He's a kumu hula, dancer, student (one never stops learning), singer, composer, choreographer, mentor, musician ('ukulele player) and academic who also serves as a bridge, linking the traditions of the past with the present and paving a path for the future. This ambitious project, which assembles 20 vivid and vital hula tracks, is dedicated to one of Conjugacion's lingering inspirations, the late Leila Hohu Ki'aha.

While he soars into the falsetto highs on Vickie K. I'i Rodrigues' "Nanakuli," and engages in the earthy baritone bounce on Sol K. Bright's "Sophisticated Hula," Conjugacion (using his formal name, Anthony K. Conjugacion) also is a composer here, turning in a hapa-haole "Waikiki By Starlight," which embodies the spirit of a bygone era of dancing under the stars and moonlight, with passion and precision. (He composed two other selections.)

The CD offers pleasures galore, from the choral embellishment on Mary Kawena Puku'i's "Pua Lililehua" to the sweetly nostalgic refrains of Lena Machado's "Ho'oipo Hula." Many folks contributed to this effort (check the bulging liner notes, complete with lyrics and translations), so the laurels are not solely Conjugacion's. But his ability to tap the right sources from then and now reflects his pliable role as an artist who's also a historian and maybe a skosh of an archaeologist — he digs and uncovers genuine gems.

One of the simple and best tracks — Alfred Alohikea's "Kahuilawai," with requisite vamp, swing tempo and irresistible vocal dynamics — typifies his wisdom and wonderment. And not surprisingly, the Mountain Apple Company's stellar packaging pulls all the elements together like a well-choreographed hula.

The CD makes its formal debut Tuesday.