Posted on: Sunday, September 4, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
Isle songbird's solo 'Dream' breaks new ground
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Mihana Souza has evolved into an appealing world music wonder, with honest, hard-to-categorize new tunes. Sean Na'auao refocuses on his Hawaiian roots and assumes the role of the keeper of the flame. Lahaina Grown is a Maui act with a wide range of sounds worth exploring.
"ONE LITTLE DREAM" BY MIHANA; IM RECORDINGS
Genre: World music.
Distinguishing notes: Mihana Souza's second solo CD continues her remarkable and resourceful journey into contemporary and world music. She cooks up a menu of diverse and savory blends, like "Chucky," a country-spirited novelty with its ono lyrics about teriyaki chicken, poi, sashimi, kim chee, sushi and more grinds — easily the best and most commercial entry. Souza, normally a member of Puamana, the hapa-haole-singing group fronted by the late Irmgard Aluli, clearly has a rollicking good time in her solo journey, composing alone or with collaborators. "Family" is a ballad extolling the memories and joys associated with 'ohana, values that often get lost in today's music. "Wrap" has a sweetly nostalgic tropical swing and English and Hawaiian lyrics. Each of the 13 tunes featured has one-word titles: "Don't," "Darling," "Fire," "Thief," "Dream" and so on.
The outlook: Hard to categorize and not easily explainable, Mihana has emerged as a refreshingly different and continuously delightful Island songbird, sharing stories with the appealing posture of a folk artist.
Our take: Mihana is living her dream with a still-in-the-bud career as a soloist; she's on the move and breaking new ground.
"KA 'EHA KE ALOHA" BY SEAN NA'AUAO; POI POUNDER RECORDS
Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
Distinguishing notes: Happily, Sean Na'auao turns to his Hawaiian roots and refocuses on traditional Island music in this excursion through time. The selections here range from traditional classic "Papalina Lahilahi" to the frisky "Ka Moa'e" by Solomon Hiram; from his original (co-authored by wife Kau'i) "Ni'ihau O Kahelelani," reflecting fond remembrances of Ni'ihau, to the title song by Frank Hewett, which tells of lonely times and weeping hearts in the cold of Mauna Kea. The vocals are succulent, sweet and crisp; the tone is simple, recalling scrapbook memories from yesteryear. One non-Hawaiian entry — "I'll Never Love This Way Again," the old Dionne Warwick hit — is out of place, but still brings home an Island mana'o in Na'auao's hands. His ki ho'alu manner is first-rate on his original "Backyard Slack." A stunning extra: the liner photo of the five Na'auao boys. And lyrics of all songs are a bonus for those who like to sing along.
The outlook: Those accustomed to Na'auao's contemporary sound should find a surprise and a lot of nourishment in his purely Hawaiian sound.
Our take: Nice to know that someone still is a keeper of the Hawaiian flame.
"LAHAINA GROWN" BY LAHAINA GROWN; LAHAINA GROWN RECORDS
Genre: Contemporary, world music.
Distinguishing notes: Lahaina Grown is a contemporary group featuring Paul Justin Kapaliuweloa Keahi, Albert Napahi Dizon III, Deason Ka'ohelo Baybayon III and Jayson R. Cabanilla, formerly known as Nahe Nahe. Its sound is a mixture of Island rhythms, contemporary Hawaiian, Jawaiian, a bit of blues, even soul; the range can be explored in such tracks as "Ea," "Breakaway," "Jam Session," "Black Magic Woman," "Puehueu" and "Destiny."
The outlook: Maui folks already know this band; it could use support on O'ahu.
Our take: Lahaina Grown's diverse music merits applause.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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