16 years kiwini vaitai biography
Posted on: Friday, June 5, 2009 CD Reviews Advertiser Staff KIWINI VAITAI Independently Bizarre Kiwini Vaitai has Island and Tongan roots, so he infuses Polynesian flavors and Jawaiian rhythms here. He's blessed with a keen wit and a command of lyrics, so his originals have the heady appeal of kava. The tempos are clearly spot-on for the young in party mode. Wayne Harada | Special to The Advertiser 4 Stars FAITH AKO Papaku: Bring It Home Community Musicians Papaku means strong, upright- and Faith Ako, a Hawaiian transplanted to the Bay Area, has set up a steadfast foundation of Island musicianship as an ex-pat carrying the Hawaiian banner. Overview: Ako dedicates this CD to her granddaughter, and uncorks simple but satisfying renderings of favorites by Lena Machado and Queen Liliu'okalani, with a couple of sweet medleys "Waipio" and "Hi'ilawe," plus a Hilo Town sandwich and goes on a Samoan journey with "Tele I'a O Le Sami" and "Let Me Hear You Whisper." And the Gerry & the Pacemakers' hit, "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" is solid. Great for listening, grand for dancing. Wayne Harada | Special to The Advertiser. 3 stars VON BARON Souljourer Jazz, new age A drummer by trade, von (lower case v) Baron plays keyboards and percussion, as well as drums, on this atmospheric "journey into your soul," as his CD is subtitled. The Honolulu Jazz Quartet drummer describes this as "new age music on steroids" and he's onto something, expanding the perimeters of jazz by blurring the boundaries with sweetening and softening the jazz edge. Overview: Musicians know best; when you play, you jam. And von Baron has tapped the considerable talents of his pals guitarist Jimmy Funai, pianist Dan Del Negro, saxophonist Tim Tsukiyama on "One Life to Live" and several other tracks, acoustic guitarist Jeff Peterson and acoustic rhythm guitarist Nolet Quaison on "Well-Traveled Gypsy," but plays it all on "Pineapple Express," "Tranquil Destination" and "Soujourner." His album is available at www.cdbaby.com. Von-derful! Wayne Harada | Special to The Advertiser. 4 stars SOCIETY OF SEVEN LV Just for You Pop/showroom www.societyofsevenlv.com The Society of Seven LV (Las Vegas, aka Latest Version) is the spin-off septet ensconced at the Outrigger Waikiki's Main Showroom for nearly 10 years. This debut CD, only available at the club after the show, is designed as a take-home keepsake of the group's vast spirit, repertoire and energy. Leader-member Richard Natto produced. Wayne Harada | Special to The Advertiser 4 stars |