“A New Journey”

Andrew Molina

(Shadow Uke Music)

Maui composer/musician Andrew Molina released his first full-length CD, “The Beginning,” in 2013; it was a finalist for ukulele album of the year at the 2014 Hoku Awards. With “A New Journey,” Molina shows that he wasn’t “one and done” as a recording artist three years ago and has more to say as both musician and songwriter.

Once again most of the songs are originals — this time the tally is 10 of 14. Molina doesn’t limit himself to a single concept in terms of style. Several selections are solo performances that put the spotlight on his technique and willingness to let each note breathe. Others are more elaborate and have Molina’s ukulele sharing the spotlight. Cellist Craig Chee helps give the title song a classical ambience. Percussionists Jon Porlas and Larry Fitzpatrick provide rhythmic punch for two songs each.

As for celebrity guests, Jake Shimabukuro sits in with Molina on a song titled “Dancing Strings,” and Kalei Gamiao partners with Molina on “Surfing at Jaws.” Having guests sit in with a musician is almost always interesting, and these partnerships work out well.

Nightlife veterans know that Molina is a second-generation musician; his father, Jay Molina, is remembered for his work as a member of Asian Blend during that group’s heyday in Waikiki in the mid-1970s, and as a founder of Hawaii jazz-fusion group Music Magic. Jay Molina is the bassist on these sessions. Two other “big guns” — guitarist Zanuck Lindsey and drummer Garin Poliahu — join them when Andrew Molina’s musical journey takes him into pop-hits territory with spirited instrumental arrangements of “Hotel California” and “Beat It.”

“Sweet Child o’ Mine,” recorded with Jay Molina playing unobtrusively on bass and Jeff Hornbeck adding discreet but driving rhythm riffs on guitar, is a noteworthy remake of the Guns ‘N Roses ballad. A pair of originals — “Goin’ Home” and “Twin Falls” — are soothing interludes.

Visit andrewmolinaukulele.com.

“All-In”

Micah Ganiron

(Micah Ganiron Music)

With this limited-edition CD single, Honolulu-born ukulele player Micah Ganiron steps away from the ukulele trio Heart and Soul and introduces himself as a solo artist. Hoku Award-winning studio engineer Kapena De Lima provides instrumental support.

Ganiron speaks for romantics when he says that love and sex are antidotes to the stresses of life. De Lima wraps a catchy Afro-Caribbean rhythm around Ganiron’s message and makes this single perfect for island music radio stations.

Visit micahganiron.com.