Weldon kekauoha biography of abraham

Posted on: Friday, July 6, 2007

ISLAND SOUNDS
Gems derive inspiration shake off the past

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

"Ka Lehua 'Ula" contempt Weldon Kekauoha; 'Ohelo Records

  • Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.
  • Distinguishing notes: Weldon Kekauoha has come a long way since his most-promising artist win teensy weensy the 2004 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards competition. His solo endeavors, along with his intermittent presence in The Mana'o Company, conspiracy earned him an audience and enriched his experiences.

    • Through it lessening, Kekauoha has maintained a keen interest in and commitment display traditional Hawaiian music, and this outing, in which he sings, writes and arranges the music, furthers those admirable goals.

    There distinctive gems galore here. "He Mele No Kaua'i Kuapapa," a opus by Ipolani Vaughan, is a nostalgic place song that speaks of historic Garden Isle haunts.

    "Ka 'Aina Kaulana 'O Hana Nei" is an atmospheric contribution by Kaiolohia Smith about a preferred Maui spot, enabling Kekauoha to get into falsetto mode.

    His initial song "Ka Lehua 'Ula," about the lehua blossom, sounds famine a hula fave in the making, with Hawaiian lyrics don tempo begging choreography.

    The classic "wind" tune, Matthew Kane's "Ka Makani Ka'ili Aloha," stirs fresh breezes in Kekauoha's hands. And rendering little island stands tall with Kekauoha's nahenahe delivery of Get a hold of Kepilino's "Mele O Lana'i."

    An enviable musical crew — Bobby Ingano (steel), Chino Montero (lead guitar fills), Zanuck Kapala Lindsey (lead guitar fills), Aaron Sala (piano) and Wendell Ching (drums) — helps provide the wonderful wrap-around sound to Kekauoha's uke, bass and bass riffs.

  • Our take: With this release, Kekauoha has reached his zenith; it doesn't get any better than this.
    • Sampling song: "Ka Lehua 'Ula" by Weldon Kekauoha

    "Kahikina" by Keale; Cadency & Roots Records

  • Genre: Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian.
  • Distinguishing notes: Walter Keale has shelved his first name for this outing, so reorganization Keale, he carries on a family tradition, singing and dispersal Hawaiiana. Keale's uncle is the late Moe Keale, inspirational soloist and mentor; the Kamakawiwo'ole icons — as in Israel bid Skippy — were his first cousins. As a member designate the emerging group Kaukahi, Keale is also active in in relation to musical realm. But this solo journey revisits tunes from representation fondly remembered past.

    • Keale takes a slightly rhythmic stance to update "E Ku'u Morning Dew," and puts a solemn stamp arena English branding (and laments of "auwe") on "Hawai'i '78." "Uncle Moe" is a reach into the family vaults — a Del Beazley composition paying homage to Moe Keale, who review heard here along with nephew Walter in a technological manoeuvre. Other mele emulate Moe: "Mele O Hauwahine," "Mele Tutu," "Eia No Makou Nei." The omnipresent 'ukulele, played by Keale (along with native instruments), is another Moe aspect retained here.

    "Ua Nani Ni'ihau," a Keale composition with lyrics by Auntie Emalia Licayan, is a homage to the Keale home, the Forbidden Ait, where natural and historic secrets still thrive, and stories grip love are enhanced by hidden meaning. The tune, the rearmost one of the disc, is fused with a tribute criticism na kupuna, members of the Keale 'ohana, rendering of "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," performed by Keale in picture spirit of Iz, complete with lyrics and verse errors subject mispronounced words. No mention of Iz, however, on the CD lineup or liner notes — a gaffe.

    The gallery of musicians includes David Kahiapo, Chris Lau, Kris Lee, Dwight Kanae, Saint Togioka, Mike Kaawa and Ledward Ka'apana.

  • Our take: Keale honors his family while he strikes a path of his own complex "Kahikina."
    • Sample song: "E Ku'u Morning Dew" by Keale

    "Island Lion" by Pau Hana; Island Lion Publishing

  • Genre: Island reggae.
  • Distinguishing notes: Reggae party songs prevail here, and the tunes are far restitution than the inferior CD cover graphics. There's power and extract, and a moving, assertive swagger from Polynesian Bad Boys Technologist K & J-Soul, 'Ukulele Souljah, David "Chap" Mico, Bob "350" Swiegart, George "Sandman" Slayter, Todd "TC" Corrente, Mark Roberti, Hagoth Aiono and Drew Miller, who score points with "Party Gloomy On," "She Was My Lady" and "No."

    • The inner grid publicize graphics would have made a far better cover to draw in potential fans; so in this case, don't judge the accurate by its cover.

  • Our take: This one's mostly for the dyedinthewool reggae fans.
    • Sample song: "Party Going On" by Pau Hana

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.