RODNEY CAZIMERO

Kohala Moon

Island contemporary / world music

Heloke Productions

Rodney Heloke Cazimero, older brother of Robert and Roland, knows the value of 'ohana and 'aina in molding his songbook. Here, he taps memories to share 14 originals that, heard wholly, fills his canvas of a rich past on the Big Island.

— Wayne Harada, Special to The Advertiser

Overview: While written and sung only in English, this Cazimero gallops to a country beat on "The Sign" and "Waterfall Falling From the Sky," cuddles up with romantic nuances on "Whisper to Me" and "Kohala Moon," name-drops on "Lazy Day." Feels and unreels like an aural peek into his private diary.

3 stars

TERESA BRIGHT

Tropic Rhapsody

World music / hapa haole

Teresa Bright Productions

Teresa can sing Hawaiian, jazz and blend elements like a mixologist. Remember her Okinawan-Hawaiian fusion? This time, she serves up Hawaiian with a gentle jazz flavor, with intoxicating tonics for the soul, showcasing versatility that just doesn't quit.

—Wayne Harada, Special to The Advertiser

Overview: This is an under-appreciated, nostalgic trek to gentler times, when the syncopation of jazz and Hollywood influences penetrated hapa-haole Island tunes. Bright illuminates an illustrious list, from "Silhouette Hula" to "Blue Hawaii," from "Sweet Leilani" to "I'll Weave a Lei of Stars for You." Folks like Kit Ebersbach, James Ganeko, Rocky Holmes, Dean Taba, Jeff Peterson, Noel Okimoto and Von Baron shape the jazz veneer, with Claire Hazzard and Nancy Masaki adding strings.

4 stars

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Kai Palaoa

Contemporary Hawaiian / world

Daniel Ho Creations

This CD is devoted to protecting and conserving the gifts of the sea, with four-time Grammy winner Daniel Ho netting 11 tracks by Jack Johnson, Tia Carrere, The Makaha Sons, Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Pali, Herb Ohta Jr., George Kahumoku Jr., Steve Kano, Kawika Kahiapo and Kaukahi.

— Wayne Harada, Special to The Advertiser

Overview: Ho's ki ho'alu title tune, coupled with his track with Carrerre ("Welo"), expand their Grammy allure. Johnson provides homespun folksy stardust ("Better Together"); and mele by the Makaha Sons ("Kahea O Keale"), ocean-related tunes by Kahiapo ("Honu") and Kahumoku ("Ka Uluwehi O Kekai") and Pali's yearning-for-Hawaii sentiments ("Island Days") provide diversity.

4 stars

ANUHEA

Anuhea

World music

One Hawaii

Meet Anuhea, a prolific and profound newbie awaiting a call from Lady Success. She writes words and music as she tackles everyday things and themes; she strums guitar and 'ukulele and simply is primed for the big call.

— Wayne Harada, Special to The Advertiser

Overview: Anuhea tackles the complexities of love — inspect "Right Love Wrong Time," "Ultimate Insult" and "Charismatic SOB" — with full-on punch. She explores mundane moments of daily living — "Here I Go Again," "Slow Down" — with savvy resolutions. There's magic, mystery, mellowness in her method and her vocal prowess and sound provide a veil of familiarity for those who are experiencing young life ... and undergoing these experiences. The lyric booklet enhances its value.

5 stars