Posted on: Sunday, September 3, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
Hokule'a-inspired CD offers listeners a treat
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
A compilation celebrating 30 years of Hokule'a is smooth sailing.
Hawaiiana veteran Kealoha Kalama assembles tunes from a glorious past to share her magic then — and now.
And sometime Don Ho sidekick Taimane Gardner goes loco with her 'ukulele.
"HOKULE'A: THE LEGACY" BY VARIOUS ARTISTS; BISHOP MUSEUM
Genre: World music, Hawaiian.
Distinguishing notes: This compilation of mele marks the 30th anniversary of the Polynesian Voyaging Society's historic journey from O'ahu to Tahiti, a trip that retraced early Polynesian voyages in the South Seas. With navigator Nainoa Thompson at the helm (that's him narrating), the CD revisits the drama, the energy, the synergy of the cultural phenomenon (because the Hokule'a is a cultural phenomenon — so much more than just a boat) through song (and some chatter). The smooth ride includes memorable tracks such as Eddie Aikau's "Hawaiian Pride," Lehua Heine's "Sailin' On Hokule'a," Kamehameha Schools Kuikawelo's "Iaorana Koe E Rapa Nui," Alden Levi's "Hokule'a Hula" and Jeff Rasmussen's "Na Holokai." The recording celebrates the bravery and skill of the navigators, who sailed the course without modern instruments to guide them, and the prolific artists who were inspired to write, sing and share mele about this unique achievement. The liner lyrics are a valuable companion to the music.
The outlook: A win-win situation for everyone, including listeners.
Our take: A splendid tribute to the Hokule'a, an artistic endorsement by the entertainment community of the ongoing work by the Polynesian Voyaging Society which will receive proceeds from the CD sales.
"ENCIRCLING LOVE" BY KEALOHA KALAMA; KALAMA PRODUCTIONS
Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
Distinguishing notes: Kealoha Kalama is a workhorse from the past, still trotting all over the globe sharing her Hawaiian artistry. Sixteen oldies (from three album sources in 1970, 1978 and 1987) have been repackaged, and there's no denying there's merit and magic here.
The outlook: If you yearn for a nostalgic journey, Kalama's a worthy guide.
Our take: It's yesterday once more.
"LOCO PRINCESS" BY TAIMANE GARDNER; BMG FUNHOUSE
Genre: World music.
Distinguishing notes: Taimane Gardner is no stranger to fans of the Don Ho Show, where she demonstrates her plucky talent on the 'ukulele — strumming fast and furious a la Jake Shimabukuro. The teenage virtuoso also sings. She blazes through myriad musical styles and textures, including a frisky "Surfin' Medley" combining a "Johnny B. Goode" vocal with a pair of surf classics, "Surfin' U.S.A." and "Wipe Out."
The outlook: This is a start; Gardner's next CD should define her.
Our take: One to watch.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
