Posted on: Sunday, May 8, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
Of the latest samplings, Ohta-san impresses with uke reissue
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
A new act, dubbed ic1people ("I see one people"), makes a curious debut. It might be worth a listen.
One of Herb Ohta's classic oldies is out on CD for the first time; makes sense to replace that long-playing album.
And a collection of reggae and hip-hop finds established faves commingling with budding acts.
Meet and greet the old with the new.
• Genre: World music.
• Distinguishing notes: ic1people, self-described as "the first inter-species consortium," has a cheerful attitude but a serious identity problem. Said to be comprised of frogs and insects (their words, not mine), the music is folksy in a tongue-in-cheek manner. Can't help but think "The Frog Went a-Courtin' " upon first listening to "frog1log," but you get the drift. The disc attempts to house a Side A and Side B, reverting to the era when recordings had to be flipped over to continue hearing, though this one plays through without ejecting and reinserting the disc, liner roster notwithstanding. And yes, there are "ribbit" croaks, keeping to the theme. The track being touted is a longish (5:15) ditty called "Love Has Come," a name-dropping tune about those who've passed on, like John Belushi, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Robert and John F. Kennedy. Go figure.
• The outlook: This one will be a tough sell. What were the musicians thinking?
• Our take: Limited appeal, but you can't knock the originality.
• Genre: 'Ukulele instrumentals. • Distinguishing notes: Ohta-san is the original solo 'ukulele maestro whose romantic and exotic strumming gives resourceful life and enchantment to a host of classics. This reissue is typical of Ohta's manner on the uke; a mix of Hawaiian, Japanese and one Chinese tune, teamed with originals. He uses three different ukes — a tenor, a concert and a standard — and simply lets his fingers do all the talking. Listen to his strumming technique; clearly, this is a master at work. Best bets: "China Doll (Yei Lan Shan)," "Misty Sea (Wakare No Iso-Chidori)," and "Ku'u Ipo Ika He'e Pu'e One." • The outlook: A savvy time to replace your vinyl version of this disc, originally produced by the late Bill Murata.
• Our take: With apologies to the current crop of strummers (Jake Shimabukuro, Herb Ohta Jr., Daniel Ho, etc.), Ohta-san is unmistakably ichi-ban.
• Genre: Reggae, world music. • Distinguishing notes: Like a jukebox, this assembly of 14 titles provides a reflection of prevailing musical attitudes as well as a gamut of differing styles in reggae, hip-hop, Jawaiian and blues. Established faves such as Fiji ("Jowenna" and "Stay With U"), O-Shen ("Rise"), Sudden Rush ("No Look My Lady," performed with Ras Simeon), B.E.T. ("My Baby & Me") help boost interest, enabling newcomers such as Melanie ("My Perfect Love," with Raw-Sun), New Flavor ("Better Days," with D'Judge) and HHB ("Warriors") to hang with the cool crowd. • The outlook: A compilation of known and budding stars makes for good listening and comparisons, indicating the folks at Vizzun have vision.
• Our take: A splendid barometer in the continuing buoyancy of the reggae-hip-hop movement.
"SOMETHING 1DERFUL" by ic1people; On the Rock Recording
"frog1log" by ic1people. Audio sample available in mp3 format.
"PACIFIC POTPOURRI" by Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta; Lehua Records
"Happiness Forever" by Ohta-san. Audio sample available in mp3 format.
"VIZZUN ALL-STARS, CHAPTER 1" by various artists; Vizzun Records
"Jowenna" by Fiji. Audio sample available in mp3 format.
Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, or fax 525-8055.
