CD Reviews: Manoa Voices and Kawaikapuokalani Hewett

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Manoa Voices

(Hula Records)

Manoa Voices began as a side project for five U.H. music students, but when they won the 2007 Ka Himeni Ana Song Contest, it was clear they had something special. The group’s debut album showcases its ability to reimagine classic favorites with inventive choral arrangements. A barbershop-esque take on “Pua Maeole,” for example, allows listeners to hear an old tune with new ears.

Kawaikapuokalani Hewett

Honehone i ka Poli

(Daniel Ho Creations)

This latest collection finds renowned composer and kumu hula Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett in an introspective mood. The album title translates as “sweetly resounding in the heart,” and Hewett says he wrote each of the songs to please himself, and no one else. Not that he’s being antisocial—daughter Ula Hewett joins in singing, and Grammy winner Daniel Ho capably handles all the instrumentation. These are mature, accomplished songs from a mature, accomplished artist.

This article appears in the September 2008 issue of HONOLULU Magazine.