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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, May 23, 2008

ISLAND SOUNDS
Brothers Cazimero deliver an awards contender

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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"Destiny" by The Brothers Cazimero; Mountain Apple Co.

  • Genre: Traditional, contemporary Hawaiian.

  • Distinguishing notes: It's been four years since Robert and Roland Cazimero have released an album, and the drought's over, thankfully. The hiatus has resulted in fertile material, with The Caz composing or co-authoring a stable of dandies. Further, as is characteristic of previous Caz songfests, this one provides a sweeping panorama of Island insights and stories.

    Two Robert gems are "Pauamalu," a place tune about restful thoughts of the sea, the birds, the blooms — all silently sleeping, with choral serenades; and "'Ikua," another mele about the beauty of blossoms and heavenly seas, with sister Kanoe Cazimero guest-singing.

    Roland's "Moemoea" (with Keli'i Tau'a's words) and "Ka 'Imi Loa" (with lyrics by Snowbird Bento) are different as night and day, but with Hokule'a links. The former is tranquil and serene; the latter has bounce and verve, demanding a hula treatment.

    Sure to be a rainy-day must-play on radio: "It's Raining, It's Pouring," "Rain Rain Go Away" and "Kawailehua'a'alakahonua," a medley of two English classics and Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett's signature, with Kanoe re-emerging vocally.

    Over the past 30 years, The Caz also have demonstrated the ability to refine and retune that which is known and beloved; such is the case on "Na Ke Ano Ahiahi," the familiar and time-tested favorite with a nocturnal and nautical tale. "Waimanalo Blues" is Robert and Roland in pop-jazz gear, with guitar and bass treatments more contemporary than Hawaiian in spirit and motif. Maybe that's all part of their destiny: grow, stretch, explore, soar.

    A lyric booklet, with translations, is a dandy extra, especially with up-to-date images of the brothers. They look happy, fulfilled, dignified — the gift of age has brought much enlightenment to their plate.

  • Our take: This one is destined to be in your CD library — and it's bound to be an awards contender.

    Sample song: "No Ke Ano Ahiahi" by The Brothers Cazimero

    "Among My Hawaiian Souvenirs" by Genoa Keawe; HanaOla Records

  • Genre: Traditional, contemporary Hawaiian.

  • Distinguishing notes: Turn back the clock to 1956, when this album was recorded, and you detect the very early and earnest Genoa Keawe embracing songs of the era ... already with her trademark falsetto tones. Hers is a voice that has endured and set the bar for songstresses over the years. The purity here, coupled with the simplicity, defines Auntie Genoa.

    The menu taps tunes that have lingered over generations, from the title tune to the closing "Aloha Oe," with a wondrous cachet in-between, including "E Mama E," "My Yellow Ginger Lei," "Maile Swing," and "Kalamaula." No, "Alika" had not yet been recorded at this time; "Kalamaula" is the "high" point here.

    But duets with her son Gary Aiko (a teenager when he recorded these cuts) on "Beautiful Kahana," "Ke Kali Nei Au" and "Lei Aloha Lei Makamae" provide renewed joy and appreciation of her talent. You surely can envision those sparkling eyes, that wide smile along with the upper registers.

  • Our take: If you have a vinyl version of this 49th State album, now's the time to replace it.

    Sample song: "Among My Hawaiian Souvenirs" by Genoa Keawe

    "Take Me Back to the Islands, Vol. 1" by various artists; Vizzun Entertainment

  • Genre: Compilation.

  • Distinguishing notes: Quickly assembled packages like this 15-song sampler by a dozen artists provide an overview of musical vogues and enable budding talent to join more established names to get product out. The heavy-hitters here include Pati ("Drift Away"), Fiji ("Stay With You") and B.E.T. ("My Baby and Me").

    But producers need to at least provide the minimum nutrients these compilations require: brief bios on both the known and unknown. The roster here includes a " '50s Medley" by Pana'ewa, a peculiar "Ohh La La Pure Aloha" fusing Marty Dread with Hawaiian Homeboy with Bu Laia, but the intention is unclear. Leftovers? B-sides? Disposals?

    The CD title (with "Indiana Jones"-inspired typography) implies that future volumes are forthcoming; if so, producers should spend time and dollars to upgrade the packaging to enhance the adventure of listening.

  • Our take: Since there's a glut of compilations, this one could get lost in the shuffle.

    Sample song: "Take me back" by PATI, Janoe, & HAWAIIAN SOL JAH

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.