Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 1, 1 Ianuali 2005 — 'Sweet and Lovely' shows a bright star's coming of age [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

'Sweet and Lovely'

shows a bright star's

coming of age

By Manu Boyd

Having launched into the island music scene just a handful of years ago, Hawaiian falsetto sensation Raiatea Helm, 20, is growing up before our very eyes - and ears.

The release of Sweet and Lovely by the "Moloka'i Sweetheart" is testament to the young songstress' musical maturation over a relatively short

period of time. She is influenced by Hawaiian music legends, and brings that classic sound and style with youthful zest to a broad audience. The rising star is 'r)avins her dues' with amazins talent. rcsnccl. lots of

aloha and just the right mix of kolohe. Already having garnered Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards for her 2002 debut, Far Away Heaven, including the coveted female vocalist of the year honor, Helm "hits one out of the park" with her follow-up project - this one the result of hard work and commitment. Sweet and Love\y was recorded on her own record lahel under the watchful eye of her 'ohana, and is already a best-seller in Hawai'i and beyond. The title is from the opening line of Johnny Almeida's Maile Swing, whieh is among the album's song selections, and aptly describes the CD, inside and out. "There's a big difference with this one compared to my first project; it was really a group effort. My mom and dad were a hia nai'l of the

production," said Raiatea, daughter of musician Zachary and Henrietta Holi Helm, originally from Kaua'i. Raiatea is the nieee of the late Moloka'i falsetto legend

George Helm, and has been surrounded by music all her life. "We started our own record company and had total control of the direction of this project," she said. "The arrangements are more my style: keep it simple. Sassy, yeah? "My dad would bring home recordings of old-time artists like Aunty Genoa Keawe and Leinā'ala Haili and say, 'leam their music.' I really loved the sound, and their songs were awesome. My dad really helped in finding songs that I would enjoy, and we were fortunate to get some new songs too."

Among the rarely heard older mele she recorded is Ku'ii Home Aloha, a Bina Mossman song originally recorded by Haili. The music is difficult, with a wide melodic range and catchy, hard-to-nail-down rhythm. "That song is 'old school,"" Helm said. "It was really complicated, but the musicians and I worked really hard on that one." The performance is outstanding and is among the best on the project. "I really love the song l'akalana," she said. "I called up Aunty 'Ihilani Miller, who wrote the song. She worked with me on the melody and said that my recording of her song would be the correct way. I'm blessed by the knowledge she shared, and try to bring honor to the composers." Originals on the CD include Tony Conjugacion's Loke Pōlena, a tribute to the late, great musician/entertainer Aunty Vicky 'Ī'ī Rodrigues using the imagery of the yellow rose blossoms she loved. "Unele Tony was very supportive and has strengthened my appreciation of Hawaiian music," Helm said. "Unele John Ka'imikaua's song is really special to me," she said of Kii 'u Pua Kukui o Kamakou. "I love his oli at the beginning. That song keeps me close to home." More than two years ago, Helm moved from Moloka'i to Maui for college and job opportunities, although school is on hold for the time being. "I've been traveling a lot this past year, and have more trips planned to Japan, Alaska, Colorado and along the West Coast," she said. Aunty Genoa Keawe, who has already given the "nod" to Helm acknowledging her accomplishment as a female falsetto artist, performs a "whee ha" duet of Hu 'i ē, about the aches, pains and throbs brought about by love. Another duet features Maui mega-star Keali'i Reichel in a bright rendition of Haole Hula. Helm rounds out the project with At Last by Harry Warren and Maek Gordon, showing off her talent and zest for jazz. "I love traditional Hawaiian, but all kinds of music appeals to me - jazz, contemporary, hapa-haole, pop, anything," she concluded. Visit www.raiateahelm.com for more scoops on the "Moloka'i Sweetheart" and eheek her out at the Hula Bowl later this month on Maui. Keep up the great work. You do us proud! ■