Donald Kauli'a
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| Buy "Sweet Wahine" |
CD Reviews:
Donald Kauli'a, Sweet Wahine, Rhythm & Roots 2007.
Donald Kauli'a has put out a fine crossover album here. Traditionalists will be quick to point out that there's not much 'old style' on the album, but that was not Don's intention. In fact, he wanted to bust the molds and blend various influences to create an interesting album, and he did. "Manta Ray" is a jammin contemporary piece; the title track, "Sweet Wahine," is a cool (and catchy) Latin tinged song; "Fly Away" covers jazzy territory; and "Brother's Got a Problem" and "Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u" bring back the Hawaiian Renaissance folk style of Olomana. Don is joined on many songs by musical cohort LT Smooth, who co-wrote some of the songs and adds some smokin' lead guitar on such tunes as the title track.
Of course, Don is also grounded in the older traditions of slack key. While he was a college student at UH Hilo, he spent a lot of time watching the late Fred Punahou and absorbing Fred's mandate for a unique style. In addition to the contemporary blend of songs, Don throws the traditionalists a few bones with "Open G No. 1," "E Kolu Mea Nui," and also to an extent "Portuguese Washboard." Overall, this is a well rounded album that proves Donald's versatility as an artist. If you're ever in Kona, you should go check him out live, but in the mean time you can suffice to buy the CD. - Nov. '07
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