“S.O.U.L. SONGS OF UNEXPECTED LIFE”
Kamaka Camarillo (Kamaka Camarillo)
On “S.O.U.L. Songs of Unexpected Life,” Kamaka Camarillo’s soulful crooning, supported by smoothly blended backing vocals and carefully crafted instrumental arrangements, deserves a national audience.
Camarillo gave a Hawaii a preview of this remarkable album several months ago, with the release of “Na Moku O Hawai‘i.” That song showcased Camarillo’s skill at combining reggae rhythms, hip-hop and R&B with Hawaiian island themes. It’s the only hapa-haole song of the 13 on the album, but no matter.
“S.O.U.L.” opens with “Hump Day,” a love song that represents the Jawaiian end of Camarillo’s repertoire. The lyric message is universal: How wonderful it is to have someone that you want to be with any day of the week!
Camarillo moves into the R&B/urban mainstream with songs that follow, although reggae rhythms continue to pop up along the way. Whatever the musical format may be, Camarillo’s lyrics describe the diversity of adult experiences.
There’s the joy of finding “Mrs. Right,” described in the song of that name. There’s the challenge of trying to build a relationship with someone who’s been hurt, and the pain of living with “the expectations of what used to be.”
A song titled “Issues” lights up a different side of adult relationships. Like it or not, and “don’t take this the wrong way,” there are times when the person who loves you needs time alone.
“S.O.U.L. Songs of Unexpected Life” is more than insightful lyrics. It has imaginative guitar playing too.
Visit kamakacamarillo.com.
“RENDITIONS”
Maggie Herron (Herron Song Records)
Three-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner (Jazz Album 2015, 2017, 2019) Maggie Herron is back with another award-worthy album that builds on the musical template of its predecessors.
Herron sings and plays piano; Darek Oles (bass) and Ray Brinker (drums) are her instrumental partners for most of this relaxing journey. Oles and Brinker get some well-deserved solo time and they earn every delightful moment; Bob Sheppard adds sax to a swinging take on “Just One Of Those Things.”
Harron steps into contemporary music with satisfying arrangements of songs by Lennon-McCartney (“I Will”) and Norah Jones (“Come Away With Me”). Herron’s reworking of Jones’ early hit is an effective demonstration of her greater range as an artist.
Rocky Holmes (alto sax), Dean Taba (bass) and Larry Koonse (guitar) provide backing on one song, providing support on an introspective arrangement of “I’ll Be Seeing You.” It’s one of three where Herron sings but does not play piano. Holmes, Taba and Noel Okimoto (drums) step in on another.
Visit maggieherron.com.
