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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, August 1, 2008

ISLAND SOUNDS
Bill Kaiwa takes us on a musical journey

By Wayne Harada

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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"Na Halia" by Bill Kaiwa; Makuakane Music

  • Genre: Traditional Hawaiian

  • Distinguishing notes: Bill Kaiwa is an under-rated old-school oldtimer whose baritone voice is an Island treasure. Here, he collates 16 titles and delivers each with authenticity, precision and style, blessed with simple but lush instrumental support from Steven Hall, Kenneth Makuakane, Bobby Ingano and Paul Kim.

    The disc opens with "Ke Ala E Moani Mai" and closes with "Hoalu Kipuka Ili." The temptation to sing along arises from Kaiwa's charismatic gentleness. His selections aren't necessarily chartbusters, but he places his stamp on "Waikiki," and takes listeners on a musical journey — tapping familiar refrains that channel you through history with "Ho'onaona Kanahele," "Ke Ala Tuberose," "He Manao" and "Pua Pikake."

    Perhaps the arrival of this CD will inspire Kaiwa to appear on stage in the coming months. In years past, he worked Waikiki nightspots and also had a long and cherished association with Webley Edwards' "Hawaii Calls" radio show. It's about time for a hana hou.

  • Our take: This is like history coming alive, with sweet nostalgia — though liner notes (not provided) could have more detail, to enlighten listeners about Kaiwa's past and relevance.

    Sample song: "Ke Ala E Moani Mai" by Bill Kaiwa

    "All for One" by Del Beazley; Mountain Apple Co.

  • Genre: Hawaiian hymnals

  • Distinguishing notes: The bulk of tunes here (all but one rendered in Hawaiian) evolved from the hymn books and vaults of Kawaiaha'o Church, so there's an inspirational undercurrent. Still, the arrangements (by Beazley and Bailey Matsuda) expand the horizons of the fare. "Mele Au I Ka Lono Lai (I Will Sing the Wondrous Story)" typifies the thrust of this CD: it's a church tune for a time of praise, with joy and pleasure in the sharing.

    No "Kanaka Waiwai" here, however. But many other ear-worthy gems — like "Pomaika'i Wale (Blessed Assurance)," "Lei Maika'i, Lei O Ka Nani (Crown of Glory)" and "Oli'oli (Psalm 1222: 1)" —are blessed with contagious arrangements.

  • Our take: It's time to worship with Beazley.

    Sample song: "Lei Maika'i, Lei O Ka Nani" by Del Beazley

    "Hawai'i Island ... My Home" by John Keawe; Homestead Productions

  • Genre: Ki ho'alu with vocals.

  • Distinguishing notes: John Keawe fans get him both ways here, as vocalist and singer. Either way, his Hawaiian expressions are relaxing and a throwback to simpler times. The title song says it succinctly, without words: Home is where the heart beats proudly.

    Instrumentally, Keawe explores life via original compositions: "Auwe Manakuke" (about the sometimes annoying mongoose), "Faces of Pele" (the fire goddess's flaming dance as she claims new turf), "Pahinui" (a tribute to the fabled Island musical family, inspired by guitar tunings employed by Cyril), "Steal the Morning" (inspired by the calm and quiet of the morn).

    Vocally, Keawe shares personal sentiments: "Just Like an Angel" is a folksy ballad penned for the friend's wife; "Across the Way" deals with an elderly neighbor of Keawe's, rocking in his chair.

  • Our take: Lots of homey artistry by a master of his craft.

    Sample song: "Hawai'i Island... Is My Home" by John Keawe

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.