Posted on: Sunday, October 22, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
'Hawaiian Jazz' mixed plate with Asian fusion flavor
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Keith Nakaganeku dives into two cultures — Japanese and Hawaiian — to produce a mixed-plate special.
One Drop drops in with catchy reggae tunes while a new compilation of upstart reggae lacks essential elements.
"HAWAIIAN JAZZ DONE ASIAN STYLE" BY KEITH NAKAGANEKU AND CALABASH; KKN PRODUCTIONS
Genre: Hawaiian/Japanese; world music.
Distinguishing notes: A few years back, Keith Nakaganeku took second place in a Frank B. Shaner falsetto-singing contest with "Blue Darling." He includes the tune on this delicious novelty disc, which blends cultures, twists styles and bends traditions. The title is deceptive — while there are jazz components, the breed is all poi dog. Hawaiian nose flute, ki ho'alu, Japanese koto and even the Okinawan sanshin are in the mix. The tunes will be familiar to those who grew up here in the 1940s, '50s and '60s, when many club acts favored such anthems as "Asadoya Yunta," "Katami Bushi," "Kimi to Itsumade Mo," "Koko Ni Sachi Ari," "Umi No Uta," "Ka Lei" and more.
"Green Rose Hula" is pretty much Hawaiian in delivery, but some of the Japanese ditties are rendered in bygone-era spirit, connecting yesteryear memories with present joy. The lineup is the aural equivalent of a meal that combines poi, saimin and andagi. Not necessarily kosher, but ono in a special way. There are some standouts, too, that are neither Hawaiian nor Asian, like Nakaganeku's Bruddah Iz-inspired "In This Life," the tune earlier recorded by Bette Midler. Producer Lester Gantan (one of the Calabash crew) has mounted a likable "sleeper," involving a calabash of support talent like Gail Mack, Harold Chang, David Choy, Greg Sardinha, Tim Tsukiyama and more.
Our take: One to watch.
"ONE DROP: ROOTS ROCK REGGAE" BY ONE DROP; 808E PRODUCTIONS
Genre: Reggae.
Distinguishing notes: One Drop is a smooth seven-member reggae act with two lead singers, Eli Lopez and Kaia Lopez, backed by Kenny Ball, Mikey Joor, Alan Kahana, Michael Grande (producer of the CD) and Jon Yamasato (who also is an executive producer). Because the Lopezes are also composers, the 13 tracks are fresh and groovy — with variations on the reggae backbeat. The songs occasionally incorporate elements of skank and dancehall merriment. Quick highlights: "Reggae Party," "One Drop Music" and "Good People."
Our take: One Drop's chipper, dance-friendly sound should connect with Hawai'i reggae rooters.
"DOMINANT RHYTHM ARCHIVE 1" BY VARIOUS ARTISTS; DOMINANT RHYTHM
Genre: Reggae, Island contemporary.
Distinguishing notes: Fifteen tracks, culled from six CDs, are a quickie-peek at start-up reggae acts. One problem: some of the selections have been extracted from previous compilations, so you may already have some of the music in your disc library. The roster includes Zacc Kekona, Dezman, Ata Damasco, Malino, Drew, Pi'ilani Arias, B.U.B., Rod da Fire and Any Kine featuring Benjamyne.
Our take: While a few titles are worth inspecting, the CD overall is marginal.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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