Aloha mai!Spring is on its way, and that means more Hawaiian music concerts! Check below for the latest details of concerts in Hawaii and on the Mainland.
The Na Hoku Hanohano awards, Hawaii's version of the Grammys, will be held this year on Sunday, May 21, at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. No info re ticket prices is yet available. For up to the minute details, you can check out the HARA website at http://www.interpac.net/~nahenahe/HARA/
Those of you who have been following local Hawaii news will have heard that there is a move to put the Aloha Aina party on the ballot. I understand that Jon deMello & Mountain Apple Company will help the party with its first fundraiser, a CD to be entitled "Mele Ku`e: Chants & Songs of Resistance." I will give you more information on this project when I get it.
There a number of non-Hawaiian music new releases this month, but I don't review 'em if they're reggae or contemporary pop. I had to give a number of Cds a miss for those reasons, but I did find one nugget of gold for the Hawaiian music fan -- see below!
Recordings
Herb Ohta, Jr, Pure and Simple (Koa Records KOA 102) This delightful all-instrumental CD from a second-generation ukulele talent is a sure winner. Herb Ohta Jr. not only has a secure command of technique but is showcased in fine style, with almost all the numbers backed up in pitch-perfect fashion. Particularly outstanding are the jazzy, 49%is showcased in fine style, with almost all the numbers backed up in pitch-perfect fashion. Particularly outstanding are the jazzy, snappy "Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi," the insouciant "Wahine U'i," the liquid "Lei nani, and the jaunty "Ka Makani O Ko'olau." The two false notes are the two pop numbers, "You're Still the One," and "Wild World," not necessarily because of the song choice but because the settings almost overwhelm the uke, and the use of synthesizers grates on the ear after the steel guitar and other authentic settings. A better use of a change in genre to break things up a bit are the "'Ukulele Salsa" and "Conga." However, all in all, this is a very enjoyable CD.
See you in mid-April!
--Susan
susanj@lava.net
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