Posted on: Sunday, June 11, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
Newcomer 'Pito' Javier offers refreshing reggae
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Make room for Jerry "Pito" Javier; while he performs reggae, he tones down the clutter and can easily make converts out of those who've resisted the bandwagon. Listen up.
Maui girl Friday Eleneki performs in kind of a time warp; maybe she knows something the rest of us don't.
"FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME" BY JERRY "PITO" JAVIER; ROB ONEKEA RECORDS
Genre: Reggae, world music.
Distinguishing notes: Jerry "Pito" Javier makes an auspicious CD debut with this one, though he's no stranger in the studio or the concert stage, having performed with or recorded with folks like B.E.T., Quino of Big Mountain and Sudden Rush. Javier has a spirited, seasoned style, nourished with guidance from producer Rob Onekea (of Sudden Rush). They collaborated to write a couple of tunes, including one that has possible mainstream appeal — "Tell Me Why," which minimizes the reggae frou-frou — and performed to a splendid arrangement with satisfying musical components. Other gems: "Feels Like the First Time," "Searching So Long" (with Papa T of B.E.T.), "Where Do I Go From Here." Happily, the accent on the disc is on his vocal prowess, not just tempo, and Javier looms as a bankable recording and concert attraction.
The outlook: Javier has toned down the repetitive nature of reggae and has the potential to make new reggae fans.
Our take: Feels like, sounds like, plays like a winner.
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"With You" by Jerry "Pito" Javier. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"MAGIC" BY FRIDAY ELENEKI; LYRI-COOL PRODUCTIONS
Genre: Island rhythms, world music.
Distinguishing notes: With a name like Friday, Maui-based Eleneki could have marquee value. She composed all 10 tunes in her solo debut. The title song takes off on the hocus-pocus theme, with a melody that seems to flash back to the good-time, innocent 1960s and '70s. Indeed, her creations have a time-machine element — "Chance 'Um," "Sweet Party," "Everything" and "Say a Little Prayer" sound like they might have come from troupers catering to teens — artists like Lesley Gore, Linda Scott, Connie Francis and early Madonna ... until there's an occasional mini-rap or reggae insert midway through her rockaballads.
The outlook: Eleneki may be on to something good; radio support will be vital.
Our take: Friday Eleneki has a style and form of her own.
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"Chance 'um" by Friday Eleneki. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
