Posted on: Sunday, October 30, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
Reichel's 2-CD release well worth cherishing
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Keali'i Reichel offers a collection of 13 songs culled from his previous five CDs; the panoramic album is destined to be a holiday biggie.
A compilation of 16 vintage tracks, from artists who earned a seal of approval from the late producer Bill Murata, is stamped with nostalgia.
"KAMAHIWA" BY KEALI'I REICHEL; PUNAHELE PRODUCTIONS
Genre: Traditional, contemporary Hawaiian.
Distinguishing notes: Subtitled "Collection: One" to signify more installments in the future, this marvelous compilation of 13 Reichel songs — some more popular than others, from five of his earlier triumphs — would be grand enough; but a second disc collates 11 chants he recorded previously. Add a stunning liner package that includes lyrics (largely from Reichel and his frequent collaborator-contributor, Puakea Nogelmeier) and enlightenment through translations, and you're talking first-cabin passage to his past. The flashbacks include "Kawaipunahele," "Ku'u Pua Mae'ole," "Ipo Lei Momi," "Lei Hali'a," "Maunaleo" and "Toad Song," each with widespread appeal. These show the incredible diversity of Reichel's live concerts.
The lone non-Hawaiian tune, "The Road That Never Ends," is a wedding favorite that characterizes the sentiments of the Islands with parallels to Hawaiian poetry.
The chant disc showcases Reichel's other side: kumu hula with an unwavering appetite for rhythm and language that upholds the tradition of the mele of his elders and ancestors.
Besides the gift of mostly romantic melodies and tuneful chanting, "Kamahiwa" is blessed with sound production elements and an exquisite graphic design by Scott Johnson.
The outlook: Should be the No. 1 seller during holiday giving, thanks to the handsome packaging and bonuses. This is a splendid introduction, if you don't know Reichel yet. For those who already savor his contributions, this remains proof of his genius and innovation.
Our take: "Kamahiwa," the title of this CD release, fittingly means "cherished." Reichel is a performer who will be cherished forever.
"HAWAIIAN CLASSICS," VARIOUS ARTISTS; PUMEHANA RECORDS
Genre: Compilation of traditional Hawaiian favorites.
Distinguishing notes: In his prime, the late producer Bill Murata issued more than 100 albums, discovering a lion's share of talent in the process. This savvy assemblyis indicative of Murata's sharp ear for the extraordinary and his generosity in providing these troupers an outlet to reach an audience. The roster includes Sonny Chillingworth, the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, the Ho'opi'i Brothers, Genoa Keawe, the Lim Family, Tina Ka'apana, Kaimana, Nalani Olds, Kealoha Kalama, in a wondrous stroll down memory lane, capped by a clever cover by designer Brian Onaga, re-interpreting the original LPs as postage stamps.
The outlook: An endearing glimpse at some emerging talent, from the viewpoint of a man with vision.
Our take: Good-fun listening, and sure to stir the memory. We can easily hear Keawe's "E Huli Makou" a dozen times.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
