Posted on: Sunday, November 13, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
Damasco dishes out diverse vocal entrees
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Singer Ata Damasco broadens his appeal, along with his repertoire, with a second CD.
Feeling like a lullaby, not just from Hawai'i, but a variety of ports of call? A CD full of songs may help you slumber.
And 'ukulele master Ohta-san serenades with a global repertoire that proves he's still ichiban (No. 1).
"PA'INA HOU!" BY ATA DAMASCO; ULULOA PRODUCTIONS
Genre: Traditional, contemporary Hawaiian.
Distinguishing notes: A pa'ina is a feast; so Ata Damasco serves up a musical buffet that reflects his savvy vocal style (textured, with impressive diversity) and his menu (songs from yesterday and today). His "Eclipse" original, sung in falsetto tones, depicts the 1991 converging of Mauians eager to experience the eclipse of the sun; "Ke Ala A Ka Jeep" is refreshingly new, sending the imaginary Jeep winding through Maui's Kahakuloa curves and turns. Revivals of past favorites such as "Beautiful Kaua'i," "Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai," "Pretty Red Hibiscus" and "Kipu Kai" demonstrate his prowess in interpretation. "Kona Moon" also sounds like a signature-in-the-making; the pairing of the vocally demanding "Kalama'ula/E Mama Medley" proves to be a challenge he conquers — something he learned from the late Kekua Fernandez.
The outlook: Damasco has yet to catch the golden ring of stardom; maybe this CD is the charm.
Our take: Damasco has the stature and the smarts that should be rewarded with applause and acceptance.
"HAWAIIAN ISLANDS LULLABY COLLECTION" BY FRIENDS OF ALOHA; ONO RECORDS
Genre: Instrumental lullabies, world music.
Distinguishing notes: This collection of 20 lullabies is meant to reflect the rainbow of cultures that make up our Islands. Thus, there is only one Hawaiian lullaby in Nona Beamer's "Pupu Hinu-hinu," a slumberfest about the seashell, that remains a popular melody in hula. The CD is an excursion to the land of Nod via melodies — some familiar (Brahms Lullaby), some not — that have put many an infant to sleep over the ages. The expansive repertoire goes well beyond our shores, with tunes from Samoa, Spain, Korea, Russian, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and more.
The outlook: This is for a niche audience — lullabies to say good night.
Our take: A relaxing way to snooze — or just unwind.
"MISTY" BY OHTA-SAN; M&H HAWAII RECORDS
Genre: 'Ukulele instrumentals.
Distinguishing notes: Herb Ohta, aka Ohta-san, is Hawai'i's first international 'ukulele sensation who made the modest uke a solo instrument. This 16-tune CD includes classics that still enchant, from the bossa nova tempos of "Desafinado" and "Meditation" to the romantic "On a Slow Boat to China" and "Tenderly."
The outlook: The man knows his music, and his straightforward approach works. Budding stylists might want to tune in and learn this basic technique.
Our take: A must-have for Ohta-san fans.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
