Posted on: Sunday, January 8, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
Colo. artist shares love of 'ukulele on 'Her Jumping Flea'
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
A Colorado uke strummer also sings, with obvious Hawai'i influences.
A trio banks on traditional Hawaiian songs with a territorial flavor in its CD debut.
And a homegrown alt-rock foursome puts out a solid full-length CD.
"HER JUMPING FLEA" BY VICTORIA VOX; OBUS MUSIC
Genre: Contemporary vocals, featuring the 'ukulele.
Distinguishing notes: Victoria Vox is a Colorado resident who discovered the joys of uke years ago. This collection includes standards and originals. She sings "'Ukulele Lady," as if it were composed for her, and her song "Yodelayheehoo," sounds like a companion piece. She performs the medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" as an homage to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, with a similar arrangement and vocal phrasing, right down to his phrasing of "chim-a-ney tops."
The outlook: Vox makes periodic appearances here; her presence and commitment to the uke qualify her for a listen.
Our take: Vox has personality and charm.
"HE 'OLU" BY HOLUNAPE; ROY SAKUMA PRODUCTIONS
Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
Distinguishing notes: Holunape is a promising new trio featuring Jeremy Kamakaneoaloha Hopkins on 'ukulele and bass; Kekoa Wilioma Kaluhiwa on bass, lead and rhythm guitar; and Brad Kanai'akukui Nakamura on rhythm guitar. They sing and play in the old style, creating territorial-era harmonies. The sound is crisp and, with the ongoing resurgence of Hawaiian themes, could catch attention. Hopkins' originals, "Ka Pua O Ku'u 'I'ini" and "Holo Lio," are sweetly nostalgic; the trio also interprets classics by John Pi'ilani Watkins and Lena Machado, demonstrating respect for pioneering musicians. (Aaron Mahi and Jeff Au Hoy provide some support, on steel guitar and piano.) Think latter-day Ho'okena, and you'll appreciate Holunape. The name means to sway or wave; that's suitable for a group that will set fans swaying with delight.
The outlook: This sounds like a winner.
Our take: You can't go wrong with a sound that is basic and enchanting as Holunape's.
"THE CONSTRUCTION" BY LINUS THE BAND; NO LABEL
Genre: Alternative rock.
Distinguishing notes: Linus the Band features David Neely, on guitar, vocals and harmonica, Danmerle Capati on keyboards, Sandeep Rai on drums and Nikolaus Daubert on bass guitar. Formed in 2001, the band has created its own buzz, opening for touring acts and playing around the local music scene. This first full-length CD (following a lo-fi five-song release in 2002) puts Linus right on the money. All tunes have a raw edge of hope and optimism. Several originals deal with relation-ships ("Girlfriend," "Dirty Sunday," "Tears Fall"). The album does have a thing about journeys and travels ("Arrivals and Departures," the airplane cover graphics).
The outlook: Earnest rock that's easy on the ear, with structure and focus.
Our take: Linus the Band moves one step up the ladder with "The Construction."
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
