Classic touch at play
in new ‘Home’
Home in the Islands: Kapono (Mo'i Records)
HENRY Kapono Kaaihue has been one of Hawaii's foremost contemporary song writers for a quarter century. He won two Hoku Awards in 1992 for "Broken Promise," his indictment of the failings of the Hawaiian Homes program, then saw his brilliant 1993 album, "Kapono," fail to get the support it deserved from island-music radio stations. Four years and three albums later he's hit another creative high. There are several instant classics among the 10 originals here.
The title song tops the list. Kapono wrote it more than 15 years ago; Island Band and the Brothers Cazimero both had hits with it. Here's a fresh interpretation, a blend of roots-rock Bo Diddley rhythms, variations in tempo and hot guitar licks.
The liner notes don't mention when these songs were written but it seems others are of more recent vintage. Whatever personal turmoil Kapono experienced as a Hawaiian during the overthrow commemorations four years ago has apparently been resolved. "White Rose" is one of the most romantic songs he has recorded in years.
"Crazy" (another original, not the Willie Nelson standard) is a hit in waiting. True love doesn't always run smooth, he notes in catchy uptempo style.
And, 16 years after "Stand in the Light" established him as one of the first Hawaii artists to incorporate Caribbean rhythms in local music, that synthesis continues with "Everyday in the Islands" and "Island Boy." Island reggae fans will love them both.
Two remakes, "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Get Together," complete the 12-song compilation.
Brother Noland & The Modern Hawaiians: Brother Noland (Tiki Talk)
BROTHER Noland was incorporating Caribbean rhythms in his writing years before less imaginative musicians perpetrated Jawaiian pseudo-reggae. He blended razor-sharp social commentary and catchy pop hooks in perfect measure with "Coconut Girl" in 1983.
Noland's new album finds him still tinkering with Caribbean rhythms but delving into rock and American folk music as well. Always an articulate lyricist, he celebrates the primeval importance of water as the source of all life, the commonality of the human experience, and the mental rejuvenation that comes from relaxation and "being natural."
Fans of his original island reggae repertoire will applaud "Big Up, One Reggae." The rhythms are catchy, of course; the lyrics offer a concise perspective of reggae as a worldwide revolutionary groove.
Conversely, the hard-hitting frenetic beat of "Rhythm Within" reaffirms Noland's commitment to the music he calls "alter-native" rock.
"Duke" blends slack key and synthesizer in a tribute to Duke Paoa Kahanamoku.
John Berger, who has covered the local entertainment scene since 1972, writes reviews of recordings produced by Hawaii artists. See the Star-Bulletin's Home Zone section on Fridays for the latest reviews.
See Record Reviews for some of John Berger's past reviews.
