Posted on: Sunday, September 18, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
Next-generation act of Kahumoku, Ohta reunite for 'Hana Hou'
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Two sons of two notable Island performers are back for another round of collaborations; "Hana Hou" is an apt title.
Two performers who had links with Sudden Rush join the crush to find an audience as a new duo.
And a packet of reggae and rock tunes — some local, some not — provides a few finds.
"HANA HOU" BY KEOKI KAHUMOKU AND HERB OHTA JR.; DANIEL HO CREATIONS
Genre: Hawaiian, world music.
Distinguishing notes: "Hana Hou" reunites two favorite sons, a next-generation act that inevitably pays homage to their dads, George Kahumoku Jr. and Herb Ohta Sr. The juniors are on a streak, with Kahumoku singing and strumming guitar, and Ohta strumming his Ko'Aloha uke. The elder Kahumoku's "Five More Minutes," "Kewelina A Kealoha," "Hana" and "Ho'o Kupu" provide the slivers of freshness; for the most part, the other tunes revisit the past — "He Punahele No 'Oe," "Maui Waltz," "Miloli'i" and "Ke Kali Nei Au" providing historical perspective. Daniel Ho also appears on keyboards on a couple of tracks; hey, what are friends for?
There's a tidy mix of Hawaiian-lyric tunes, hapa-haole tunes and English-Hawaiian tunes.
The outlook: A quick-hit release, this one sacrifices details in the liner notes for timeliness. Still, there are stellar readings — like "Days of My Youth," the Kui Lee classic, that just might be the right time (and right version) for a new generation of listeners.
Our take: A combo with balance, style and substance.
"HOMESTEAD" BY PANA'EWA; VIZZUN RECORDS
Genre: World music.
Distinguishing notes: Pana'ewa is Shane Keahi Veincent (a k a "Dynomite") and Harley Puamaeole Tripp (aka "Mr. Tripp"), who named themselves after a Big Island park where they honed their singing. As an offshoot of innovative local group Sudden Rush (Dyno was an original member, Tripp a background singer), the duo has evolved with its own sound — a soothing blend of melodic voices.
There are new compositions by both artists ("Fallen," "Mama," "Living Out Dream," "Wasted Time") which indicate a creative energy; Pana'ewa also does covers like "Waterfalls" and "Stand by Me."
A " '50s Medley" is a slice of nostalgia incorporating some flashback faves like "Daddy's Home," "Donna," "Earth Angel," "Sincerely" and "A Thousand Miles Away."
The liner notes are abundant, but they're superimposed on photos, making them hard to read — a design flaw.
The outlook: A mixed bag — a diverse roster of music — might be construed as an effort to please a broader audience.
Our take: A sound worth listening to and an act to watch.
"ROOTS ROCK REGGAE" BY VARIOUS ARTISTS; HAWAIIAN EXPRESS RECORDS
Genre: Reggae, world music.
Distinguishing notes: A total of 20 tracks, featuring local and out-of-town acts, are in this left-fielder. The reason to tune in is "Wasting Time," a Jack Johnson track recorded live on Maui on Aug. 10, 2004. It's a nugget of a find, a speck of gold in the vast sea of riches that often have to be mined to discover the reward.
Go Jimmy Go emerges on two cuts — "In-Between Times" and "Rock Steady," the latter with GJG members supporting Chris Murray in a live L.A. session.
The fare runs the gamut, ranging from Kupa'Aina's "Simple Island People" to The Crud's "Fallen Again," from Pepper's "Bad Idea" to Ooklah the Moc's "The Box."
The collection would be far better acclimated to fans if details on song origins were part of the liner notes. Seven tracks, for example, have never been previously released and data would enlighten the listener.
The outlook: Strictly for those who adore a potpourri of artists and songs.
Our take: A real grab bag — you take your chances.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
