"I Am What I Am" by Joey; Kaona Group

• Genre: Pop/standards.

• Distinguishing notes: Joey Caldarone is a singer blessed with Italian roots, an Island lifestyle and a keen interest in things theatrical. In his CD debut, he has tapped the piano wizardry of Kit Samson and the studio alchemy of Pierre Grill, and has assembled a song bag that reflects his heritage and his spirit — ultimately sharing the essence of who he is.

The disc throbs with good will and aloha. Clearly, it's a labor of love — the artist hand-picking tunes that are relevant and personal. For his late dad, he puts on an operatic manner on "Torna Sorrento," commonly known as "Come Back to Sorrento," to acknowledge the birthplace of his father. To punctuate the place he haunts, "Waikiki" is a succinct endorsement of the place he adores.

Romance rules, via "Through the Eyes of Love" and "P.S. I Love You," devoid of gimmicks: just singer and accompanist in melodic bond.

The overall tone of the album is old-school traditional, favoring melodies with lyrics that tell a story, not newfangled songs. Caldarone mines treasures from the past, like the indelible "Stardust," and delivers them with the straightforward and assured posture of a theatrical trouper doing a cabaret show.

Indeed, the dominant posture is that of a stage performer putting his spirit and soul into classics that endure, from "Somewhere" to "The Way You Look Tonight," from "Impossible Dream / You'll Never Walk Alone" to "I Am What I Am." Samson's astute accompaniment makes the piano a simple but valid co-star, with both voice and instrument eloquently capturing the essence of the music. Focus, for example, on "Somewhere" and "I Am What I Am," diverse show tunes with individual wallop; Caldarone punches emotion into the lyrics, evoking tears and a tug at the heartstrings.

The challenge: To get broadcast exposure and support. The CD will be formally launched at a benefit event for publicist Lisa Josephsohn Nov. 9 (see box) and will be available for purchase.

• Our take: A specialty item that's grand and gallant, with gusto to spare. If you love show tunes, make this your Pal Joey.

• Genre: Special CD single; world music, Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: For the first time ever, a CD single featuring Raiatea Helm is part of a Hawaiian Host holiday promotion for Christmas giving and receiving. Tucked inside a "Christmas Medley" box of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts sampler is a three-tune disc with "Where I Belong," Helm's first-ever composition (with collaborator Johnson Enos), a song of yearning of these beloved shores — and a prelude to her next CD.

One cut each from her two earlier Grammy-nominated CDs accompany the new song — "Maile Swing" from "Sweet & Lovely," and "Poi 'Awa'awa" from "Hawaiian Blossom" — and places Helm in her fertile Hawaiian soil.

• Our take: Clever promotion, smart holiday idea, great way to get recognition and distribution of a fresh song. You go, girl; we're nuts about you, of course.

• Genre: Holiday music with an Island spin.

• Distinguishing notes: Eight Hawaiian musical icons share 11 holiday titles in a merry and bright carousel of listening in yet another promotional special only available at Walmart. While the red hibiscus cover shot may not shout "Kalikimaka," there are mele galore to embrace, all familiar, some treasures — like the pair of Willie K endeavors. "Away in a Manger" is that wonderful country-tinged reading, featuring Willie Nelson. And Willie K's indelible "O Holy Night" is reason enough to buy six copies to share with 'ohana elsewhere.

Otherwise, there are joyful and triumphant sounds at every turn: The Brothers Cazimero's unconventional pair, "We Three Kings" and "Me and My Teddy Bear," reflecting inspired reinterpretation as well as nostalgic whimsy; Teresa Bright's diverse twosome, "Carol of the Bells" and "Island Christmas"; Keali'i Reichel's peaceful (in Hawaiian) "Ke Aloha Kalikimaka"; Hapa's instrumental "Joy to the World"; Amy Hanaiali'i's angelic "Hamau E Na Kanaka"; Eddie Kamae and The Sons of Hawai'i's rustic "I Love Christmas"; and Ledward Ka'apana's slick slack-key "Silent Night."

• Our take: Like decorations on a Christmas tree, this one offers twinkling ornaments for diverse musical tastes — solo vocals, ki ho'alu, duets, groups, wahine and kane artistry. Mele Kalikimaka!