Posted on: Sunday, December 11, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
Hawai'i-released collection dancing to Mainland success
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
A locally released dancehall disc is moving and grooving in some key cities — and could be pay dirt for RawSun.
Hapa guitarist Nathan Aweau's solo journey shows another side of his musicianship.
And Native Elements explores the rhythms of reggae, with good results.
"RATED R" BY RAWSUN; HARD EIGHT RECORDS
Genre: Dancehall, hip-hop.
Distinguishing notes: RawSun is embarking on a Mainland mainstream dancehall journey originating from Hawai'i. His single, "Always Love You" (featuring Cherie Yuen), is already getting exposure in key markets like Chicago, Las Vegas and San Francisco. The hip sound has edge and pulsates with a clubby reggae background. RawSun's delivery is powerful; you need only examine such cuts as "Get Up" and "Can You Feel It" with guests Money B. and Ray Luv. Fiji shows up on "Get Your Money Right," "Pussy Cat," "Doin' It" and "Summer Time." Brother-producer Don Juan Cartel has shaped and molded the sound and delivery to practically guarantee stardom for RawSun; support from Jim Linkner's Blind Man Sound doesn't hurt, either.
The outlook: Could be the biggest dancehall outing from Hawai'i. Urban radio here endorses the sound.
Our take: Remember the RawSun name; destined to be the buzz of the club generation.
"BASS ETUDE" BY NATHAN AWEAU; B.P. MUSIC ARTS
Genre: Instrumentals.
Distinguishing notes: Nathan Aweau's other life is as half of the Hawaiian-music duo Hapa, with Barry Flanagan. This outing, showcasing his bass guitar (and a few other instruments), offers a different kind of eloquence. The sound is somewhat inviting, even intriguing, but not particularly commercial. The title tune is easily the most catchy, lingering number, though his other compositions ("Paniolo Poi," "Ode to the '80s," "'Uala (Sweet Potato)," "Pelapela (Nasty)" beg exploration. The jazz-oriented motif has elements of blues and pop, despite a few Hawaiian themes.
The outlook: Not the best display of his aptitudes.
Our take: A curiosity, at best — reflecting another side of Aweau.
"NATIVE ELEMENTS" BY NATIVE ELEMENTS; NICE N' UP MUSIC
Genre: Reggae, world music.
Distinguishing notes: This expansive combo features lead voices Jose Pangan and Joseph Quianzon, plus a coterie of musicians — Chris Cortez, drums; Jaime Duran, bass; Joel Atanacio, guitar; Pete Hadden, keyboards; Raul Martin Garro, percussion; Ben Thompson, keyboards, trumpet, sax; Mike Heuser, trombone; and Mike Bazlamit, flute, sax. Thirteen of the 14 tracks are Native originals, so there's a torrent of music here, all with blended voices, reggae tempos and rasta riffs. Cuts like "World People" have substance and shape, preaching a little bit of love and a call for union, and the toe-tapping melodies are easy to swallow; the musical hooks of "It's You" are equally pop and reggae. There's also political commentary on "Never Satisfied," questioning global war and poverty.
The outlook: "Our future is before us, beautiful and bright," as they sing on "It's You" ... could well be a description of the months ahead.
Our take: If you can't lick the reggae movement, it's never too late to hop aboard.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
| | |
|
|
