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‘Uncle Tom’s Gabbin’ … The Legacy 2′
Various artists
(Shaka)
"Uncle Tom" Moffatt and producer George Chun share credit for this anthology of 19 songs culled apparently at random from everything that’s been recorded in Hawaii over the past half-century. It includes legitimate hits by major local artists, secondary work by resident artists of various stature and three pointless remakes.
The big hits are "99.8" by the Society of Seven from the days when the group was a major recording act, and "Molokai Slide," the 1997 Na Hoku Hanohano single of the year by Ehukai. Also notable are concert recordings by Kalapana and Cecilio & Kapono (Moffatt produced precedent-setting reunion concerts by both acts in the early ’80s). The breadth of Hawaii’s music scene is demonstrated by the work of Michael Paulo (jazz), Go Jimmy Go (ska), Anelaikalani (traditional Hawaiian) and Jake Shimabukuro (mainstream ukulele instrumentals).
You’ll also find Pauline Wilson singing a new arrangement of the Seawind classic "Follow Your Road," and Malani Bilyeu’s version of the Keola & Kapono Beamer hit "Only Good Times."
"99.8"
‘Summer!’
Ricky Hana
(Shaka Brah)
Self-described "island-style trop rocker" Ricky Hana celebrates many people’s favorite time of year with this five-song collection of original compositions — all with tropical themes.
"Honolulu Hula" is a contemporary hapa-haole comedy song that sets traditional lyric themes to a contemporary acoustic rock arrangement. Hana plays almost all the instruments heard on the CD but welcomes trumpeter Big Kahuna as a guest on "Honolulu Hula" to add a vibrant vintage edge to the arrangement.
"Another Pacifico Night" is a Jimmy Buffett-style tale that takes place somewhere in Latin America. "Bottoms Up" describes an evening of fun in a hot tub that could be anywhere in the world. Hana’s low-key wit percolates through the lyrics of all three.
Two instrumentals — "Waikiki Beach Ukulele Blues" and "Surfin’ at Canoes" — complete the package.
"Summer!" is available at www.rickyhana.com.
"Honolulu Hula"
