ISLAND SOUNDS
Hawaiian compilation for kids has adult appeal
By Wayne Harada
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"Hawaiian Playground" by various artists; Putumayo
Moloka'i is well represented; Teresa Bright goes hapa-haole with the immortal "The Cockeyed Mayor of Kaunakakai," and Raiatea Helm shares her winning form on "Po La'ila'i," which barely shows off her falsetto upper register. And if the orientation is toward the young, there should be plenty of appeal in Ehukai's "Moloka'i Slide," surely a refrain that can easily evolve into a sing-along. And Justin Young's Hawaiian is right on on another song about the Friendly Isle, "Pule O'o."
And who can ignore Willie K's frenetic "Holoholo Ka'a," about a joyous car ride?
Imua, The Moonlighters and Joe McDermott are other artists featured on the 10-song collection, which comes with an ample liner booklet offering mini bios and song descriptions (alas, no lyrics or glossary — there are lyrics that refer, for instance, to hanabata days), in English, Spanish, French and German, indicating the scope of distribution. Some tunes are rendered in English, others in Hawaiian. Both keiki and adults will find Island charm to spare.
Sample song: "Right On" by The Moonlighters |
"Aloha Slack Key" by various artists; Hula Records
Pahinui is heard on a jewel of a slack-key medley, combining "Nani Wale," "Silver Threads Among the Gold" and "Wai-'alae," but the rest of the 12-track disc focuses on a next-generation crowd. George Kuo, for instance, renders "Old Hi'ilawe"and "Maunaloa Blues," Dwight Kanae revives "Lei No Ka'iulani" and a medley of "Lihu'e" and "Lei Nani."
The title track is rendered by Kelekona, who also contributes "Panani Pua Kea." Other strummers — Clayton Mau ("Kahalewai's Tune"), Michael Lowe ("Kohala Morning"), the Ray Kane Band ("Moana Chimes") and Albert Kaai and Anita Pahi-nui Nakamura ("Pu'uwa'awa'a" and "He'eia") — demonstrate a myriad of styles, with virtuoso strokes.
An informative 16-page booklet provides insight galore.
Sample song: "He'eia" by Albert Kaai and Anita Pahinui Nakamura |
"Shine" by Angela Crandall; Music Formats
"All God's Chillun Got Rhythm/It Don't Mean a Thing" typifies her grasp of phrasing, swing and be-bop — a medley that brings out her best. But she also is mellow and blue on "The Best is Yet to Come" and "Ev'ry time We Say Goodbye." And if you're hungry for a wing-ding romp, check out "Yes Sir, That's My Baby."
Composer Bonnie Gearheart ("Waialua Sky") contributes two new tunes, "A Little Walk" (a ballad) and "Heartstruck" (a gently tempoed love song).
Dad Crandall provides keyboard support, with Bruce Hamada (bass) and Darryl Pelligrini (drums) contributing to the smooth jazz backup.
Sample song: "Rise and Shine" by Angela Crandall |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.