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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, June 22, 2007

ISLAND SOUNDS
Orchestra enhances Iz favorites

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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Note: The "Wonderful World" review is a summation of a full review published May 27; the CD will be in stores Tuesday, on the 10th anniversary of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's death. Look for a special commemorative section in this Sunday's Advertiser, where a first-listen to Iz's music will be found.

"WONDERFUL WORLD" BY ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO'OLE; BIG BOY RECORDS

  • Genre: World music, Island contemporary.

  • Distinguishing notes: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole has taken us over the rainbow; now he's scoping the world: The big dude with the sweet voice and hypnotic 'ukulele strum has been re-imagined as a concert soloist, with panoramic orchestral sounds surrounding a dozen familiar Iz tunes.

    The key track, "What a Wonderful World," has a sweeping intro that sets the tone for the rest of the album, which focuses on mountains of melody bigger than Iz and masterful execution (by producer Jon de Mello) of style matching artistry. I shed some tears on the first listen, as Iz's interpretation packs emotion and sentiment, with the rousing new arrangements pulling at the heartstrings.

    The symphonic cloak does not impede Iz's flow or aloha; if anything, the orchestral sounds enhance his music and mana'o. It's deja vu with beaucoup thrills — via Iz classics such as "Henehene Kou 'Aka," "Kaleohano," "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," "White Sandy Beach," "'Ulili E," "'Opae E," "A Hawaiian Like Me."

  • Our take: You can put Iz in a dressy suit, and he still retains slippah-comfy joy.

    "CALLING OUT" BY MIGHTY J; DADDY RECORDS

  • Genre: Island pop, world music.

  • Distinguishing notes: Mighty J is a happy union of three stellar music-industry women who still retain another identity but decided to band together for this new ensemble. You've heard them before: Mailani Makainai is from Keahiwai, Tiki Suan is from Milo Shade and Jenn "JRoQ" Wright is from Kanalo and Simple Souls.

    This concoction has a vitality and verve that suits Island radio programming, is perfect for cruising in the car and reflects a hybrid that enables the three singers to expand their horizons and fan base. The tunes are crisp, harmonic and personal, have a clear, unabashedly "girl" orientation, if you explore "Baby I'm Gone," "Before I Let Go," "Girls' Night Out" and "Can't Be Without You." Sweet, reverent, yet fresh and relevant.

    If you adore Na Leo, you'll embrace Mighty J — think a younger version with a similar penchant for harmony and romance. And credit Dr. Trey for the Trey-mendous engineering and production values.

  • Our take: A Mighty impressive launch — the singers are breaking down walls and barriers and expanding their turf.

    Sample song: "Calling Out" by Mighty J

    "MAKENA" BY MAKENA; DANIEL HO CREATIONS

  • Genre: Island pop, world music.

  • Distinguishing notes: Formerly known as Skyler Blue, singers Sienna Lee and Toast Tajiri are making waves as Makena, an acoustic duo with a mix of pop, Hawaiian and new tunes under the mixology savvy of Daniel Ho.

    The repertoire includes some obvious covers like "House at Pooh Corner" and "It's Too Late," enabling Sienna and Toast to uncork those simple and savory notes. The duo composed a few newbies ("Remembering Me," "Good Enough," "You," "Tell Me"), so its vision is amply represented. Ho contributes "I Won't Shed a Tear" and "Nobody Else" with collaborators — tunes that suit the style of Makena. For Hawaiian fans, " 'Ulupalakua" may not be the definitive version, but the women add on their charm.

  • Our take: Makena used to be just a place; now it's a group worth "visiting," too.

    Sample song: "It's Too Late" by Makena

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.