Those of you who are regulars know that I don't do personal gossip, but I have heard that new recordings are to be expected from Amy Hanaiali'i and Willie K, whose first collaboration, Hawaiian Traditions, received five Na Hoku Hanohano nominations. I also hear that something new is expected from the Brothers Cazimero. Last, and most certainly not least, rumor has it that a posthumous CD from Israel Kamakawiwo'ole should be out on Iz's birthday, later this year. I'll keep you posted!
And speaking of the Na Hoku Hanohano awards, the final ballot nominees were released April 9. Nominees in the major categories are:
While the awards format this year has been subject to change, the latest news I have (as of April 17) is that it will be one looong day on May 17, with technical awards handed out a 4 p.m., then a reception, dinner, and the 7 p.m. awards show. Ticket details TBA. Info: 235-9424.
Last, for those of you in Hawai`i, Oceanic Cable is scheduling "Island Video Jams" on Sundays and Mondays in April, on channel 16 (sorry, no time info). Earlier shows included Keali'i Reichel, Na Leo Pumehana, the Brothers Cazimero, and Brother Noland. Check it out!
Recordings
BB Shawn, No Boundaries (Flying Solo Music, FSMCD002). Wow, that BB
Shawn! He tops himself in his third release, producing an effortlessly
smooth and catchy CD. BB is proficient in guitar, drums, and bass, and to
prove it, catch his version of James Taylor's "I Will Not Lie For You," in
which he provides all the instrumentals, plus all the lead and harmony
vocals. It's a real tour de force, and this song is currently hitting the
top 5 at 5 at KCCN-100. But BB can also attract some of the best talent in
town, and is also backed up here by folks like the Rev. Dennis Kamakahi,
Ernie Cruz, Jr., Bobby Ingano, Jess Gopen, Sakiusa Bulikoko, Jon Porlas,
Byron Yasui, and Bryan Kessler, producing a full, rich sound unlike some
recent CDs with [cringe] synthetic instrumental sounds. The effort on
detail and quality is apparent. There are two very fine Hawaiian songs,
the Reverend's "Kanaka Waiolina," and an original by BB and Kelila Morita,
"E Ku'ulei," which appears as both a vocal and an instrumental version.
BB's got talent to burn, and this CD, although it ranges from James
Taylor's "Angry Blues," to the Beatles' sweet "I Will," to the funky
"Young Blood," BB is always in command of the style and the song. Click here to go
to BB's page with samples of all the songs.
And for those of you who were wondering ... yes, that _is_ BB on the front
of the cover! [g]
Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett and Freddy Von Paraz (Modern Ancient
Productions 1008). Hmm. How to do justice in describing this CD? It
combines the chanting of Kawaikapu Hewett with samples and sax music from
"Freddy Boy." Imagine a saxophone wailing away like a snake charmer, with
Hewitt chanting in Hawaiian, overlaid with a chorus of atonic angels
droning a tritone above the pitch. Um, you're either gonna heave, or like
it. It's quite, quite different from anything you've heard in the Hawaiian
music scene up 'til now. Although there are 15 tracks on the CD, basically
there are only four songs, each done two or three times, in different
forms. The songs are "Naue Ka Lani" (3 versions), "Pele" (2), "HuaKa'i Na
Wahine" (2), and "Hula Na Wahine." Some of the versions are labeled
"pop," or "saxy" version, if that helps give you a clue to their odd,
other-world tone. Some are quite accessible, like the version of "Naue Ka
Lani" currently being played at KCCN that's actually starting to grow on
me, while others are difficult and ultimately, to me, not rewarding.
I would _definitely_ recommend your listening to a few cuts before making a
purchasing decision on this one.
Moki Boy, Pehea 'Oe E Kalapana (Bluewater Records BCD 1089). Moki Boys (Moses Kamehaloa) uses his funky, nasal falsetto on some catchy songs here, most notably the title track and the current favorite on the radio, "Hawaiian Kick Boxer." The feel is very much that of a backyard lu'au. "Ka'u'i O Nalani" is a particularly beautiful number, as is "'A'ohe Inoa." Other songs include "Makanalei," "Holy Ghost" (a nice gospel number), and "Ave Nai Folinga."
--Susan
susanj@lava.net
Like Hawaiian music? Find out the latest concerts and releases on Susan's Hawaiian Music Page, now at:
http://www.nahenahe.net/susanmusic/current.html or
http://www.interpac.net/~nahenahe/susanmusic/current.html
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