Posted on: Sunday, July 9, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
Legendary Kamae returns with friends for pure, simple Hawaiian harmonies
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Whatever Eddie Kamae does, he does with heart fully immersed. You can hear that quality in the iconic musician and filmmaker's new compilation that defines his six decades in the biz.
A second volume from "The 50 Greatest Hawai'i Albums" trove is a sliver of Hawai'i's musical riches.
And from the Big Island trio Kohala, which includes two guys from the Hawaiian Grammy camp, is a CD with moves and moods to spare.
"EDDIE KAMAE & FRIENDS" BY EDDIE KAMAE & FRIENDS; MOUNTAIN APPLE CO.
Genre: Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian.
Distinguishing notes: Eddie Kamae's music is the stuff of legend; any recording — solo, with the Sons of Hawai'i, or any other musical ally — is heavy-duty great. This collection recalls six decades of his Island sounds and revives memories of entertainers who worked with Kamae. The nahenahe melodies have a common trait: they're purely and simply Hawaiian, sometimes punctuated with the steel-guitar artistry of David "Feet" Rodgers, augmented by the composing and vocal dexterity of Dennis Kamakahi, or blessed by the voice of Moe Keale. Those who've followed the Sons' pioneering career will remember, too, when the band worked with Diana Aki and Sonny Chillingworth. The latter brings sweetness and joy to "Sunshine Between the Rain" and "She's So Sad and Blue," and the former immortalizes "La 'Elima." Two Kamakahi compositions, "Pua Hone" and "Golden Stallion," are Hawaiian classics with a folk-influenced sound; Keale's ne'er-forgotten ballad "Only You" blends English lyrics with Hawaiian. Of course, the focus is on Kamae, and his "'Akahi Ho'i Ka Manene" and "We Have Two of Those" capture two sides of his vocal dynamics — you can feel his gentleness and sincerity. Attractive packaging is a plus; the bibbed jeans in the cover image are a dandy contrast to the red palaka background (duplicated on the disc).
The outlook: While generally inactive as a working musician, focusing instead on filmmaking, Kamae's CD puts him back in the mainstream.
Our take: The Kamae sound is destined to be explored and adopted by a new generation of fans.
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"Hualalai" by Eddie Kamae & Friends. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"THE 50 GREATEST HAWAI'I ALBUMS OF ALL TIME, VOL. 2" BY VARIOUS ARTISTS; MOUNTAIN APPLE CO.
Genre: Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian.
Distinguishing notes: Sequel-itis does not diminish the historical value of this compilation; considering Honolulu Magazine picked 50 albums, several more volumes are inevitable. No. 2 features the aforementioned Kamae on his signature song (co-authored with wife, Myrna), "Morning Dew," along with trademark tunes by Auntie Genoa Keawe ("Alika"), Cecilio & Kapono ("Friends"), Arthur Lyman ("Yellow Bird"), and classics performed by notables, including "Hawai'i Aloha" (Don Ho), and "Waikiki" (George Helm).
The outlook: Even if you have versions of these songs on other albums, your CD library will not be complete without Vol. 2. You'll notice the technological changes when you compare, say, Lena Machado's "Ho'onanea" with the The Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau's "Ka Manaokalanipo," and the monaural era vs. today's multitracking discs.
Our take: A valid compilation, extending the life of the magazine story and the TV special on the 50 Greatest.
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"Tropical Hawaiian Day" by Ka'au Crater Boys. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"DEEPER BLUE" BY KOHALA; PALM RECORDS
Genre: World music, ki ho'alu instrumentals.
Distinguishing notes: Big Island-based Kohala features Charles Michael Brotman and Charlie Recaido, two of the slack-key musicians who won the first-ever Hawaiian Grammy Award. New member Rupert Tripp Jr. joins the lineup, which is in the acoustic folk, jazz and Hawaiian genre. The original tunes convey soft samba tempos with reflective images of sun-kissed seas, verdant valleys and sprawling open beaches. The titles tell the tale: "Haupia Slack Key," "Lime Twist," "Samba Del Sol," "Kohala Summer." It's music for all seasons, but it helps to be in the tropics. The label continues its simple, striking cover graphics that visually define the music.
The outlook: Smooth, exquisite stylings, with whisper-soft performances suitable for cuddling.
Our take: Kohala has the master's touch.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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