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Posted on: Friday, July 18, 2008
ISLAND SOUNDS
Kawai Hewett's latest is one to treasure
By Wayne Harada
"Honehone i ka Poli" by Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett; Daniel Ho Creations
Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
Distinguishing notes: Kawai Hewett is one of Hawai'i's most prolific triple-threats: a singer, a composer and a kumu hula. His melodies have been performed by some of the best in the state and with each new CD, he provides new standards for future generations of hula and Hawaiian music enthusiasts.
This album is no exception. The title, "Honehone i ka Poli" (which translates to "sweetly resounding in my heart"), says it like it is: simply, honestly and purely. As Hewett sings, Daniel Ho provides gorgeous sounds on 'ukulele, ki ho'alu, bass and piano, sending the listener on a journey rich in texture and detail.
"He Milimili 'Oe E Ku'u Ipo," about a never-fading, beloved lei, is dedicated to hula master Uncle George Naope; "E Ma'alili A'e Nei" bubbles with remembrances of Hewett's dad and Waialua 'ohana; "Ka Lei Lehua Ho'oheno i ka Poli" is inspired by 'Ola'a on the Big Island, home to Pele and Hi'iaka and Lohi'au, legendary figures in song and dance; "Pu'uwai" is another composition influenced by a place — and also Hewett's kumu, Emma DeFries.
Most of the tunes are supported by the sweet and delicate voice of Ula Hewett, the composer's daughter, while Ho's generously atmospheric musical canvas enhances Hewett's mele. Our take: With age comes wisdom ... and "Honehone" is a honey of a Hewett treasure box of wondrous delights.
"Haleakala" by Riley Lee and Jeff Peterson; Peterson Productions
Genre: Ki ho'alu and shakuhachi instrumentals, world music.
Distinguishing notes: Riley Lee, master of the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) and Jeff Peterson, Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning (and Grammy-playing) slack-key guitarist, have formed a viable and idiosyncratic franchise in their homogenous blend of two cultures. "Haleakala" is their fourth outing together, a calming new age-ish journey of songs new and familiar, combining the Hawaiian guitar-strumming style with the Japanese instrument often compared with the Hawaiian nose flute ('ohe hano ihu), but a lot more melodic and rich in nuances. It's a nifty niche.
The pair give a seductive and romantic touch to recent and classic standards, including "'Akaka Falls," "Haole Hula," "Maori Brown Eyes," "Lahaina Luna," "Ka Wai Lehua 'A'ala Ka Honua" and "Wahine 'Ilikea." The musical marriage, like a real marriage, gives solo time and emphasis to both partners in song.
The instrumentalists co- authored "Manu O Ke Kai," creating evocative visions about a bird of the sea, and Peterson wrote other originals, including "Hosmer's Grove," "Holua Cabin Serenade" and "Sliding Sands," all homages to Haleakala, the Maui region where he grew up.
It's difficult to say which track ranks highest; the choice depends on your mood as a listener. Thus, this is an ideal companion for your think tank. Our take: Peterson has become one of the top 10 Island slack-key superstars and his precision and productivity, combined with the gentle expressions of Lee's shakuhachi, combine to create a timeless nahenahe style without peer.
"The Storm Before the Calm" by Shawn Livingston Moseley; 'Aumakua Records
Genre: Neo-classical piano, world music.
Distinguishing notes: Shawn Livingston Moseley is a keyboarder-composer who draws from many elements — jazz, soul, new age, classical — to create his hybrid neo-classical style. It's been said that he's a living Chopin and George Winston, with ivory presence that beckons comparison, or, in his case, definition. There is the recitalist and symphonic gestures of a Chopin in his moods, but also the brooding, evocative present-day etherealism of a Winston, reinventing the wonders of the piano.
You'll find both quiet and calm - with threats of stormy weather - in the likes of "Augmented Sea," "Eyes of the Storm" and "Tranquility." On "Call of the Sirens," ki ho'alu favorite Jeff Peterson makes a guest appearance. Our take: A journey of brooding moods; gaze at the cover art as you listen and you'll live the storm, with the calm, with waves of great listening.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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Sample song: "Puuwai" by Kawaikapuokalani Hewett