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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, May 9, 2008

ISLAND SOUNDS
Check in to rich textures of 'Embassy'

By Wayne Harada

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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"Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk, Volume 2" by various artists; Daniel Ho Creations

  • Genre: Contemporary, traditional Hawaiian.

  • Distinguishing notes: Producer-performer Daniel Ho imparts his Grammy Award-winning touch in assembling 11 titles for a promotional disc available only by staying at the year-old Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk resort. That's right: You can't buy this album (not yet, anyway). It's a precious amenity.

    The prevailing mood is tranquil, sunshiny, happy — like a perfect stay at the hotel. Ho, providing the tone and texture of the CD, performs on the tracks "Living in Paradise," "Pahala We Go" (also featuring Herb Ohta Jr.) and "No Resistance." The rest of the slots on this speciality item are filled by label mates such as Tia Carrere (" 'Ulili E"), Keoki Kahumoku ("Hi'ilawe," "Rise & Shine"), Steve Sano ("Kaulana Na Pua," "Wa'aloa Way"), Ohta Jr. (also featured with Kahumoku on "Ho'o Kupu") and Makena ("The Breakfast Song," "Good Enough"). They all fit in.

    There are instrumentals tucked in between vocals, and the musicianship includes ki ho'alu and 'ukulele — with sprightly, romantic, playful and relaxing spirit, just like the rhythm of an Island vacation.

    Liner information lists original sources for the selections, but not useful bios; locals would know who's who, but visitors receiving the amenity would welcome details, perhaps even photos. A Web site, happily, is listed (www.danielho.com) for those willing to search.

    Where the album falls short is in its title, which is lame and doesn't match the artistic quality it boasts.

  • Our take: But how sweet (suite?) it is — to get to take home this CD after a stay at the Embassy.

    Sample song: "'Ulili E" by Tia Carrere

    "Hawaiian Style 5" by various artists; Neos Productions

  • Genre: Island contemporary, world music.

  • Distinguishing notes: This 16-tune compilation is akin to packing a jukebox (kids, go ask your parents what that is) with Island hits ... or maybe spending an hour with a radio station that programs this genre of tunes.

    Any CD with The Mana'o Company's "Aloha" (historical footnote: this once was the late Aloha Airlines' theme song, sob sob) wins my vote, but toss in Sean Na'auao and Robi Kahakalau's "We've Got Tonight," Lance Kalahiki's "East Side Rider," Three Plus' "Honey Baby," Kawika Regidor's "Grow Old With Me," Baba B's "Westside Pride," the Ka'ala Boys' "Surf Party" and Norm's "Polynesian People," and you've got the makings of a down-home party.

    Further, tunes by Raiatea Helm, Koa'uka, Justin, Malino and more prove that local artists have been productive, with rhythms ranging from reggae to Hawaiian, and tapping forces from O'ahu and Maui.

  • Our take: As compilations go, this one is fueled by tracks that have potential connection with listeners —with enough diversity to attract older and younger fans alike.

    Sample song: "Aloha" by The Mana'o Company

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.