Posted on: Sunday, July 30, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
Artist breaks tradition with an edgy uke style
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Californian Tony Gamble elicits a remarkable electric-guitar sound from his 'ukulele — giving the four strings a whole new personality.
Jon Yamasato, former Pure Heart-er, rounds up sweet, romantic tunes from the first decade of his career.
From Hilo comes a release with a jazz undercurrent that explores Big Island virtues and the farmers' market in Hilo.
"BREAKING TRADITION" BY TONY GAMBLE; TONY GAMBLE RECORDS
Genre: World music; 'ukulele-guitar instrumentals.
Distinguishing notes: Tony Gamble is a Los Angeles-based instrumentalist who plays guitar, bass and 'ukulele. While scouting for a uke deal, he encountered KoAloha 'Ukulele of Honolulu, which (long story short) agreed to sponsor him. At first listen, this sounds like a rock guitar outing, but the CD title says it all. Gamble brings an edgy new presence and personality to the uke. The selections are all originals, with titles such as "The Girl From Honolulu" and "Who the Hula You." The disc is not for purists, though a couple of cuts illustrate familiar uke traits.
The outlook: Gamble is writing his own chapter of the book of uke and its capabilities.
Our take: This artist is a master of his own uke universe.
|
•
|
"The Girl from Honolulu" by Tony Ganmble. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"BEST OF 1996-2006" BY JON YAMASATO; 808E PRODUCTIONS
Genre: World music.
Distinguishing notes: Singer-guitarist-composer Jon Yamasato was an integral part of Pure Heart, the seminal group that led to the breakaway career of Jake Shimabukuro. The 'ukulele soloist's pickings are very much part of this compilation, along with the beats of percussionist Lopaka Colón, on such tracks as "How Can I Get Over," "Bring Me Your Cup," "Moloka'i Sweet Home," "Hey, Baby," "Come on Let's Go" and "Crazy Without You." If the purpose of this CD is to recap Yamasato's career, better liner notes would have helped to document his music. For variety, guests abound: Smokey Robinson's "Track of My Tears" boasts Mailani Makani; "Ua Ua Ho'e'ele" finds Justin Young and Dennis Kamakahi (from Yamasato's Na 'Oiwi era) harmonizing.
The outlook: Warmth and tenderness prevail; a great introduction to Yamasato for newbie fans.
Our take: Nice 'n' easy stroll down memory lane.
|
•
|
"Cherry Oh Baby" by Jon Yamasato. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"AT THE HILO FARMERS MARKET" BY LOU ANN GURNEY AND LEONARD KUBO; NO LABEL
Genre: World music with a jazz posture.
Distinguishing notes: Gurney is a vocalist, Kubo a guitarist who favors jazz and stretches his boundaries a bit. As producer and composer of three tracks here, he's got a lot at stake. The title song has the most clout, a snapshot of a revered place and event on the Big Island, where Kubo lives. With lyrics that embrace papaya, bananas, mango, pipinola (chayote squash shoots), bento, akule, lychee and other farm offerings, and a sprightly reading by Gurney, "Hilo Farmers Market" should evolve into a community classic. The mixed bag includes "Plumeria," another Kubo original; "Pikake," written by the late Andy Cummings; and pop-jazz faves such as "My Foolish Heart," "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and "Body and Soul." Gurney sings with a gentle, sincere eloquence.
The outlook: Exposure and distribution are challenges for Kubo; the material may be personal and relevant, but it has restricted appeal for mass radio programming. The CD is available at www.cdbaby.com.
Our take: An earnest effort and fresh spirit from the Big Island.
|
•
|
"Windy Day at Hilo Bay" by Leonard Kubo. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
