1/2
Swipe or click to see more
COURTESY RSM MUSIC/TVMUSIC
“No More Walls” allows people to listen without the distractions while enjoying Vegas’ sensitive yet forceful singing all the more.
2/2
Swipe or click to see more
COURTESY NEOS PRODUCTIONS
The parallel histories of Shimabukuro and Ohta make their collaborative arrangement of “E Ku‘u Morning Dew” a musical milestone.
Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
“‘UKULELE FRIENDS — THE SEQUEL”
Bryan Tolentino & Herb Ohta Jr.
(Neos Productions)
The Hawaiian word “kaona” refers to hidden meanings in song lyrics or poetry. Those who know the kaona get the deeper meanings; those who don’t, miss out.
The same principle is in play here, and malihini (newcomers) will likely miss many of the things that make this new album by Bryan Tolentino and Herb Ohta Jr. significant. For instance, Ohta is the son of famed ukulele virtuoso Herb “Ohta-san” Ohta and a virtuoso in his own right. Tolentino is a master at playing around Ohta’s work and enhancing it. Jake Shimabukuro and Chris Kamaka join them for one song each.
The parallel histories of Shimabukuro and Ohta make their collaborative arrangement of “E Ku‘u Morning Dew” a musical milestone. Kamaka is the guest vocalist on “I’ll Weave a Lei of Stars for You,” a song that has significance within the Kamaka family. (Tolentino isn’t credited in the liner notes but he’s the vocalist on “Loa‘a Ko Puni Kauoha.”)
There’s also significance in the guys’ attire. They’re wearing limited-edition Reyn Spooner aloha shirts that commemorate the centennial of the founding of the Kamaka ukulele company — manufacturer of the instruments Ohta and Tolentino are seen holding on the cover — in 1916.
Visit herbohtajr.com.
“NO MORE WALLS”
Taz Vegas
(RSM Music/TVMusic)
The music video version of Taz Vegas’ recent multimedia single includes enigmatic views of border walls, memorial walls, ‘Iolani Palace, the Arizona memorial, a local funeral and groups of unidentified people who may be refugees or who may be illegal migrants. The basic CD single allows people to listen without the distractions while enjoying Vegas’ sensitive yet forceful singing all the more.
Vegas and co-producer Bobby Pileggi present the song first as full-bodied “reggae pop” and then in a separate acoustic version. A instrumental version displays the work of Vegas and his studio crew. The karaoke mix gives fans what they need to sing the song on their own.
The song opens with a simple statement: “Walls don’t separate people, people separate people!” Perhaps walls are less important than the mindset of the people on either side of them.
Visit alohamusicgroup.com.
