“Remembering Napua”

Amy Hanaiali‘i

(Ua URCD8733)

In the 21 years since Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom made her debut as a Hawaii recording artist with the album titled “Native Child,” she has proven one of the most versatile female vocalists on the local scene. Whether performing as a solo artist, with Willie K, or with other combinations of singers and musicians — and whether she’s performing as Amy Gilliom, Amy, Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom or as Amy Hanaiali‘i — she has embraced jazz, rock, cha-lang-alang, hapa haole and mainstream pop with consistent success. With “Remembering Napua,” Hanaiali‘i returns to Hawaiian and hapa haole music for a beautiful tribute to her grandmother.

Jennie Napua Hanaiali‘i Woodd (1912-2003) was a major figure in hapa haole hula in the mid-20th century. She performed with Ray Kinney at the Hawaiian Room in New York, toured with Harry Owens, and worked extensively as a dancer/choreographer in Hollywood. The songs here come from her heyday as a dancer and choreographer. The instrumental work of Kenny Emerson (acoustic steel guitar) and Dean Taba (acoustic bass) heightens the “old time” ambiance.

“Holo Holo Ka‘a” and “Henehene Ko ‘Aka” kick things off in rousing style. “‘Akaka Falls” is a striking change of mood and tempo. It isn’t necessary to understand the Hawaiian lyrics to be enchanted and soothed by the beauty of Hanaiali‘i’s voice.

Two hapa haole classics bring that major aspect of Woodd’s musical career into the project. They also demonstrate Hanaiali‘i’s command of classic American pop.

The album is incomplete in one sense: It may be less essential these days to provide lyrics and translations for Hawaiian standards now that reliable websites are available, but including composers’ credits is a matter of basic Hawaiian protocol and professional respect. The lack of composers’ credits on “Remembering Napua” is an unfortunate omission on an otherwise impressive project.

Visit amyhanaialiigilliom.com.

“Rise & Shine”

Alx Kawakami

(ASFI Music, no serial number)

Alx Kawakami — known in Hawaii as one-third of Manoa DNA — amps up his solo career in Los Angeles with the release of his first full-length album. The contents include last year’s single, “Fireknife,” and nine new originals.

He opens with the title track, a philosophical and upbeat song about the importance of maintaining a sense of optimism even when things aren’t perfect. Ukulele adds a feeling of brightness to “Count From Ten,” a melodic look back at an idealized childhood in the islands. “Other Side of Love” describes a dysfunctional relationship from a mature viewpoint. And, yes, some of the other tracks show that he can write love songs as well.

Judging by the depth and range of his work — as a singer, musician, producer and songwriter — Kawakami’s move to the mainland is paying off for him.

Visit alxkawakami.com.