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
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"1 Rebel" by O-shen; Sharpnote Records
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.
Sample song: "1 rebel" by O-shen |
"Pihana" by Napua Greig; Pihana Productions
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.
Sample song: "Ku'u Home Alokele" by Napua Greig Pihana |
"Ku Kahi" by Faith Ako; Faith Ako
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.
Sample song: "Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai" by Faith Ako |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.