Posted on: Sunday, October 8, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
Helm's intensity clear on folk-blues 'Divide'
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Johnny Helm is back with a folk-blues collection of personal observations.
Two reggae albums — by Marty Dread and Public Property — have Rastafarian elements of experimentation, edge and social consciousness. One is local; the other is by an Islander now living in Iowa.
"DIVIDE" BY JOHNNY HELM; JOHNNY HELM RECORDS
Genre: Folk, blues, pop.
Distinguishing notes: Singer-guitarist Johnny Helm's newest CD, which hits stores on Tuesday, represents his music and mindset, circa 1996-2006. It includes the previously recorded "Breathe." Delivered in his simple troubadour style, the song reflects his earnest, eloquent and easy-going attitude toward life. The opening track, "Staring Up Trees," is as good as it gets: a folk-form ditty about isolated moments of observation and reflection. "Haunted Wind" displays a mood-setting raspy vocal stance and some mild rock instrumentation, in the first of two (the other is acoustic) versions.
The outlook: Helm's music has the intensity and imagery of a poet; if you like John Mayer, you'll admire Helm's artistry.
Our take: This one should win him new fans and satisfy the thirst of those who already know him.
"... IN GOOD COMPANY (A DUET COLLECTION) " BY MARTY DREAD AND GUESTS; FIVE CORNERS MUSIC
Genre: Reggae.
Distinguishing notes: What are friends for? If you're talking music, friends rally to supply voices; in Marty Dread's case, to add oomph and dimension to songs. Willie Nelson shows up twice, on "Take No Part" and "Laws of Nature," and while it's a seemingly unnatural match, the pairings work, since Dread takes the lead with Nelson's cameos providing added vigor.
The 15-song collection (plus three bonus tracks) assembles a gamut of folks, including Fiji on "Rise & Stand," Fyah Wyah on "Good Words," Common Sense on "Baby Girl," Anthony B. on "She Don't Know She's Beautiful," Neville Francis on "Living on the Edge" and "Why So Far Away," Nara Boone on "Enchanted" and "I Want Your Love," Olu on "Can't Leave It Alone."
The fare, ultimately, is stylish and fresh, unlike Jawaiian copycats, with an edge to the delivery.
The outlook: Offers ample variety; you can easily find a favorite cut.
Our take: If you're scoping for reggae, this is the genuine article. Marty hits the bulls-eye.
"WHAT'S GOIN' DOWN" BY PUBLIC PROPERTY; BISHOP MUSEUM
Genre: Reggae.
Distinguishing notes: David Bess, son of Bess Press honcho Benjamin "Buddy" Bess, fronts an Iowa City-based eight-member group. Bess wrote (or co-wrote) 11 of the 13 tunes, which traverse such genres as hip-hop and ska. "Higher" has a lingering dance flavor, "Momento" even boasts a blues underbelly and "Power Play" has a slight Island nuance in the 'ukulele-driven backup. The title song reflects messages of social concerns, delivered with expletives.
The outlook: This is a window to the mind and soul of a productive young band. To further explore Public Property, go to www.publicprop.com.
Our take: Not likely to get much Island exposure, unless Bess brings his colleagues back home for a round of shows.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
