CD Reviews: Alfred Apaka and Kawao
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Broadway Wears a Lei
Alfred Apaka
(Re-released by Mountain Apple Co.)
Hawaii’s foremost crooner, Alfred Apaka, singing “I Could Have Danced All Night,” from My Fair Lady? Believe it. This album, originally recorded in 1958 and recently re-released, finds Apaka taking on not only familiar local favorites such as “Akaka Falls” but Broadway classics including “Hello Young Lovers” from The King and I. He’s a natural, of course, and the orchestral accompaniments are top rate, thanks to arranger Axel Stordahl, best known for his work with Sinatra.
 
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Kawao
The Bond that Binds
(Kawao Records)
We commend party band Kawao for bucking the tendency of local Jawaiian acts to pad their albums with cover songs—all but one here are originals by member Walt Grilho. On the other hand, none of this by-the-numbers reggae-lite will surprise anyone who regularly listens to KCCN FM 100. Kawao needs your love, girl, and will make tonight the night, so leave your worries behind, because it’s your time to shine. (Bounce bounce.)
