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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, December 21, 2007

ISLAND SOUNDS
Enjoy the feel-good, easy-going sounds of Beach

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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"Beach 5" by Beach 5; Lemon Road Productions

  • Genre: Island contemporary.

  • Distinguishing notes: Beach 5 is the product of a musical union with origins in the group Ho'onu'a.

    Christian Yrizarry was an integral part of Ho'onu'a, and frequently worked with Ho'onu'a musician Sani Apuakehau as an acoustic duo. So this Beach outing was just a matter of time.

    Yrizarry and Apuakehau both sing and play instruments (the former 'ukulele, the latter guitars).

    With a network of musical buddies, the twosome has devised an easygoing sound typified by such charmers as "The Hawaiian Way" and "Beach 5." It's soul-satisfying, rewarding material.

    Their songbag includes numerous originals, penned by the pair or with assistance from others. There are a couple of covers, too, notably George Harrison's "Here Comes the Sun" (delivered acoustically as a tribute) and Ben Harper's "Steal My Kisses."

    Yrizarry's "This Woman" has a Jawaiian backbeat; it's very suitable for radio programmers here.

  • Our take: Life's a Beach — take 5 and frolic in the splashy, relaxing sounds.

    Sample song: "Beach 5" by Beach 5

    "Night Rhythm" by Tito Berinobis; Hula-la Productions

  • Genre: Island contemporary.

  • Distinguishing notes: Tito Berinobis is a show-biz veteran, with years of club gigs under his bel,t. This CD plays like the soundtrackof his life, with plenty of reflection and observations on the nicetiesand challenges of life.

    He's a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, and this CD allows him to display three facets of his talent.

    Berinobis' former partner in music, David Kauahikaua, not only provided backup vocals but did the mixing to yield a clean, responsive and satisfying sound.

    Surely, there are both obvious and hidden tales behind some of the tracks, including "You," about an always-there spirit, "My Hawaiian Moon," a likely parable, and "Who Am I?" — where reality is somewhat bent and cloudy.

    "We Can Make a Difference," is about reversal of fortunes. And there's an obvious glow of sincerity on "No Place Like Home" and pride and love on "Daughters of Mine," about a daddy's shared times with his girls.

  • Our take: There's enchantment aplenty in Berinobis' realm; the CD serves as a means to catch up with him, or get to know and appreciate him.

    Sample song: "You" by Tito Berinobis

    "Hanalei Tradition" by Doug & Sandy McMaster; Aloha Plenty

  • Genre: Hawaiian slack-key.

  • Distinguishing notes: From Kaua'i comes this ki ho'alu entity, mostly originals by this couple. Local lore about menehune have a presence on two tracks; there are place songs about Kaua'i landmarks, like "Hanalei Bridge," and about an O'ahu district on "Ka Punahou."

    The McMasters have a playful time on "Centipede Boogie" and there's "quiet" time, too, via " 'Ohana Lullaby."

    Slack-key virtuoso would want — but won't find — notes on chord tunings that seem to be fodder for wannabe strummers. Still, this must be the first album ever to provide a remedy to a centipede bite.

  • Our take: Like any other ki ho'alu album, tranquility and grace are the buzzwords.

    Sample song: "Hanalei Bridge" by Doug and Sandy McMaster

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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