PALI

... With Aloha

Traditional Hawaiian PK Records Hawaii

Pali goes on a postcard tour of its favorite tunes on this two-disc, tri-fold, 25-song economic stimulus package. Disc 1 is new items often requested on the group's tours; "Kawika," "Hanalei Moon," "E Huli Makou," "Wai O Ke Aniani" and "Noho Paipai" and "'Ulupalakua" are gems; Disc 2 is a wonderous revisit of earlier "bests," like "Pauoa Like Ka Lehua," "Akaka Falls," "Haleakala" and "Ku'u Aloha." A six-page booklet provides enlightenment.

Overview: Like Pali, the mountain, this one towers with its own majestic grace; think of it as "postcards for the soul."

4 out of 5 stars

TROY FERNANDEZ

Ride Time

World / Island / Contemporary Mountain Apple Co.

Troy Fernandez's most personal release is here now, and wow — it's a sweet tapestry of what makes him tick, like surfing ("Ride Time," "Surfing on the East Side"), strumming 'ukulele ("'Ukukele Picnic"), family ("Tia," a mele inoa, or name song, for a daughter; and "You Are My Hero," an homage to his dad). Tempoes switch from reggae ("Love Is in Her Eyes") to country and R&B ("Down by the Ocean, Down by the Sea"). And considering all but one of 12 tunes are his (with one collaboration), this is an ambitious, creative and expressive venture, with his characteristic uke strokes happily prevailing.

Overview: Troyful and triumphant, apropos for listening, dancing, pau-surfing fun.

4 out of 5 stars

AARON J. SALA

Napo'ona Mahina: The Illusion of Reality

World / Hawaiian Hula Records

Aaron J. Sala traverses two musical worlds, classical and Hawaiian, and his respect for both is evident. Sala, who plays piano and 'ukulele, is a scholar-entertainer whose style has appeal to both the concert stage and hula halau platform. Here, he explores the reality of moonlight, stars, wind and more; "Mele O Ke Ke'ena Kalaunu" is rich in oli-style technique; "Po la'ila'i" is a Mary Pukui hula favorite revived; and "Sweet Moonlight" is a nocturnal nicety with a western flavor. The liner notes, complete with lyrics and translations, is an added amenity.

Overview: Sala's sophomore CD, following his earlier Na Hoku Hanohano Award win, is a reality check on his emerging stardom.

3 out of 5 stars

DANNY COUCH

I'll Remember You

Island contemporary Danny Couch Records

As a lead singer for The Aliis, which accompanied Don Ho for many years, Danny Couch had an open window to Ho and the two bonded. This homage to Ho is intended to be a tableaux of the repertoire Ho embraced; the reality is Couch is a far better warbler than Ho ever could be, but Ho was the one-of-a-kind entertainer. Thus, the song parade sashays from the evocative ballads ("Days of My Youth," "She's Gone Again,") to the party faves ("E Lei Kaleilei," "Everybody Suck 'Em Up"). Couch manages to put his own imprint on "Maka Hilahila" and "A Lover's Prayer," songs that open and close the set. Reviews by Wayne Harada, from his blog, Show and Tell Hawai'i.

Overview: Danny does Don — delightfully.

4 out of 5 stars