Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 14, Number 12, 1 Kekemapa 1997 — E hea mai nā leo ʻŌiwi: [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

E hea mai nā leo ʻŌiwi:

Hawaiian voices fill the air waves in 1997

By Manu Boyd ĪHE DIVERSITY in Hawai'i's recording industry, particularly among Hawaiian artists, is apparent in the array of albums released this year. Robi Kahalau, Ku'uipo Kumukahi, Willy K., Amy Gilhom, Sudden Rush and Nā Leo Pilimahana are among the more than 120 artist who recorded this year. The following is a small sampHng of CDs released since

January.

S "Fish and Poi" | Sean Na'auao

■ Sean Na'auao is clearly one of Hawai'i's brightest tal-

ents, not only as a performer, but as a producer. His latest, "Fish and Poi" is an upbeat project weaving Hawaiian and contemporary modes to create hits like the title cut "Fish and Poi" and "Surf Pā'ina." This "specialitē du jour" is sure to satisfy any appetite, particularly among younger listeners, always 'ono for good, contemporary Hawahan music.

"Ho'olaua'e" Kamalani Children's Chorus

Keiki from the Hilo area make up the Kamalani Children's Chorus, a project of Nā Pua No'eau, the center for gifted and talented Native Hawauan childrenJ

The project presents more than a dozen originals including "Lā Ho'omaika'i o nā Pōki'i" and such classics as Albert Nāhale'ā's "He Punahele nō 'Oe." "Ho'olaua'e" (to cherish, as a beloved memory) is a fitting theme for the nahenahe voices of Hawaiian children.

"20 Years - Hōkū Award Winning Songs" The Brothers Cazimero

The Brothers Cazimero have outdone themselves with their latest eolleehon paying homage to other

artists' award-winning compositions. The project title refers to the two decades of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano (the stars of distinction) Awards. Tony Conjugacion's "Ka Beauty a'o Mānoa," Diane Aki's "Mana'o Pili"and Jerry Santos' "Come to Me Gently" are among the selections re-arranged and performed in the inimitable Cazimero style.

"E O Mai" Keali'i Reichel

Touted as the best-selhng I recordigng artists in k Hawai'i's recording histok ry, Keali'i Reichel is batting a thousand with his

third CD, "E ō mai." His 'ōiwi (native) flair and skill as both a vocalist and eomposer is testament to his speedy success. This is beautifully manifested in the title cut. "Ballad of the Broken Word" employs the 19th century David Malo prophecy, whieh says, "What is above will fall, what is below will rise, let the islands unite, let the pillars stand tall. " "Ka 'Ano'i Pua" by U.H. law student Kekoa Paredes is an example of skill-

ful Hawaiian composition. "Nā Kumu Hula Vol. 1" Various Kumu Hula Presented by the State Couneil on Hawaiian Heritage, this recording features Kaha'i Topolinski, Kalani Akana,

Ka'ihpūnohu Canopin, Doreen Doo, Manu Boyd, Lehua Hulihe'e, Kekaimoku Yoshikawa and Randol Ngum. The recording eombines traditional and contemporary mele and is designed for the hula enthusiast, whether a novice, a seasoned performer or an appreciative spectator.

"Reunion" The Pandanus Club

Ken Makuakāne, producer/ arranger/ composer, is at the helm of the Pandanus Club, celebrating if s 10th anniversary this year. The i award-winning "club" has over the years included Gary l Hale'ama'u, Jeff Rasmussen, Chris Keli'ia'a, Glen Smith

and Roddy Lopez, and has garnered a string of hits like "E Wai'anae" and "Honokahua Nani Ē." Tenacity and creativity have earned the Pandanus Club its permanent spot in the expanding realm of island music.

"It's kind of personal" Jonny Kamai

Jonny Kamai's solo debut is a reflection of his talent as a vocahst, guitarist and composer. Of the project title, Kamai writes, " The songs I've written - they are an exposition of a particular truth. In my opinion, this is an interpretation of the absolute truth... all expressions of love, anger, happiness, recklessness, regret, sacrifice and redemption." The mood is mellow - great music to relax to. ■

Jonny Kamai