"Lehua Beauty"
Sean Na’auao
(Mountain Apple Co.)
Sean Na’auao has always been a talented singer, and he and his studio musicians do beautiful work here. The title song is mesmerizing, and "’Ekolu Mea Nui," a Hawaiian hymn written by Robert J.K. Nawahine 90 years ago, is another highlight number. Three songs feature English lyrics. "Pretty Red Hibiscus" shows Na’auao’s skill at interpreting Territorial Era classics. "Ua Mau/Ku Ha’aheo e Ku’u Hawai’i" is a mele kue (song of resistance) that calls on Hawaiians to "stand together as one" and defend their sacred lands "from the mountains to the sea." The third, "The Kumu Song," honors a hula teacher who shares her knowledge with Hawaii nei. Sharing knowledge of Hawaiian culture is necessary if the culture is to survive, so it’s disappointing that Na’auao’s new album doesn’t provide composer credits, let alone lyrics and translations. The singer-musician has been an important figure in both Hawaiian and Jawaiian music for more than two decades, and he deserves better from his label. So does Hawaii, and so do Hawaiian music fans everywhere. Visit mountainapplecompany.com.
"Hello"
Crimson Apple
(Crimson Apple)
The list of all-girl rock groups that play their own instruments and sing includes classic hit-makers like the Runaways, the Go-Go’s and the Bangles. Can guitar-band rockers Crimson Apple follow in their footsteps to stardom on the national pop charts? The quintetRachel Look and sisters Carthi, Colby, Faith and Shelby Bensonis off to a promising start with its aptly titled debut album. All 12 songs are originals. Pop-rock guitar riffs, tight arrangements and Colby Benson’s plaintive, ear-catching work on lead vocals make Crimson Apple commercial in the best sense of the word. From the opening notes of "Tell Me That You’re Leaving," a witty lyric tale of a unfaithful man being called out by a woman who sees through his games, these women rock through a kaleidoscope of emotions. There’s new love ("Hello"), bad love ("One Mistake"), good love ("Close to Something") and emotional experiences of other types. Several songs evoke a sense of deja vu, that feeling that we’ve heard something like this before, but nothing likely to violate intellectual property laws. The quintet slips into a mellower mode with a song titled "Liar Liar." The softer arrangement is a good showcase for its harmonies. The group’s vocal capabilities also come to the fore on "One Time," a poignant power ballad. Visit www.crimsonappleband.com.
"Ahuwale"
Chad Takatsugi
(Koops 2 Entertainment)
Chad Takatsugi has an important place in modern Hawaiian music as a member of ‘Ale’a, the neo-traditional Hawaiian quartet that won three Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, including group of the year, with its debut album, "Take Me Home," in 2001. ‘Ale’a subsequently downsized to a trio and eventually disbanded. This is Takatsugi’s return as a recording artist. He translates the title as "exposed, conspicuous, prominent, obvious, in plain view"all appropriate terms for the experience of being a solo artist. Takatsugi proves himself worthy of the spotlight in all respects. His choice of Hawaiian standards includes songs by Helen Desha Beamer, Mary Kawena Pukui and Dennis Kamakahi; his rendition of "Punalu’u Aloha" is breathtaking for the elegant simplicity of the arrangement. Among several originals is "Ka Ipu Pala ‘Ole," a zesty up-tempo commentary on people "who always overpromise and underwhelm." Takatsugi doesn’t mention any names, but close friends probably know who the song refers to. The production credits reveal that two of his old ‘Ale’a band matesKale Hannahs and Ryan "Gonzo" Gonzalezare among the guests who added their talents to one song or another. Visit www.facebook.com/chadtakatsugimusic.
