This is truly a contender in any awards competition.

Songs of the Garden Island ring truer and brighter in her command, and "Koke'e," "Koke'e I Ka La'i," "Beautiful Kaua'i" and "Mokihana Lullaby" should soon earn the stamp of approval from a new generation of fans who discover her charming and charismatic vocals.

Oh, she goes katchi katchi, too, with you-know-who's "You Ku'uipo," and see if you can determine who's strumming and doing the cozy backup vocals. A gem, gee Willie-Kers.

The disc reflects much thought, much effort and much energy: in the arrangements; in the 20-page liner booklet sharing the cherished lyrics and reasons for recording the chosen tunes; in the splendid guest-appearance roster that includes stellar folks such as Willie K, Eric Gilliom, Holunape and Zanuck Lindsey; and in the production wizardry of Michael Ruff.

Traditional holiday favorites, largely sung in Hawaiian, prevail here, with plenty of spirit to spare. "Christmas Island" features Alcomindras on lead; "Christmas Lu'au" is a group endeavor with chalangalang fervor; "E Aloha E," the underrated Keoho Fujimoto composition, is sweetly revived with its original Hawaiian-English lyrics intact; "Po La'i E (Silent Night)" is showcased with an instrumental verse, followed by Hawaiian and English renderings.

And Eddie and Myrna Kamae and Mary Pukui's classic "Aloha Kalikimaka" (often dubbed "I Love Christmas)" is the essence of Island-style Kalikimaka, with reflection and celebratory joy.

Among other winnahs: "Mele Kalikimaka" and "Hawaiian Santa."

His style is, er, different — in voice quality, in manner, in delivery. These elements, characterized in "Jealousy," result in intrigue, coupled with allure; "Best Friends" has both eloquence and style; "My China Girl" has personal relevance, because it's about his adoptive daughter.

One shortfall: Numa should provide lyrics for would-be fans to enhance the experience of his performance.