Posted on: Sunday, September 10, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
'No Frills' from 'ukulele, bass master Ritz
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Lyle Ritz takes his 'ukulele and bass on a jazz-flavored trip.
Imua compiles a CD of "greatest hits" as it nears its 10th anniversary.
And an orchestra-and-chorus classic returns with its hapa-haole vision of how Hollywood interpreted us in 1960.
"NO FRILLS" BY LYLE RITZ; FLEA MARKET MUSIC
Genre: 'Ukulele, bass instrumentals.
Distinguishing notes: Lyle Ritz is a music-biz veteran with undeniable mastery of the uke and the bass. He might have been well ahead of his time when he recorded in the late 1950s his jazz-accented 'ukulele solo album, "How About Uke." This latest release is a gentle, genuine reminder of his skills as an interpreter of pop and jazz melodies. There's a blues undercurrent to his "Blue Monk," a Latin seasoning on "A Felicioade" and "The Girl From Ipanema," a classic jazz glow on "Satin Doll," and a feeling of romantic intimacy on "Emily." Ritz's performance style is clean and crisp; "no frills" aptly describes his m.o.
The outlook: Particularly pleasing for jazz aficionados who adore the quiet eloquence of the uke; the bass is there if you listen, but the smaller instrument takes center stage.
Our take: A classic style by a classy wizard of uke and bass.
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"The Girl from Ipenema" by Lyle Ritz. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"GREATEST HITS, VOL. 1" BY IMUA; 808E PRODUCTIONS
Genre: World music.
Distinguishing notes: Dave Dunaway and Albert "Baba" Akiona have been together as Imua for nearly a decade, recording four discs in that span. This "Greatest Hits" release revisits their past, with songs that have shaped the duo's sound, though few have been bona-fide "hits." Still, the easy-going tunes "Everyday," "Do You Believe in Love," "Groovin'," "Menehune Beach Bum Boogie" and "Live Aloha" have made an imprint on their fans. And, yes, "Mr. Governor" was a brief gibe at former Gov. Ben Cayetano's decision to cut school funding. ("Mr. Governor, who do you think you are? ... Your No. 1 concern should be Hawai'i's education ... the teachers do their job.") Remember?
The outlook: There's appeal and sales in most "greatest hits" compilations.
Our take: Imua's sound has programming appeal; the next "hits" kit should include some genuine chart busters.
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"Menehune Beach Bum Boogie" by Imua. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"PORTS OF PARADISE" BY ALFRED NEWMAN, KEN DARBY, MAVIS RIVERS AND MORE; CAPITOL RECORDS
Genre: Classic South Seas sounds, Hollywood style.
Distinguishing notes: This hapa-haole assembly of Island-inspired tunes (1960 vintage) makes you think of "Hawai'i Calls," with its orchestral sweeps — or Jack de Mello's orchestra mainstreaming a tropical titles with choral flourishes.
Newman and Darby collaborate on three compositions, including the title song. Harry Owens' "To You Sweetheart, Aloha" and the visitor-friendly oldies, "My Little Grass Shack" and "Forever More," typify the kind of tunes fashionable in post-statehood times.
Mavis Rivers, the late jazz songstress (and mother of Matt Catingub of the Honolulu Symphony Pops Orchestra), is heard on two tunes, including "Grass Shack."
One of the endearing entries, "Now Is the Hour," still evokes strong feelings of aloha today — and is capped by an oli (chant), the most "Hawaiian" element on the CD. This reissue is distributed by the Mountain Apple Co.
The outlook: One quick listen and you'll feel like you're gliding through a time machine, landing in a gentler-time Hawai'i.
Our take: A nostalgic glimpse of how nonresidents interpreted the Island soundscape.
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"Ports of Paradise" by Alfred Newman and Ken Darby. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
