“CALL MY NAME”
Jordy (Self-produced)
It’s been almost a quarter-century since 15-year-old R&B sensation Alliyah, suggesting a sexual maturity beyond her years, sang “age ain’t nothing but a number” and created a signature song. Now Kauai-resident singer/songwriter Jordy steps forward with a collection of songs that suggest that age is irrelevant for her too.
Jordy is 16 but sings with the natural seductive assurance of a woman in her twenties. Furthermore, she was 15 when she wrote the songs, and some of them appear to describe experiences beyond her years; the lyrics have the mature insights of an adult as well.
Her seeming maturity brings to mind Janel Parrish at 7, singing “Think of Me” from “Phantom of the Opera” and not only hitting all the notes but seeming to understand the adult emotions of the lyrics, and LeAnn Rimes, who conveyed the adult emotions of “One Way Ticket” and “How Do I Live” at 14.
“So lay, lay with me ‘till the stars stop hiding,” Jordy sings in the EP’s title song. “I just wanna feel your lips, put your hands up on my hips,” she tells the object of her affections in “Small Talk.”
Jordy’s choice of instruments is also ear-catching. The organic sound of ukulele and acoustic guitar gives the title song — a requiem for a lost love — an ear-catching edge.
Dark, somnambulent electronic arrangements propel other tales of love stolen and love betrayed. None of these songs are tales of “puppy love” and school bus crushes.
Jordy will be an artist to watch in years to come.
Visit iamjordy.com.
“LEI LEHUA”
Mark Yamanaka (Hulu Kupuna Productions)
Nine-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner Mark Yamanaka released his debut album, “Lei Pua Kenikeni,” in 2010 and recorded his second, “Maui Under Moonlight,” in 2013. “Lei Lehua” is his third. It’s well worth the five year wait.
Yamanaka opens with a beautiful treatment of “Koke‘e” that he sings in his natural lower-register tenor. Several songs later comes another 20th century standard, “Sweet Lei Mokihana,” popularized by Hui Ohana in the 1970s, that he takes to the upper reaches of his famed high falsetto. Ledward Kaapana, the only surviving member of Hui Ohana, sits in on lead guitar.
Originals abound as well. Yamanaka partnered with Kalikolihau Paik in writing the album’s title song. Paik also contributed a place song, “Manawaiopuna,” about a waterfall on Kauai that is only accessible by helicopter. Both songs seem certain to become Hawaiian standards.
Yamanaka also writes and sings in English. He expresses his love for his wife, recalls his beloved grandmother, and shares a joyful description of life on the Big Island that includes a mention of Paik’s group, Kupaoa.
CD buyers get all the song lyrics, English translations where needed, background information on the cultural context — and a 14th song that is not available as a download.
Visit markyamanaka.com.
