Aloha mai!I know it's been a whole month without a page, but RL called and I wasn't able to produce a page in February (blame it on leap year!) Thanks to those of you who wrote and told me that you missed the page. It shouldn't happen again -- until the next Legislative session!
I received word that Flying Solo Music is now the manager/agent for the hot local group Pure Heart. Guy Cruz has replaced lead vocalist Jon Yamasato.
A fan of Leon Siu's writies to say that Leon performs Saturday evenings from 8:30 to 10:30 at the Mai Tai bar at The Royal Hawaiiian. He writes, "His dancer, Aloha is just great and Leon provides a lot of historical information on many of the songs he performs."
I have word that the Makaha Bash is set for June 17. Mark your calendar! On to the CDs!
Recordings Doug and Sandy McMaster, Kauai Homecoming (Aloha Plenty AP1999) Doug and Sandy McMaster are back with a charming, gentle ki'ho'alu release. This all instrumental CD of original slack key pieces is as simple and fresh as a Kauai sunrise. Do not expect virtuoistic razzle-dazzle or strong melodic lines here; do be prepared for a lullabye-like quality of gentle repetition and introspection. A very pleasant CD. Songs include "Kelii's Slack Key Jam," "Limahuli Stream," "Pua Wainiha," "Uhane Niihau," and "Nose Flute Solo."
Hui Aloha, Hui Aloha (Dancing Cat DC 08022 38053-2) Hui Aloha has an all-star cast, composed of George Kuo, Martin Pahinui, Dennis Kamakahi, and his son, David Kamakahi. The effortless grace and strength that this experienced group produces is magical. The ringing, rolling, rich tone is in a class by itself. I wish it were an all-instrumental CD, instead of 13 vocals and only 2 instrumentals, so I could study and enjoy the interplay between the instruments rather than being distracted by the vocals, which are taken in turn by Dennis, Martin, and George. Another hit from Dancing Cat! Songs are four new Dennis Kamakahi originals, plus old standards, and include "Whee Ha Swing," "Pu'u Anahulu," "Steal Away," "Kaimana Hila," "Monterey Sunrise," "Sanoe," and "Ke Kaua Laiki."
Ehukai, Second Set (Stoneworks Production SSM2000) This CD spans the gamut of the tired to the surprisingly good. The general level of quality is competent, but this CD won't be everyone's cup of tea. Songs like "Local's Life" and "Be My Baby" are formulaic and boring, bubblegum for the ears, while the cut "Na Ekukai" is choice, a beautiful cut with quality treatment (no synethesizers!), rich guitar work, and strong vocals. They do a good job on the pop remakes of "Special Lady" and "When I Need You," but they only add a grab-bag air to the CD as a whole. Other songs include "Jun Ken Po," "I Wish It Would Rain," and "Sweet Sugar".
O'Brian Eselu, Maka (Hiki No Records HNR 0002) I have always been impressed with O'Brian's talent. He has a beautiful voice, superior and playful musicianship, and phrasing that effortlessly blends the vocals into the music. He sets a standard that few local singers can match. Songs include "Kuwili" and "Nanakuli Medley," charming falsetto tunes, "Maka," an 'oli (chant), "Hawaii Calls" with gorgeous harmony, "A Hawaiian Dream" (a playful remake of the pop song that I think is called "Coconut Grove" -- "I see Jamaica in the moonlight/Sandy beaches, makin' love every night"), the tender "Have I Told You Lately," "Nani Venuse," and "Ku'u Home O Keaukaha."
Concerts I'm still not caught up on the concert schedule and will refer you to the concert schedule posted on The Hawaiian Music Island at http://www.mele.com
See you in mid-March!
--Susan
susanj@lava.net
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