Original songs
brighten second albumSoothe You: Justin (Neos Productions)
JJUSTIN Kawika Young's second album displays his growth as a composer, arranger and recording artist. The emphasis on soft ballads and synthesizer arrangements suggests he doesn't want to outgrow the local pop audience yet, but four originals chart his progress.
"Streets Of Waiks" uses a catchy hook and expressive lyrics in celebrating the popular pastime of "cruising" ("Waiks" has replaced "The Keys" as slang for Waikiki in some circles). "Soothe You" shows Young writing as a sensitive and romantic gentlemen. "A Thousand Feelings" shares the pain of discovering that the one you love doesn't love you. Young's ode to life-giving water, "Ka Wai Ola," would be a perfect theme song for the Board of Water Supply.
Young's remake of "Crazy Love" may get him local radio play, but the most impressive nonoriginal is "Never Forget Where I'm From," one of several recent songs about favorite local foods. The oddest thing about the album is that several songs showcase other singers singing songs Young didn't write.
Hawaii Calls Presents Hawaii's Greatest Hits Vo. 2: Various artists (Hula)
ALFRED Apaka, Benny Kalama and Nina Keali'iwahamana are featured in this repackaged collection of classic Hawaii Calls recordings. Keali'i-wahamana's exquisite renditions of "Sweet Leilani" and "Lovely Hula Hands" are highlights. "Hapa Haole Hula Girl" captures the magic that was Apaka.
The annotation is little more than composers' credits, but malihini will glean the basic meaning of the Hawaiian songs
Eastbound: Aaron Aranita (MGC)
THE liner notes don't say who this saxophonist is, but sax and synthetics is the first impression of Aaron Aranita's music. All the songs are originals. Live guitars, bass and percussion pop up in spots to add texture to the drum programming and sequencing; Aranita's MGC label mate Gail Mack is heard on two songs. Her voice adds freshness and warmth to the musical journey.
Bottom line? Fans of the Kenny G school of jazz-flavored instrumental pop will enjoy this. Fans of organic acoustic jazz should look elsewhere.
See Record Reviews for some of John Berger's past reviews.
See Aloha Worldwide for locals living away.
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.
