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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, September 21, 2007

ISLAND SOUNDS
Hear Jake Shimabukuro in film score, 'pop' disc

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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"Hula Girls" by Jake Shimabukuro; Hitchhike Records

  • Genre: 'Ukulele instrumentals, soundtrack from Japanese indie film

  • Distinguishing notes: Jake Shimabukuro, the czar of strum, composes and performs original music for a flick, "Hula Girls," which already has earned a best sound-recording nod in what is equivalent to Japan's Oscar.

    Film-scoring is a new genre for the prolific composer and artist, and he manages to elicit moods that, presumably, support the film's images and emotions (I haven't seen the movie).

    As a stand-alone, the tunes project a broadening stroke of the pen, so to speak, for Shimabukuro, who had to score for a string quartet piano and guitar.

    In short: It's a challenge that he masters.

    Select titles — the main theme, plus "Heartbeat" and "Walking Down Rainhill" — display the scope of the project, with movie versions, acoustic takes and vocal soundscapes for variety.

    Na Leo surfaces on two signature selections — Jon Osorio's and Randy Borden's "Hawaiian Eyes," and Nalani Choy's "Local Boys" — for vocal ammo that's both recent (harmonic) and vintage (that early-days youthful bounce).

    The other vocals featured — Miho Teruya in Japanese and Jennifer Perri in English in separate "Hula Girl" renderings, with Perri also soloing on "Wish on My Star" — further expand Shimabukuro's reach in the music marketplace. Teruya's pop treatment still has a uke focus; Perri's is adult-contemporary with sweet mainstream potential.

  • Our take: Even without seeing the movie, Shimabukuro's wizardry has must-listen appeal. As in "Hula," keep your eyes on his hands — they move and express a story.

    Sample song: "Hula Girls" by Jake Shimabukuro featuring Jennifer Perri

    "My Life" by Jake Shimabukuro; Hitchhike Records

  • Genre: 'Ukulele instrumentals

  • Distinguishing notes: With this six-song assortment of covers, Shimabukuro-san puts his personal spin to some time-tested ditties. It's his most "pop" outing yet — in a savvy "unplugged" acoustic format. You know most of the tunes, yet will find a worthy voice of expression and interpretation as he sashays from one genre to another.

    Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time," with brother Bruce Shimabukuro on bass, is gently nostalgic; the rockery of Led Zeppelin's "Going to California" is less folky, more uke-virtuoso in execution, with brilliant riffs that sound like a new song. Two Beatles biggies, "Here, There and Everywhere" and "In My Life," retain the simplicity and poetic allure of the originals, even without words — easily the best cuts of this mini-extended play album.

    "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" isn't Iz, nor should it be; Shimabukuro's version is exquisitely personal and reflective, with a bit of his flashy playing along the way.

    The sixth tune, Sarah McLaughlin's "Ice Cream," is just that — just dessert for a quick taste of Shimabukuro's pop sound.

  • Our take: "Life" is cabernet here — warm, nourishing and, yes, intoxicating to the soul.

    Sample song: "In My Life" by Jake Shimabukuro

    "One Fearless Hawaiian" by various artists; Fearless Hawaiian Enterprises

  • Genre: Island rhythms, rap, reggae.

  • Distinguishing notes: This is a mix of local sounds by seven acts who provide 15 tracks of danceable cuts with flava and fire. The lead track is Lukie D's "Missing You," which is reggaefied pop and fresh. Kekai Boyz provide the most fuel, including "Heart & Soul" and "Just an Illusion," with Sudden Rush poised with its "Ku'e" stance from a few years back (remember "I Remember," "Run"?).

    J. Moki Cho's "Bare Balls" is insistent in the rap motif, with more hip posturing on Mr. Tripp's techno-rock "Don't Wanna Be a Player." Shirnel Ends brings down the tempo a skosh with "Overcome," and Pana'ewa's "Fallen" adds a gentle bounce to the table.

    Great memo-board visuals in the packaging — matches the informality and fun in the music. Concert note: Lukie D headlines Fearless Fest, 10 p.m. today at Do Ho's Island Grill.

  • Our take: Sounds like a one-stop party disc.

    Sample song: "Heart & Soul" by Kekai Boyz

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.