Pata's greatest strength is a commanding voice that is rooted in tradition, bringing a sense of history and authenticity to his original compositions such as "He Aloha No Ka 'Ukiu," "Ku'u Home" and "Punua Polena." He revives Charles E. King's "Momi O Ka Pahipika" and the traditional "Laua'e Ka Mana'o" with reverence and respect and he puts his sweet, savory stamp on other tunes with that old-fashioned style, including "Ka Lehua A'o Waimea." The themes embrace people and places, with occasional double meanings. The accompaniment taps traditional 'ukulele, steel guitar, ipu and pu'ili but is augmented by Aaron Sala's expressive piano.

A novelty, "Laga-Haga," with its nonsensical lyrics and frenetic tempo, is a departure from the rest of the disc in tone and style.

This is the real deal in Hawaiian sounds; liner lyrics, attractively displayed with visuals, provide insights for other Hawaiiana buffs. Liner credits, in Hawaiian, are reserved for the informed. And the superb packaging is a reflection of the care and vision of the kumu hula and his mana'o.

But there are other styles. "Kaeleku Chant and Song" is typically halau-oriented, in delivery and simplicity, but its 8-minutes-plus running time limits radio airplay, though its ki ho'alu direction is delightfully old-style. "Cry From a Nation" takes a folkie form, musically and lyrically; "Pua O Moloka'i" combines Hawaiian backyard informality with a mildly country swing.

It's easy-listening stuff that could find an audience but is not particularly local, though the artist says that Hawai'i — the place, the people — inspired him to create this one.