Auspicious CDs from three local talents | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Auspicious CDs from three local talents | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Posted on: Friday, January 12, 2007

ISLAND SOUNDS
Auspicious CDs from three local talents

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Pali is at the peak of its creativity, sharing a marvelous "tribute" album that examines the artistry of a half-dozen acts from the recent past. The concept is brilliant, the execution flawless — this CD should carry the group through much of 2007.

Ho'ala also takes a reflective position, largely in the Hawaiian realm, in its recent album.

And Sean Tiwanak's debut disc has been part of his healing pro-cess, and should find shelf life of its own.

"PALI PRESENTS A TRIBUTE" BY PALI; TROPICAL MUSIC INC.

Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian, world music.

Distinguishing notes: Pali, the exquisite yet underrated four-member vocal/instrumental ensemble, has formulated a marvelous concept album, on which Pali T. Ka'aihue (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Mark Kawakami (vocals, harmonica, cabasa), Dwayne K. Keomaka (vocals, acoustic guitar) and Joey Mokulehua (vocals, electric bass) pay homage to six Island groups that set the foundation, circa late 1960s throughout the '70s, for local music and recordings. The groups in the limelight — Cecilio and Kapono, Kalapana, Country Comfort, the Peter Moon Band, Keola and Kapono Beamer and Summer — certainly have left their legacies (some continue to be prolific).

A quick listen, from top to bottom, and you'll recognize that the homages are adoring interpretations of the earlier sounds and songs, not a copy-cat salute. The 11 titles span a mix of styles and textures, like the sweetly nostalgic "Only Good Times" and the reverent "Honolulu City Lights" or the tropical allure of "Island Love" to the mood-changing "Sun Lite, Moon Lite."

It's also rediscover time, with the fresh minting of "You and Me" and "Railway Stations," the former with some family ties (Pali Ka'aihue is a cousin of C&K's Henry Kapono Ka'aihue, who guest-sings here), the latter with a splendid "train" intro via harmonic that, well, both is Country and Comforting.

Also wonderful: the tone and harmony on "Mama" and the timeless poetry of "Ballad of Keawaiki" and the wisdom of "You and Me." Henry's (C&K) imprint, along with participation by D.J. Pratt, Malani Bilyeu (Kalapana), Charles Recaido (Summer), Randy Lorenzo (Country Comfort, the Peter Moon Band) and Cyril Pahinui (on ki ho'alu), add expanded interest and appeal to the concept.

The liner notes are bountiful, complete with images of the original albums from which the revivals were derived, plus enlightening reasons why specific titles were selected in the tribute. The only question that might emerge — and this is not meant to question Pali's choices — surrounds the exclusion of acts such as Olomana and The Brothers Cazimero, among others, that were part of the renaissance that helped shape the contemporary Island music we know and love today. Can't argue, however, with the quality, the invention, the fresh outlook in the vintage material — a chance for newcomers to reexamine the oldies and the oldtimers to reflect on the past.

Our take: Rich in memories, robust in flavors, resourceful in performances, "Tribute" is a compelling and cunning glimpse at musical pioneers who set the standard and inspired scores to follow. First rate all the way, and certainly Pali's most commercial endeavor to date.

"HO'ALA" BY HO'ALA; HO'ALA RECORDS

Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian, world music.

Distinguishing notes: Ho'ala is a quartet with a lively sound, reflecting joy and verve. It puts a contemporary spin on some oldies; there are frequent harmonic thrusts that reflect a bond.

Members are Abraham "Kiki" Keala (formerly of the Blalas and Three Scoops of Aloha), Kalani "Mr. Offisah" Miles, Lanakila "Kila" Makua and Darren K. Ho'opi'i. Titles in Hawaiian, like "Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua," "Keaukaha" and "Ka Pua" fare better than the countrified "Goodtime Charlie," simply because the group seems in better touch with its roots when in the Hawaiian groove. Further, the group's interpretive skills may spike airplay for a modernized "Kona Kai O' Pua." Plus a lovely falsetto effort, too, on "Ku'u Wa Li'i Li'i."

Our take: Ho'ala means to awaken, to arouse; quite the right tag for a team of musicians who sing of the 'aina.

"HOME TO ME" BY SEAN TIWANAK; NA'IO PRODUCTIONS

Genre: World music, adult contemporary.

Distinguishing notes: Sean Tiwanak has overcome congestive heart failure, using music as a creative outline in his healing. The result is "Home to Me," which was a source of comfort and an outlet for his recovery process during a difficult time. The CD boasts a baker's dozen of songs, mostly from his own pen. It's an ambitious effort, with a few titles that are catchy and contagious on second and third listen. There's certainly variety of styles and structures, including "A Ke Kai," an Island song, and "Angel," which turns a frown upside down. Covers of "Everytime You Go Away" (the Paul Young hit), "The Sopranos" theme song "Woke Up This Morning" and a medley of "Hula Love/The Tide is High" (hits by Buddy Knox and Blondie, respectively) have particular appeal, too.

Our take: Might take a huge effort to get widespread airplay and exposure but Tiwanak has overcome odds in his life; why not this, too?

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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