Posted on: Sunday, January 29, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
Ekolu creates Jawaiian gold with tales from heart
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Ekolu takes moments from life and sets them to a Jawaiian beat. The result: catchy tracks with universal appeal.
Damon Williams has a voice with promise, but a wavering repertoire.
A mixed-plate effort, keyed to an Aloha Joe's Internet radio show, offers a sampling of styles across the Islands.
"EKOLU MUSIC" BY EKOLU; WAIEHU RECORDS
Genre: Reggae, world
Distinguishing notes: Ekolu has been a focal point of the Island Rhythms movement, emerging as a lingering source of Jawaiian tempos and themes. Shane Akoni Dellomes, Lukela Keala and Makapu Hoopii do lead and background vocals on myriad tunes that feature the bouncy backbeat of reggae.
The originals embrace concepts and elements of everyday life that, set to music, relate vignettes of Island-style living. For instance, there's the universal sentiment of "Never Fade Away," Hoopii's expression of love to his significant other.
Keala borrows the Chilean reggae song "Armonia De Amor" and puts a very interesting Island stamp on it. Hoopii also turns in an original love song (with a bouncy undercurrent, natch), which he composed while waiting for his buddies. And "Mistah Offisah," another from Hoopii — lamenting a police visit — becomes fodder for harmony and syncopation.
Dellomes' "A Style of My Own" is fascinating not for its musical pedigree but for personal insights.
Liner notes sharing anecdotal thoughts about the birth of a song shed light on what makes Ekolu tick.
The outlook: There's a lot to admire and inspect here; this is not just another copycat Jawaiian jumbo.
Our take: Catchy musical hooks, clever stories give Ekolu's palate a slice-of-life fervor, with the music taking on very personal, yet universal flavors.
"REBORN" BY DAMON WILLIAMS; PHATBULA RECORDS
Genre: Contemporary, world music
Distinguishing notes: Damon Williams has been on the fringes of a legitimate disc career for several years now. This outing is his latest stab at the charts. It's a mixture of contemporary flavors ("Plastic Smile"), local themes ("Sweet Hawaiian Girl"), party songs ("Party Tonight"), covers ("Tonight I Celebrate" and "Shower the People"). However, Williams' talent is diluted with a repertoire that tries to be everything to everyone, instead of capitalizing on his voice. Everybody else does reggae and Jawaiian; that's not the root of his abilities.
The outlook: Could stir the waves a bit as he makes a quest for acceptance.
Our take: Williams needs a firm hand to define his sound and showcase his artistry; he's capable, but this effort misses.
"A TIME FOR ALOHA" BY VARIOUS ARTISTS; ALOHA JOE PRODUCTIONS
Genre: Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian
Distinguishing notes: This 12-song sampler of recent tracks by an array of local artists serves more as a teaser of what's out there in CD land than what's hot and happening. Brittni Paiva's 'ukulele instrumental, " 'Ukulele Boogie," may set you running for more of her work; Ku'uipo Kumukahi's "E Ku'u Morning Dew" is representative of her vocal charms. The blend spans the state: Leilani Bond Rivera represents Kaua'i with "Kamalani"; The Country Knights Band salutes home in "Maui, You're on My Mind." The vaults are scoped for Dennis Pavao's "Kona Daze," Teresa Bright's "In a Little Hula Heaven," Na Hokupa's harmonic "Hawai'i Calls" and Na Kama Hele's "Moloka'i Hoe," which add perspective.
The outlook: This is a Web site-related tool suited for Aloha Joe's online Hawaiian music fest, Aloha Radio Network (alohajoe.com).
Our take: A competent assembly that offers nibbles for the real reward, a quest for a full-on album.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
