Posted on: Sunday, May 7, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
Reggae in the spotlight with 'Roots,' Rizzen and Revival
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
An impressive new compilation has sizzling good vibes, introduces a cover girl and offers an iPod-ready music video. The CD's multimedia extras indicate that the future is here.
A Kailua-born reggae artist and a roots-savvy group also create their own splash in an ocean of Irie-inspired riffs.
"ISLAND ROOTS VOL. 6: BURNIN' MIX" BY VARIOUS ARTISTS; QUIET STORM RECORDS
Genre: Reggae, world music
Distinguishing notes: This exciting sampler of Island rhythms, laced with hip-hop and reggae, introduces three new tracks, one of them a new sound from Aotearoa (aka New Zealand) — "Nesian Style," performed by Nesian Mystik. What is Hawai'i, after all, if not a blend of South Seas syncopation with heavy influences from that "other" island, Jamaica? The Nesian flavor should find quick acceptance here, particularly with its "If you want to party, you've got to do it right" vibe.
Other highlights: a studio version of "Reggae Love" by B.E.T. and a cover of Los Lonely Boys' "Heaven" by Mahea, the duo of Blayne Asing and Mahi Crabbe from Kamehameha Schools' class of 2008. (Listen for brief Hawaiian lyrics, midway through.) Overall, it's fresh, with a song bag by popular artists such as O-Shen ("Burn It Up"), Inoa'ole ("Take This Raft"), Ten Feet ("Island Feeling"), Ho'onu'a ("Blue Light"), Aziel ("Bright Sunny Day"), Roots Odyssey ("Romeo and Juliet"), One Groove ("Heartache"), Koauka ("Take You for a Ride") and Pati ("Sweetest Sound"). The CD introduces Jenn R, the new Ms. Island Roots, on the cover sleeve and in a pin-up poster that's part of the fold-out liner package. A Nesian Mystik music video is part of the multi-media concept.
The outlook: Producers John and Debra Iervolino and Eric Lagrimas have raised the compilation bar; this is the ultimate party disc.
Our take: With the Jawaiian/reggae wave still at tsunami levels, "Island Roots" is the perfect ride.
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"Nesian Style" by Nesian Mystik. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"4 LIFE" BY RIZZEN; ZAIAH RECORDS
Genre: Reggae
Distinguishing notes: Kailua-born reggae stylist Rizzen sounds like an Irie native. Once a factor in several groups, he's opted to go solo. Tracks include "Light It Up," which mentions his windward origins; "Irie Feelin," which pays homage to the genre; "Ooh Ah," a conversation with an unborn child (magnified by a liner photo, where he is kissing a belly bearing a child); and "Share the Wealth," which exposes his dedication to the Lord Jehovah. In some respects, then, this is a fusion of reggae and religious themes. The lyrics are his; he has a handful of musical collaborators. Printed lyrics and credits round out the splendid packaging.
The outlook: Rizzen's brand of reggae has pop riffs and embraces story lines, placing him in a listenable league.
Our take: An original who bears watching.
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"Share the Wealth" by Rizzen. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"ROOTS NATTY" BY REVIVAL; UNITY RECORDS
Genre: Reggae, Jawaiian
Distinguishing notes: Musically, Revival has style and attitude and a sound that connects — such as "Jah Bless" and "Only One for Me," with expressive riffs and a back rhythm that communicates passion. Singers include Ola Akau and Kana Pikini, with Alika Simpson ("Run for Cover," "Time 2 Relax") and Fiji ("Roots Natty") guest-performing for added ammo. There's plenty of other material to consider, depending on your taste; portions of the lyrics on the liner, however, are not the easiest to peruse.
The outlook: There's ample variety to whet the appetite, if reggae's still part of your musical diet.
Our take: Worth a listen.
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"High" by Revival. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
