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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, March 21, 2008

ISLAND SOUNDS
Take in 'Iolani fair performances once again

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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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"Live! At the 'Iolani School Fair, Vol. 1" by various artists; No Hum Yet

  • Genre: A mix that includes adult contemporary, jazz, Hawaiian, blues, reggae, rock.

  • Distinguishing notes: 'Iolani School has a fundraising fair each April; this compilation of a dozen titles by as many acts reflects a gamut of talent in the community eager to kokua the school.

    This compilation is a mirror to past fairs, culled from hours of recordings. Pure Heart (now defunct) performs "Moloka'i Sweet Home," the Malani Bilyeu original, dating back to 1999, bringing bird calls to the scene and reminding fans of the sweet joys of this now-only-a-memory group. This one has historical significance: It's the group's only live rendering on a CD.

    The three most recent cuts are from 2007, including Kelly "Boy" DeLima 'Ohana's "Whatcha Talking 'Bout," complete with a gentle reggae flavor; Kaipo's "Trouble in the World," with its spell of lament; and Shawn Ishimoto & Friends' "Change the World," giving a new edge to the familiar tune.

    Chant provides a measure of cheer and optimism on "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," the classic from Carole King and Gerry Goffin; and Bruce Hamada with Jim Howard and Brandon Tucay render the lone instrumental,"F.S.R. (For Sonny Rollins)," with a creative and comforting jazz bounce. Azure McCall and Tennyson Stephens provide more organic jazz riffs with "Basia Medley" combining "Time and Tide" with "Astrud" — two voices, two tunes, a triumph on how it's supposed to be done.

    Other acts represented: Weldon Kekauoha and Tapa Groove, whose "Freestyle" is the lively opening track; Kona's "Why Now"; Round and Round's "Round and Round"; Thick Tubes' "6 Men"; and Opihi Pickers' "Victim."

    The Vol. 1 in the CD title suggests more to come, presumably based on how this maiden voyage fares. Fred B. Li produced and engineered; CDs are $15, available at www.iolanistore.org/faircdvol1.html. Note: This year's fair is happening April 18 to 19.

  • Our take: An ambitious effort worthy of support — a memory-maker, if you caught one of the acts at the fair and a musical quiltwork for everyone else who might be fans.

    Sample song: "Freestyle" by Weldon Kekauoha & Tapa Groove

    "The Bond That Binds" by Kawao; Jus Us Kawao

  • Genre: Island reggae.

  • Distinguishing notes: Kawao is Walt G and China-Man, the harmonic singers, backed by similarly single-monikered types like Joe, Darryle, Ricky, Mario and CeeJay. The group's reggae tone is soft and sweet, exemplified by tempoed love songs such as "For My Special Girl," "I Need Your Love," "Make Tonight the Night" and "Lovers Better Than Friends."

    "Settle Down" is a snappy item worth checking out — a smidgen of flashback pop and blues, with participation by Imua Garza.

  • Our take: All but one of the cuts were composed by Walt; there's plenty of creativity going on here.

    Sample song: "Do Most Anything" by Kawao

    "Legends of the Ukulele 2" by various artists; Cord International

  • Genre: Compilation of 'ukulele instrumentals.

  • Distinguishing notes: Bright packaging, showing off 10 different types of ukes, is an asset here; and while the performances by 16 acts capture the versatility and agility of the instrument in such modes as Latin, bossa nova, traditional Hawaiian and even a skosh of pop, the "Legends" description is widely overstated.

    That's not to demean Moe Keale, who strums on "Moonglow," or Kelly DeLima plucking away on "Leimomi," or Brittni Paiva finding a niche on "Inspiration." Legends are folks who've put in the time, did combat-and-connect work on the road, established a huge following, and still command and earn respect for tireless leadership through performances and recordings.

    Sure, Troy Fernandez finds patriotic sparks on "Stars & Stripes Forever/Koni Au," and Bryan Tolentino extracts memories of yesteryear with "Ka 'Ukulele Lele." But "legend" belongs to such esteemed mentors as Herb Ohta (Sr.), Eddie Kamae, Roy Sakuma and yes, Aunty Genoa Keawe. The gathering here perform with flair and finesse, but aren't true 'ukulele legends — yet.

  • Our take: This CD has zealous ambitions but misplaced laurels.

    Sample song: "Inspiration" by Brittni Paiva

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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