Posted on: Sunday, March 19, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
Romance defines the power of two; Kapena clan grows
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
A twosome with a dreamy sound provides feel-good vocal chemistry.
A seasoned combo evolves with next-generation 'ohana elements.
Yet another ki ho'alu artist revs up for his prime-time closeup.
"POWER OF TWO" BY YVETTE NII AND JOHN VALENTINE; STUDIO VALENTINE RECORDS
Genre: World music.
Distinguishing notes: Romance rules in the collaborations of Yvette Nii and John Valentine; both share lead and background roles and both demonstrate composer prowess here. With a guitaraccented, folksy feel, Nii (a fresh voice in Hawai'i's night-life scene) and Valentine (a veteran of the circuit) offer whisper-soft gentleness, tenderness and sweetness through and through, whether on an original like her "Through Someone Else's Eyes" or his "Fill Me With Love Songs." Together, they project a sound that's delicate and dreamy ("Music & Me," "Say Anything"). Of the covers, Dennis Kamakahi's "Wahine 'Ilikea" throbs with wholesome love in Nii's treatment and she dusts off Dusty Springfield's "I Only Want To Be With You" with simple strokes. Their duets on "The Prayer" and "Whenever I Call You Friend" provide lessons in faithful interpretation and delivery.
The outlook: A lovelier collection will be hard to find; but getting local air play will be a challenge, since theirs is not a sound that radio embraces so easily.
Our take: Feel-good vocal chemistry, especially for the romantic at heart.
 |
"Music & Me" by Yvette Nii and John Valentine. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"KAPENA COLLECTION VOL. III" BY KAPENA; KDE RECORDS
Genre: World music, reggae.
Distinguishing notes: Kapena has evolved into a new group in recent months; now, Kelly "Boy" DeLima features his daughters, Kalena, 14 (on saxophone), and Lilo, 11 (on trumpet), along with son Kapena, 17, who's been performing with dad for a decade. Three new entries here — "Sixteen," "Homegrown," "Lost in Love" — reflect the change and evolutionary process in the ranks. "Sixteen" (earlier rendered by Kelly Boy and his wife, Leolani) now is delivered with youthful exuberance by the younger Kapena and Kalena. The teens also support dad on the Air Supply revival "Lost in Love," without sacrificing the emotional verve of the original. The compilation also includes "You Poured Sugar on Me," a bouncy ballad-with-a-beat that percolates with old-school Kapena spirit, and such cheer-provoking tunes as "Glittery Eyes" and "Tropical Lady."
The outlook: This third-volume entry completes a trilogy of selected cuts from Kapena's past.
Our take: A hearty party disc, with endearing fresh flavors.
|
"Sixteen" by Kapena. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"HO'O PA'A (THE STAND)" BY CHRIS YEATON; WOODSONG ACOUSTIC GROUP
Genre: Ki ho'alu (slack-key guitar), with vocals.
Distinguishing notes: An acoustic delight, Chris Yeaton has composed a cluster of originals that project a musical landscape of ports here and abroad. "Puka Pants," a Keola Beamer original, launches his journey, which includes a joyous "Duignan's Road" that has an Irish lilt, a decidedly local ditty in "Garins Ball Berins," a splendid version of "Makee 'Ailana" (a vocal) and a joyous "Kau" and "Aloha 'O Kona." Attractive packaging, tuning details and informative liner notes are other reasons to seek this one out.
The outlook: Add Yeaton to the roster of slack-key masters.
Our take: With the growing interest in ki ho'alu among international audiences, Yeaton is ready for his close-up, too.
|
"Puka Pants" by Chris Yeaton. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
