'alu by Keola; Bruddah Kuz, sharing Jawaiian jams on "Hawaiian Soljah"; James McWhinney, providing more contemporary power on "Hawaiian Spirit"; Damon Williams, demonstrating his romantic aura on a couple of tracks such as "Your Heart Will Lead You Home" and "Happy Today"; Howard Shapiro, waxing enthusiastically about "Sunny Day"; Rupert Tripp Jr. providing an inspirational message on "Soar Above It All"; Faith Rivera, showcasing strength and commitment on "Believe"; Glynn Motoishi, advocating "Winds of Change." • The outlook: The mixed-plate format provides a variety of moods and styles as well as a cooperative spirit. • Our take: Something for everyone to explore. • Genre: Contemporary. • Distinguishing notes: Maui no ka oi. This is a 10-song compilation of contemporary, mostly Jawaiian tunes, from a handful of Valley Isle performers. The disc at once is a barometer of emerging talent and a mirror of prevailing sentiments from these young acts. The choice is wide and varied, from Beenie Man's "Love Work Right" to Piilani Arias' and Zach Kekona's "Dance," from Jesse Tanoue's "Love Me 2" to Shaka & Friday Eleneki's "Found Love."
• The outlook: For now, this would appear to be a Maui-targeted release. • Our take: If you're searching for a dance record, this one fits the bill.
"WELO" by Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole; Mountain Apple Co.
"WE ARE 'OHANA; SONGS OF HOPE" by Hawai'i Island Performing Artists; Periscope Records
"MAUI STYLE, 2ND EDITION" by various artists; Lyri-Cool Productions
