ISLAND SOUNDS
Timeless 'ukulele instrumentals
By Wayne Harada
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"Spotlight" by Ohta-san; Roy Sakuma Productions
Result: It's timeless and reflective, with a music-box simplicity, and "Song for Anna" is back with new flair, awaiting applause by a new generation of fans. Lifelong fans can join the line, too.
Ohta-san is a pioneer, bringing his style to an expansive repertoire not commonly attuned to the four-stringed instrument. Consider "America the Beautiful," with exquisite strumming and plucking and an arrangement that re-establishes the normally patriotic anthem ... with a measure of subtle romance.
The musical journey here is international — "Samba De Orfeu," "Sabor A Mi," "Manha De Carnaval" — cradled with Ohta's aura of Latino tempos and moods. It's nocturnal stuff, mainly, for cuddling and schmoozing. A couple of Ohta newbies dot the landscape, too. And Pierre Grill's arrangements are smooth and seductive.
Stellar musicians are part of the serenades: Nando Suan, guitar; Dean Taba, bass; and Sakuma on uke.
Sample song: "Song For Anna" by Ohta-san |
"Tropic Rhapsody" by Teresa Bright; Teresa Bright Productions
Hapa-haole classics are updated with fresh arrangements: Some have Hollywood attachments ("Pagan Love Song," "Sweet Leilani," "On a Tropic Night," "Blue Hawaii"), others have longstanding Island origins ("Kaimana Hila," "I'll Weave a Lei of Stars For You," "Silhouette Hula")."
A fun entry: "Tahauala," on which the jazz elements work beautifully.
Kit Ebersbach has assembled orchestral and jazz types to provide the enveloping richness of moods — tapping violin, flute, cello, vibes, acoustic guitar, electric bass, drums, percussion. Too many names to name — for a wondrous sound.
Sample song: "I'll Weave A Lei Of Stars" by Teresa Bright |
"Love, Love, Love" by various artists; OneHawaii
The mantra here is "love for God," "love for each other," "love for the beautiful place we live." Thus, Kalauli delves into The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love," without preaching godliness.
A catchy "For All Time," composed by Guy Cruz and performed by Dave and Dulcie Dunaway, opens the session, which includes inspirational and uplifting melodies and performances by Imua Garza, Cory Oliveros, Tiffa and Tara Garza, Shawn Pimental, Loke Oliveros, and Barrett and Tara Awai.
Sample song: "For All Time" by One Hawaii Music |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.