Posted on: Sunday, December 18, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
Steel-pan duo pitches unique sound to Hawaiian melodies
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Steel drums (aka steel pan) used to be a Caribbean thing; Greg and Junko MacDonald have been putting their Island fingerprints on the instrument, with great results.
A local couple has recorded a modest Christmas CD, targeting devotees.
And yet another compilation of reggae and Island rhythms means a mixed bag of treats.
"ALOHA FROM HAWAII" BY GREG AND JUNKO MACDONALD; GREG MACDONALD RECORDS
Genre: Hawaiian-style steel pan.
Distinguishing notes: The MacDonalds have become an Island one-of-a-kind — the pioneers in Hawaiian steel pan — by giving time-tested favorites the steel-drum treatment. Both Greg and Junko play steel pan but are supported by a bevy of music-industry professionals who help elevate their art, including Jeff Peterson (ki ho'alu), Greg Sardinha (Hawaiian steel, guitar and 'ukulele), Shawn Ishimoto (uke and guitar), Pierre Grill (piano) and Yuki Yamauchi (slack-key guitar, uke and steel). The steel pan resonates with steel guitarlike sounds, caressing such well-known songs as "Hawaiian Lullaby," "Honolulu City Lights," "Sophisticated Hula" and "Kaimana Hila." The intoxicating melodies, as performed by the MacDonalds, could some day connect with Grammy voters who want to explore more than ki ho'alu. Clean, precise and endearing performances have been captured by Pierre Grill, engineer.
The outlook: Could be the new "it" sound of the Islands.
Our take: While the steel pan is not commonly associated with Hawai'i, the MacDonalds have ramped up exposure here and abroad.
""LET IT SNOW" BY JOHN AND MARIA NAYLOR; COWS & PIGS PRODUCTIONS
Genre: Christmas.
Distinguishing notes: This holiday package arrived too late for our compilation of 2005 Christmas releases. The Naylors are an Island couple with music in their blood; they perform in local clubs like the Plaza Club, the Honolulu Club and the Ala Moana Hotel's Mahina Lounge. Traditional holiday fare — "Merry Christmas Darling," "Winter Wonderland," "White Christmas," "Christmas Waltz," "The Christmas Song" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" — are shared in what appears to be an indie, small-budget endeavor. While commercial exposure may be difficult, their fan base should find this a keeper at their on-site gigs.
The outlook: The family bond is one of the selling points — which should have been explored in nonexistent liner notes.
Our take: A modest outing with earnest intentions.
"ISLAND SOUL" BY VARIOUS ARTISTS; RIP TIDE RECORDS
Genre: Reggae, world music.
Distinguishing notes: This compilation of Island rhythms (with reggae-laced tempos) brings on new versions of old flavas. The mix of acts speaks to the younger crowd. Jeremy "Pito" Javier and Koa Hewahewa's "Jammin' " is radio- and dance floor-friendly, and Justin & Kaleo Phillips' "This Girl of Mine" is one of the sweeter entries here, with a midway rap that establishes the CD's overall spirit. Interestingly, Willie K and Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom do a duet on "Nothing Compares 2 U," and Damon Williams is on hand to be out of place here.
The outlook: A bona-fide mixed-plate special.
Our take: Supposedly, aloha is the bottom-line ingredient here, but that's debatable.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
