Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 9, 1 September 1998 — Innovative artists give flair to island sounds [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Innovative artists give flair to island sounds

Native Grooves' by Frank Hewett and Freddy Boy Paraz, and 'Ke Ala Hou' by Nā Kama, are worlds aparf yet they reflect a love for Hawai'i, its people and music, and are a testament to the inevitable evolution of Hawaiian cultural expression.

B y Manu Boyd NATIVE GROOVES is the unlikely pairing of "native" Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, and "grooves" Freddy Boy Paraz. Dubbed a "modern ancient production," the CD blends Hewett's unique style of chant performance and composition with Freddy Boy's heavy metal, alternative sounds and rhythms not previously associated with Hawaiian expression. The combination borders on the unimaginable, but it has definite appeal and is getting some serious loeal air play. Frank Hewett has led his Windward O'ahu hula school "Kūhai Hālau O Kawaikapuokalani Pā 'Ōlapa Kahiko" for more than two decades, and has penned dozens of mele including his award-wmning "Poli'ahu" and "Ka Wai Lehua 'A 'ala Ka Honua." He has worked in the areas of Hawaiian health, culture and education, and produces Hawaiian shows on O'ahu, Maui and Kaua'i. For the performer who has done it all, "Native Gnooves" is a conceivable "next step." Lyrical themes center around the Pele elan of Puna and Ka'ū in fiery, explosive performances that include chant, narration in English and a chorus of Hewett's students. The percussive pahu and ipu you might expect are replaced with horns, strings, drums and synthesizers, intertwined with repetitious, pulsating beats. This CD project is like no other in Kawaikapu's (or anyone else's) repertoire and ofīers Hawaiian traditions in an undeniably contemporary context. Nā Kama, the metamorphosis of the former Kanile'a Collection, embarks on a new musical and cultural path with the release of "Ke Ala Hou," the duo's high-energy CD debut. Comprised of Brian Mersberg anel Eric Lee, the group is joined by a cast of

"extras," whieh results in a full sound that will tantalize the senses. Instrumental work, attention to 'ōlelo Hawai'i, original compositions and a first-class presentation make this one of the hottest Hawaiian albums of the year. Selections offer an impressive range of styles, rhythms

and moods. According to liner notes contributor Horace K. Dudoit m, "The combination of Brian and Eric's musical talents has been fully utilized and expressed, to

the pomt where they surprisingly ^gfl

surpass their own expectations..." This is evidenced in tight harmonies and progressive guitar work. Stand-outs include "E Nanea Mai" a love song by Lee, '"Esa Su'u ' Ōsole " by the late Lokomaika'iokalani Snakenberg recalling a bumpy truck ride from Hāna to Pu'uiki on Maui, and "Ka 'Oni a ka Moku," with the distinct vocal talent of guest artist Ernie Cruz. "Kanile'a," an instrumental, features a gentle 'ukulele intro that erupts in a spirited, up-tempo display. The duo dedicates the pieee to all the keiki who show up at school or walk the streets with 'ukulele in hand. The Beatles' hit "Here Comes the Sun " by George Harrison breathes world market-appeal into the project. Mersberg's "She's My Life" and Lee's "IslandWoman" round out the English offerings, yet, as a whole, "Ke Ala Hou" is unmistakably Hawaiian. Eric Lee's breadth of talent is impressive. "I started more in the rock-n-roll field, but later in high school, I got more involved with Hawaiian music, especially with the Kamehameha Schools Concert Glee Club. Leaming Hawaiian really 'hlew me out of the sky,'" Lee remarked. "I really love to arrange music and experiment with different chord progressions." At 23, he relishes the opportunity to freely explore new musical paths. And as their project title suggests, Mersberg and Lee's new musical path promises a brilliant future. ■

Brian Mersberg and Eric Lee enjoy creating, producing and performing contemporary Hawaiian music. Individually and collectively, "Nā Kama" has been influenced by many noted entertainers.