Posted on: Sunday, December 4, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
7 releases of diverse appeal just in time for Christmas
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Island Christmas releases capture the twinkle of the season — with ample variation.
You can have ballads, or go contemporary with budding Hawai'i stars.
There's acoustic jazz and acoustic folk-country.
How about a soundtrack to a Christmas stage show? A revival of a keiki classic?
The Christmas stocking is bulging.
"CHRISTMAS IN HAWAI'I" BY DANNY COUCH; DANNY COUCH RECORDS
Genre: Adult contemporary.
Distinguishing notes: For his first Christmas CD, balladeer Couch assembles old and new tunes, delivering a solid, warm performance. The title song, co-written by the late Teddy Randazzo and Couch, sounds like a future Island classic, complete with keiki chorus. Couch brings endearing charm to soothing renderings of "Silent Night," "Merry Christmas Darling," "O Holy Night," "White Christmas" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." And listen to those powerful high notes on "The Christmas Song."
The outlook: Couch fans have been hungering for a yuletide CD for years; it's here, it's wow.
Our take: One of Islands' best voices interprets some of the season's best.
"SMOOTH ISLAND JAZZ CHRISTMAS" BY VARIOUS ARTISTS; QUIET STORM RECORDS
Genre: Acoustic jazz instrumentals.
Distinguishing notes: The language of jazz suits the menu of holiday favorites, with alternating emphasis (sax, guitar, etc). from an ensemble not totally credited. "Silent Night," "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Silver Bells" provide ample perspective; drummer Rayford Griffin shows bounce and solemnity on "Little Drummer Boy," flugelhorn soloist Gabriel Mark Hasselbach adds a measure of newness on "Christmas Time Is Here."
The outlook: You don't have to be a jazz buff to enjoy the soundscape here.
Our take: Sultry, smooth sailing, from start to finish.
"A HAWAII STARS CHRISTMAS" BY THE HAWAII STARS ALL-STARS; HAWAII STARS RECORDS
Genre: Adult contemporary.
Distinguishing notes: Eight "Hawaii Stars" winners and finishers combine voices and energies to pump out 10 holiday tunes, two as an All-Stars ensemble ("Joy to the World," "Christmas All Over the World") along with eight as solos. This is a Christmas buffet, lushly arranged, with appeal as diverse as the talent. Siona Fruean ("O Holy Night"), Janel Akana ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"), Tina Nagamine ("Rock Around the Christmas Tree"), Brandon Kahele ("Last Christmas"), Kau'i Mead ("Joyful, Joyful"), Kalani Cullen ("Mary, Did You Know?"), Frankie Villanueva ("The Christmas Song") and Lau Togafau ("I'll Be Home for Christmas") have a blessed good time interpreting the tidings of the season. A pair of studio magicians named David — Kauahikaua and Tucciarone — help bring out the luster of each singer.
The outlook: Something old, something new, something familiar make for a savory brew.
Our take: Could be the season's "sleeper" — bringing jingle to the cash registers.
"MELE KALIKIMAKA" BY THE WAIMANALO KEIKI; TRADEWINDS RECORDS
Genre: Choral vocals.
Distinguishing notes: Nothing says Christmas better than keiki voices — and this re-issue from 1975, featuring Noelani Mahoe's Waimanalo Keiki (32 strong), not only brings back a legacy but demonstrates the timelessness of their performances. Several tracks are youth-oriented ("Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," "Kani Na Pele ("Jingle Bells"); a few are Hawaiian classics ("Po La'i E (Silent Night)," "Twelve Days of Christmas"). Special treats: ki ho'alu by the late Atta Isaacs, ka'eke'eke (bamboo organ) played by the keiki.
The outlook: It's yesterday once more.
Our take: This one brings the mele to Kalikimaka.
"AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS" BY OPIHI PICKERS AND FRIENDS; GO ALOHA ENTERTAINMENT
Genre: Island contemporary.
Distinguishing notes: What's Christmas without friends? The Opihi Pickers (Imua Garza, Kevin Okimoto, Hoku Garza, Kahale Morales) sing "Jingle Bell Rock," "Mele Kalikimaka," "Christmas Eve by the Fireside With You" and "Sleigh Ride," corralling Kaipo Kapua for "The Christmas Song" and Kamu Sing and Clint Torres for "My Christmas Prayer" and "Don't Save It All for Christmas Day" (with Imua Garza). Imua Garza solos on "Christmas Lullaby," and it's worth a listen. The 'ukulele-accented instrumental, "Carol of the Bells," is joyful and triumphant — by Imua Garza.
The outlook: A good bet for young Island fans of the Pickers and their extended family.
Our take: There are unexpected pleasures to unwrap.
"THE ELEVEN DAYS OF CHRISTMAS" BY ELEVEN GALLON HATS; GET-YOUR-OWN-BAND RECORDS
Genre: Acoustic folk and country.
Distinguishing notes: Eleven Gallon Hats is Sean Thibadeaux (vocals, acoustic guitars), Milan Bertosa (acoustic and upright bass) and Andrew De Velschow (dobro, lap steel guitar and banjo). In its second CD, the trio presents an unconventional holiday collection rich with experimentation, bright with originality. Though lyrics extol the feelings and impressions of Christmas, some of the songs don't necessarily shout yuletide. Still, there's subtle humor ("Pass the Eggnog Please"), reflection ("Joy to the World" — a Thibadeaux newbie with Ellsworth Simeona vocalizing), old-time rock ("Run, Run Rudolph") and childhood recollection ("The Chipmunk Song" with Kim Mackenzie guest-singing, plus "Donde Esta Santa Claus"). Don't overlook a cool instrumental update of "The Holly and the Ivy" and guest steel work from Bobby Ingano.
The outlook: Easily the season's most original entry.
Our take: Hat's off to Eleven, providing more than a gallon of good will and cheer.
"THE CHRISTMAS GIFT OF ALOHA" BY ORIGINAL CAST; 'OHIA PRODUCTIONS
Genre: Soundtrack to holiday revue.
Distinguishing notes: Playwright Lisa Matsumoto and composer Roslyn have been the one-two punch in a growing, ambitious roster of original local shows — this one with a Christmas theme, inspired from a book Matsumoto co-authored with illustrator Michael Furuya. The principal cast features Kris Fitzgerald, Bryan Y. Yamasaki, Chrissy Naruo, Jason Tam, Clint Sekioka and Kau'ionalani Mead, who play an elf, menehune of various origins and an auntie. The score is rich with holiday fantasy, a triumph for Roslyn's stage-savvy vision. This original-cast CD reflects the producers' lofty goals; Santa parade songs are a bonus. Attractive packaging is a plus; the liner, complete with lyrics, upholds the Broadway-score tradition.
The outlook: Worthy of adopting and applauding — this will be an annual tradition at Ala Moana Center.
Our take: A daunting challenge, with exciting rewards — a real Christmas high.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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