Posted on: Sunday, August 27, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
Island women Mahela, Traci Toguchi shine in solo debuts
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Women singers rule this week.
Tapping her family roots to redefine her all-Hawaiian sound, Mahela is ready for her closeup.
Traci Toguchi uncorks motivational songs with Energizer Bunny zest.
Connie Kissinger rekindles her past but is saddled with material that doesn't do her justice.
"MY HEART" BY MAHELA; HULA RECORDS
Genre: Traditional, contemporary Hawaiian.
Distinguishing notes: Next-generation luminary Mahela is is the daughter of singer Marlene Sai, the grandniece of composer Andy Cummings and a descendant of composer Alfred Alohikea. With a legacy like that, her solo debut (she made a CD with mom) will be understandably scrutinized. Worry not, she doesn't disappoint. Two events apparently have spurred her return to her Hawaiian roots. She was recognized at the recent PA'I Foundation's Hapa Haole Hula & Music Festival, and she did a three-year stint in a Polynesian revue at the Tokyo Disneyland. On "My Heart," she dusts off a stable of hula favorites — from "Kamalani O Keaukaha" to "Papalina Lahilahi" — and re-invigorates them. Listen carefully, and you'll hear mom Marlene in two lovely duets. Of course, the family signature, "Waikiki," the Cummingscomposed signature of mom's songbag, is reintroduced for a new generation of fans to adopt. Annotations in the liner notes put each selection into perspective; and you can sing along with the lyrics.
The outlook: Cross-generational in appeal, kupuna and keiki alike should fondly embrace "My Heart."
Our take: Mahela should find her spot in the Hawaiian music hierarchy with this heartfelt package. Could the title be derived from the opening lyric of "Waikiki" ("There's a feeling deep in my heart ...")?
"FEEL THE BREEZE" BY TRACI TOGUCHI; TRACI TOGUCHI INC.
Genre: World music.
Distinguishing notes: Former Miss Hawaii Traci Toguchi realizes a dream come true with the release of her first CD. The album offers uplifting energy and advice in 15 songs — the power can be absorbed even through the titles, such as "Feel the Breeze," "Let Go," "One Moment in Time." Self-empowerment coaching set to music. A couple tunes are known, three feature slightly different deliveries and most are co-authored by the singer.
The covers — a plaintive, piano-backed "Over the Rainbow," and "God Bless the U.S.A." — fit in this mode of making a difference and positive thinking. In all this high-energy, soaring-goals therapy, one truly powerful song, performed with a bit of restraint, is "What's Another Day," which should be singled out as Toguchi's signature. (There are two versions — the shorter one is the keeper.)
The outlook: Toguchi gushes and bubbles with zeal and passion; if you need to jump-start your day — or your life — you might find a jolt here.
Our take: An ebullient debut.
"CONNIE KISSINGER" BY CONNIE KISSINGER; JELLY NOTES
Genre: World music, hapa-haole.
Distinguishing notes: For years, Connie Kissinger sang with Kit Samson's Sound Advice in the fabled Maile Lounge at the Kahala Hilton. This 11-tune release is somewhat of an attempt to recapture the past, with visitor-friendly tunes such as "Love Song from 'Mutiny on the Bounty' " and "Shells," staples of another era. Kissinger, now a New York resident, recorded this album with stellar local musicians. Kissinger composed four new tunes (one with a collaborator) peppered with local lingo and themes. While "Island to Island," "Swingin' Hawaiian Style," "Kona Coffee Song" and "Holoholo Maika'i" reflect her creative juices, her originals are out of touch with the times. She mixes Island favorites "He Aloha Mele" and "The Queen's Prayer") with a cover or two (Christopher Cross' "Sailing," Bob Nelson's "Just a Little Girl") plus a novelty ("Papaya").
The material does not justify the vocal prowess that characterized her best work in the past. A glossary of common Island words (poi, kapakahi, mele) might enlighten malihini but is wasted on locals.
The outlook: Is an Island club gig in the picture to help promote the CD?
Our take: Nice to hear Kissinger again; and you can't fault her ambition.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
