The Wild Hawaiian
Henry Kapono
Eclectic Records
www.HenryKapono.com

The latest release from Henry Kapono, “The Wild Hawaiian,” carries an appropriate title for this blend of rock and traditional Hawaiian songs. While all of the songs are sung in the Hawaiian language, the music is a compelling and eclectic assortment of rock guitar hooks and riffs, percussion, and a Hammond B-3. This combination works beautifully, creatingan intriguing juxtaposition for  listeners.

Each track seamlessly blends into the next with little or no break and one wants to stand and dance to many of the tunes. As might be expected with a title like “The Wild Hawaiian,” this is not an album you put on to sit and relax. This is a kickin’, jammin’ (and sometimes screaming) album filled with track after track of rocking songs. Interestingly, the songs become more island-flavored as the album progresses. Tthe final two songs, “Hi‘ilawe” and “Ke Aloha O Ka Haku – Queen’s Prayer,” bring you to a restful, more traditional-sounding—if still a little rocking—conclusion.
   
Track three, “Taboo,” quickly became a personal favorite with its melody reminiscent of the ‘50s beach songs such as “Wipeout” with a bit of Peter Gunn theme thrown in for good measure. This purely instrumental track is funky and fun; and, as Kapono notes in his liner notes, pays tribute to “the great surfers of yesterday and today.”   
   
“The Wild Hawaiian” is not your traditional Hawaiian album, but it does offer great songs. Living up to the album’s title, Henry Kapono has created wild Hawaiian music.