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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, August 3, 2007

ISLAND SOUNDS
Islands inspire O-shen's latest CD

 •  With new CD, O-shen takes on the larger world

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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"1 Rebel" by O-shen; Sharpnote Records

  • Genre: Roots reggae, hip-hop.

  • Distinguishing notes: "1 Rebel" is O-shen's new album with 14 tracks (including two that are uncharacteristically acoustic and sweetly romantic) that is as good as it gets, combining influences from Jamaica, Hawai'i and Papua New Guinea.

    Clearly, O-shen creates his own landscape through words and music that identify his craft and identify his complex origins. "Ku Mai" is a particularly powerful anthem that pays homage to surfers (Duke Kahanamoku's mentioned) and, ultimately, to wave riders from Pipeline to Papua. "Beautiful Island Princess," likewise is a charmer ("don't want no skanky chicks"). Curiously, "Peace and Love" sounds like the same song, with identical melody but with a lot more reggae juice, advocating peace and condemning war ("real freedom is living in unity").

    The reggaefied "Legalize the Herb" is self-explanatory with a simple cry about pakalolo: "throw your ignorance away, 'cause marijuana's here to stay." There's additional social consciousness-raising on "Neva Seen a Ghetto," a commentary on the prevailing ghettohood of New Guinea.

    The tranquil "Aiwara" and "Lady Lover" show a softer O-Shen. The former embraces his Papua and Hawaiian postures mixed with English and harmonic niceties; the latter is a tender and eloquent treatise on the ideal woman for a man eager to give his heart away.

  • Our take: Expect an ocean of support and applause for O-shen's latest. "1 Rebel" is a rouser of a listen.


    Sample song: "1 rebel" by O-shen

    "Pihana" by Napua Greig; Pihana Productions

  • Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

  • Distinguishing notes: Napua Greig is a seasoned kumu hula from a hula family: She is the daughter of Hulu Lindsey; she was an 'olapa (kahiko dancer) for kumu Johnny Lum Ho at previous Merrie Monarch outings; on Maui, she is the beacon of Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka. Like Keali'i Reichel, a fellow Maui kumu who penned her liner notes, Greig has joined the singing and recording ranks, thereby sharing her artistry and vision in the realm of Hawaiian music.

    The title of the CD loosely means "fulfilled," or, in the parlance of Reichel's notations, "the skillful gathering of life's experiences, the accumulation of desires and dreams, and the realization of our on-going commitment to honor our 'aina, kupuna and 'ohana."

    Greig rightfully mines her Hawaiian values and riches to showcase a body of wonderfully expressive Island songs, some in English (like "Blue Lei," supplemented by the voices of Weldon Kekauoha and Kahulu Maluo-Huber), mostly in Hawaiian (like "None Hula," with mom Hulu Lindsey aboard, and "Ho'ohaehae," with its sweetly nahenahe backyard flavor).

    One of the loveliest entries is "Nani Ohala," a true hula track with calming effects. Examine and applaud her storytelling prowess on "Ku'u Li'a Pua Ka Hinano." But perhaps the essence of Greig's effervescence is the opening track, "Ku'u Home Alokele," which captures the old-style charm of true Hawaiiana.

  • Our take: Make room for this kumu-turned-songbird on the awards mantle; hers is a refreshing and remarkable debut.


    Sample song: "Ku'u Home Alokele" by Napua Greig Pihana

    "Ku Kahi" by Faith Ako; Faith Ako

  • Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

  • Distinguishing notes: Faith Ako is a San Francisco-based Hawaiian artist who left the Islands 22 years ago. Based on her sound, she is the model of the "you can take the Hawaiian girl out of the country, but you can't take the Hawaiian out of the girl" stereotype.

    Indeed, she launched this CD earlier this year at Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, Calif., sold out the place and since has become the spirit of aloha among those who admire her.

    She tackles a range of Island favorites, from Dennis Kamakahi's "Koke'e" to Edith Kanaka'ole's "Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai," and imparts her own style and specialness to each. A medley of Kaua'i tunes makes one yearn to visit the Garden Isle. Other mele work magically in her hands: "Papalina Lahilahi," "Hilo One," "Miloli'i."

    Ako has fun with "'Uwehe 'Ami and Slide," a yesteryear hit by Teresa Bright and Steve Mai'i, and she even pays tribute to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, whose vocal imprints are all over "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World," radiating with Hawaiian warmth. With Bruddah Iz's arrangement, 'ukulele accompaniment and stylistic delivery, right down to the "chiminey" tops.

    The CD neglects to list "You Make It Hard," the Kalapana tune, which is the final cut on the disc, a duet with Tarvin, who is credited on the liner notes.

  • Our take: Ako retains the faith and aloha of Island music and remains connected to her culture, even from afar.

    Sample song: "Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai" by Faith Ako

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.