ISLAND SOUNDS
'Everyday' is a party with the fellas of Ten Feet
By Wayne Harada
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"Everyday" by Ten Feet; 'Ohana Records
Diehards will probably savor the buoyant flavors of "Good," "Sweet Sunlight" and "Tonight" - which recall the classic group sound, with elements of reggae - but a changing soundscape on such tracks as "Little Things," "True," "Back Home" and "Best Friend" happily reflect a somewhat changing profile.
And among the five covers, "More Than I Can Say" puts Ten Feet in perspective - able to put new onto the classic and still share an enthusiasm for pumping out the freshest sound.
Interestingly, Ten Feet CDs continue to play up the footsie image instead of displaying the fellas' faces. The feet are purportedly real, each pair belonging to a member, but the bros should consider going beyond ankles and toes.
Next time, maybe?
Sample song: "Good" by Ten Feet |
"Hawaiian Slack Key Kings, Vol. II" by various artists; Rhythm & Roots Records
Producer Milton Lau, who also is a soloist here, has assembled a stellar roster of masters from the Island galaxy, including Ledward Ka'apana rendering "Fireman's Hula" with ease and efficiency, Maunalua's Bobby Moderow demonstrating his frequent falsetto as he strums "Maunaloa," Nathan Aweau waxing eloquently on "Intermission," Pali's Pali Ka'aihue sharing a wordless contemporary "Supey Aloha," Kaua'i's Paul Togioka creating tranquil images on his instrumental "Anolani," Donald Kaulia's old-fashioned treatment of the beloved "Kane'ohe," Stephen Inglis' jazz-tinged "Redwood Slack Key" with undeniable Island roots, Kevin and Ikaika Brown bringing ethnic seasoning on the delightful "Vaqueros Lullaby," and Makana showing off his voice and finger wizardry, paying tribute to "Uncle Sonny," the late Sonny Chillingworth, his childhood-time mentor.
A liner booklet, with brief bios of each performer, perhaps with a quickie graph on why the piece was selected for interpretation, would have provided added value to the package.
Sample song: "Maunaloa" by Hawaiian Slack Key Kings |
"Let's Lu'au" by various artists; Hula Records
Paul Shimamoto's "Maui Medley" is a nice touch for Maui visitors; a few Polynesian cuts with drumbeats might dare Mainlanders to replicate a Tahitian dance at home. Or not.
It's playful fluff here, expressly for visitors in search of a soundtrack for party music once they go home. To magnify the fun, recipes for oven kalua pig and hulihuli chicken are provided amid the liner notes - which not only describe the tunes but also point to their origins.
Sample song: "Good" by Ten Feet |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.