ISLAND SOUNDS
Faithful fans of Loyal Garner will enjoy reissue
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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"Hawaii Today" by Loyal Garner; Hula Records Legacy Series
Loyal Garner was, and remains, a source of pleasurable listening and an icon in local music in her lifetime — as solo singer and as a force in the now-defunct Local Divas. She died in 2001, but her legacy is her music. This reissue, of 1977 vintage, captures Garner's heart and soul; you feel her radiance and her mana'o — and yes, you can imagine her loving smile.
This was not her most representative or best work — she recorded other products in her time with wider appeal — but there are brighteners in the repertoire, like her indelible "Maui Waltz," laced with her idiosyncratic narrative midway through the song, which characterized her delivery in her heyday — whether in a showroom or while she played piano. But there's a sweet "Hanalei Moon," a wistful "Morning Dew" and a medley of "Kanaka Waiwai" and "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" that suit and reflect tone of the release.
The real bonus of the disc is the savvy refinements in the liner notes; the original, by Jean Sullivan, are restored with Cindy Lance's updated recapitulation of some milestones since the original recording was completed, with bio data the true-blue Garner fan will appreciate, like her 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Lifetime Achievement honor. And lyrics — a Hula Records staple — are provided.
Sample song: "Hawai'i Today" by Loyal Garner |
"Temptation" by Chazar'e; Faith Music International
Chazar'e composed all the music here, indulges in multi-tracking vocals, with textures ranging from rhythm 'n' blues ("Believe in Me") to techno pop ("Chance of a Lifetime"). Just when you think she's all grooves and tempos, along comes a pair of wistful ballad ("Time of the Day," "Te Amo").
Sample song: "Life's Not Fair" by Chazar'e |
"Pohoiki Blues" by Dru Kekaualua; DNM Productions
Sample song: "Love and Memories" by Dru Kekaualua |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.