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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, December 1, 2006

ISLAND SOUNDS
Traditional Hawaiian music helps preserve culture

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Hawaiian music will never diminish if two favored local acts — Na Palapalai and Ken Makuakane — have their way. The latest by the award-winning artists should help Island music maintain a presence and help preserve a tradition.

Also new: an offering by Kaipo that might be dubbed "reggae lite."

"Ka Pua Hae Hawai'i" by Na Palapalai; Koops2 Entertainment

  • Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

  • Distinguishing notes: Award-winning Na Palapalai, that delightful Hawaiian trio featuring Kuana Torres, Kehau Tamure and Keao Costa, assembles 16 solid Island songs, new and old, imparting its nahenahe style that says "party" with all the requisite good cheer. Generally known for its ha'i, or falsetto style, the trio displays other forms of singing with equal mastery. Already a chart-topper, "Ka Pua" is blessed with fresh air and a simple, no-frills delivery.

    "Hualalai," a Dennis Kamakahi composition, sets the frisky pace; "Kimo Henderson Hula," the Helen Desha Beamer indelible classic, taps the piano wizardry of Aaron J. Sala. Mostly, it's the crystalline and captivating harmonies of the trio that connect with listeners and hula dancers alike. It can be upbeat, like "Lei 'Ohu" and "Sweet Lei Ka Lehua," or tranquil as in "Hanohano Wailea." It's all about preserving a culture by sharing its joy.

  • Our take: This is a stellar example of keeping the Hawaiian traditions alive for future generations to savor.

    "Hualalai" by Na Palapalai. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

    "Makuakane" by Ken Makuakane; Makuakane Music Corp.

  • Genre: Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian; world music.

  • Distinguishing notes: An impressive 20 titles have been assembled in award-winning Ken Makuakane's newest album, dedicated to his mentor and role model, his father kahu John P.C. Makuakane.

    The songs form a quiltwork of the singer-composer's life and attitudes, reflecting on the past as he relates to the future, with songs mostly in Hawaiian that ultimately frame a series of intricate portraits of where he's been, what he's felt, where he's going. Between the opening "He Lei Nou" and the closing "Take It to the Lord in Prayer," there are beaucoup moments to cherish, including "Pi'ilani Mine," "I Puna Pa'ia 'Ala," "Aloha 'Ia 'O Makena" and "He Nani Moloka'i." It's Hawaiian esprit, through and through.

    Liner notes provide lyrics, shed light on some of the songs and essentially paint a vivid portrait of Makuakane, although he neglects to mention the stash of Na Hoku Hanohano awards he helped win for a number of local artists.

  • Our take: If you have yet to discover Makuakane, this is as good an entry level you'll find.

    "He Lei Nou" by Makuakane. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

    "Waiting on a Dream" by Kaipo Kapua; IMU

  • Genre: World music; Island reggae.

  • Distinguishing notes: Using only his first name, Kaipo makes his debut with 11 songs, 10 of them his originals. "Falling for You" typifies Kaipo's laid-back hybrid — call it reggae lite — providing both R&B and reggae tempos to attract a local fan base. There's even harmonic warmth on tracks like "Give Me One Chance," but if it's the bounce you prefer, there are ample examples, from "You and Me" to "Back to You," which reflect on relationships and more.

    The track that may earn him notice, an update of The Skyliners' "Since I Don't Have You," is a natural for radio play — part nostalgia for the older crowd, and part discovery for the younger fans.

  • Our take: An earnest and engaging CD debut.

    "Falling for You" by Kaipo. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.