Posted on: Sunday, February 19, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
Jazz times three: CDs by Lagrimas, Benoit Jazz Works, Ginai
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Jazz, anyone?
Three new CDs explore the spectrum of jazz — with diverse results.
Abe Lagrimas Jr. sizzles on an 'ukulele entry. He's the latest Mr. Nimble Fingers.
The Benoit Jazz Works uncork a palatable disc that should have appeal beyond Hawai'i. Maui no ka 'oi; the group is based on the Valley Isle.
And Ginai brings shimmering glory to classics; she galvanizes a bright future as a jazz vocalist and she even scat-sings.
"DIMENSIONS" BY ABE LAGRIMAS JR.; PASS OUT RECORDS
Genre: 'Ukulele instrumentals.
Distinguishing notes: Abe Lagrimas Jr. is a gifted multi-instrumentalist who has made his mark as a drummer, a pianist, a guitarist, a vibraphonist and a percussionist. Since April 2003, he's also embraced the 'ukulele and now demonstrates his mastery. He's schooled in the pop and jazz genres, and his upbringing here and life in Boston penetrate his composing on 10 illuminating originals. The titles tell the tale: "Centipedes" creeps through his past in Waipahu and sounds like a jazz jam for the creature; "Last Days of Winter" and "Cold Rain" characterize the chill factor of Boston; "Blues Brigade" is entrenched in the smoky genre; "Boondoggle Goggles" is an effervescent spirit-lifter. Powerful piano backup by Heean Ko and bass riffs by Shawn Conley complement his nimble ukemanship.
The outlook: Lagrimas elevates the uke with this jazz-friendly offering. He's more Jake Shimabukuro than Herb Ohta as he carves out his own mark.
Our take: Make room on the uke mantle for another wizard.
"A MAN AND A WOMAN" BY BENOIT JAZZ WORKS; PEAK RECORDS
Genre: Jazz vocals and instrumentals.
Distinguishing notes: Benoit Jazz Works is Angela and Phil Benoit; she is a singer; he is a guitarist and the younger brother of noted jazz pianist David Benoit, who also performs on some tracks. The Benoit Jazz Works have a field day interpreting recent and vintage favorites. "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" is a frisky take on the Billie Holiday oldie that showcases the group's Gypsy jazz undercurrent. "Embraceable You" recalls Ella Fitzgerald but enables Angela to put her own signature take on the love song. "Waters of March" is an Antonio Carlos Jobim tune that finds Angela in a duet with Sal Godinez, and "Samba De Orpheu," the Luis Bonfa classic, adds further international flavor to the mix. Material selection is chic and precise, providing just the canvas for Benoit Jazz Works to spill out the blues and red-hot hues, sashaying from a sun-and-fun item ("Swingin' Waikiki") to nocturnal sensations ("Stella by Starlight," "Moonlight Savings Time"). And who can resist the seductive "Besame Mucho"?
The outlook: The Benoits' CD has appeal beyond the shores of Hawai'i.
"JAZZ ISLAND" BY GINAI; BLACK HAWAIIAN RECORD
Genre: 'Ukulele in Jazz.
Distinguishing notes: Ginai, a veteran club singer, has ultimately found her niche as a jazz stylist of the first tier. She puts her own spin on some iconic tunes and easily proves ownership, thanks to resourceful and rousing arrangements and first-rate performances. Backed by the Honolulu Jazz Quartet (John Kolivas, bass; Daniel Del Negro, piano; Adam Baron, drums; Tim Tsukiyama, saxophone) and blessed with guitar support from Nueva Vida's Robert Shinoda, Ginai shows that even classics can shimmer with new elegance. "Them There Eyes" is a lively, involving opening tune, complete with scat- singing; "Take Five," "Days of Wine and Roses," "Blue Moon" and "Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me" yield romantic intimacy plus go-with-the-flow jive. She combines "Puamana" (with Hawaiian and English renderings) with "All Blues" in a seamless marriage of Hawaiian with jazz. With Kolivas, she co-authored the title song, which captures a sizzle-in-the-tropics mood that sounds like a potential soundtrack tune for any TV or film endeavor that needs that exotic enticement.
The outlook: Her fans adore her as a jazz force; the CD galvanizes a spot in the growing galaxy.
Our take: By looking at the past, Ginai paints a bright future for herself.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
