BILL TAPIA

Livin' It Live
World music
Red Spider Production

At 102, Bill Tapia reigns as the world's senior 'ukulele sensation, strumming with a joyous jazz stance. He's definitely at the head of the class.

Overview: Tapia does it all, from hapa-haole ("I Want to Learn to Speak Hawaiian") to jazz ("Satin Doll"), from Tin Pan Alley classics ("Honeysuckle Rose") to local faves ("E Ku'u Morning Dew"), all with a deliberate, assured pace. The tracks derive from his road trips, and Bay Area greats Ruth Davies and Akira Tana and Islanders Mihana Souza, Ledward Ka'apana and Lyle Ritz sit in.

— Wayne Harada, Special to The Advertiser

4 stars

Go Jimmy Go
Ska / reggae / rocksteady
Go Jimmy Go LLC

The indie ska lads of Go Jimmy Go are on the go again with this rousing reintroduction of its contagious and captivating reggae hybrid sound. New members Jay "Jayder" Kalk (bass, vocals) and Ryan Kunimura (trombone, melodics) provide a fresh palate for Jason "Bison" Friedmann (lead vocals), Ian Ashley (guitar, vocals), Shon Gregory (drums, percussion, vocals) and Eric White (tenor, baritone sax).

Overview: Since Go Jimmy Go started 12 years ago, this is album No. 5 for one of the state's most prolific and potent combos, which performs all original tunes by Friedmann like "Own Thang," "Incarceration" and "Pain in My Heart," each with distinct pleasures and a celebratory spirit. Go, go, Go Jimmy Go.

— Wayne Harada, Special to The Advertiser

4 stars

Just Uke and Me
Adult contemporary
KoAloha

Alvin Okami was a singer with Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta four decades ago and now is the patriarch and pillar of the family-operated KoAloha 'ukulele company. Of his solo CD debut, he says: "Although it has no commercial potential, I simply wanted to leave evidence for my three grandsons that grandpa could carry a tune pretty good."

Overview: This is an unabashed labor of love for Okami, who is backed by a pair of legendary uke aces, Ohta-san and Gordon Mark. The pipes are still pumping bold, big sounds; the fare taps the evergreen riches of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Henry Mancini, Jonny Mercer, Lorenz Hart, Michel Legrand and others from Okami's warbling heyday. Seek out "My Funny Valentine," a timeless beauty of sensitivity.

— Wayne Harada, Special to The Advertiser

3 stars

Tom Moffatt: 50 Years of Music in Hawaii
Shaka Records

Tom Moffatt has been at the heart of Island music, from all perches: deejay, show promoter, emcee, recording producer, author, industry good-guy.

Overview: In many ways, this is a soundtrack of the past five decades, with nostalgia bursting at the seams: Melveen Leed ("Music of Hawaii"), Keali'i Reichel ("E O Mai"), Liz Damon's Orient Express ("1900 Yesterday"), Don Ho ("I'll Remember You") and John Rowles ("Cheryl Moana Marie"), with contributions from The Mäkaha Sons, Keola and Kapono Beamer, Danny Couch, Marlene Sai, Raiatea Helm, Rene Paulo, The Surfers, The Kasuals, Society of Seven and Buddy Fo & The Invitations. Ah, golden memories.

— Wayne Harada, Special to The Advertiser