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Vic Malo – “S/T”

Sometimes my focus gets lost so deeply in the instrumentation of a song that I forget to listen to the vocalist! With Vic Malo’s LP, this happens to me quite often. Guitars, orchestration/strings, keyboards, horns—everything complements everything, no musical opportunity was lost in the songwriting and arrangements (with the help of Don Ralke).

Of course, Vic Malo’s robust voice deserves attention. It’s seductive. That fact alone speaks for itself. But still, the music is sophisticated yet soulful, on par with (if not above) Vic’s vocal abilities. Better yet, the lyrics match the songs’ moods perfectly. It’s like the words were born out of the notes and tones! All music and lyrics were written by Vic Malo (except “High School Girl” by Josiah Mataele…his son?, Vic’s younger brother), so it’s a given that the words would fit so well with each tune. Impressive!

There’s more to listen to than I can write about in this post (and still keep your attention), so let’s start with “Reach for the Sun”.

Hear that guitarist churn and bend his instrument in the left channel? I almost missed it the first few listens, but he’s there, and every note sounds both premeditated and free. Wait—is that a second guitarist in the right channel? It’s got that signature wah-wah crunch heard in the chorus of “Ode to Waiahole & Waikane Valley“, but it’s so slight! And the keyboard? Playful and perfect.

On the surface, “Catch the Wind” sounds like a simple vocal tune (“easy listening”). Yet following the Isaac Hayes-like intro, each instrument sounds like it’s out to chase the wind—blaring like an unexpected gust, or drifting past like a gentle breeze. Some sounds are barely there, like the keys, which pop in from time to time but remain almost silent from start to finish. Other sounds are constant, like the two guitars strumming along the entire way through. After a dozen listens, I’m convinced Vic Malo has captured the essence of the wind here.

I enjoy the Isaac Hayes-like intros. “High School Girl” is no exception. And there’s that flanged/wah-wah guitar again! My only wish is that Malo broke into monologue with this song:

You know something? In her eyes, I’m her guy. She loves me so…
Yet I know wherever she goes, she’ll be a woman with a mind of her own…
And when all is wrong, she will make me strong til all my doubts are gone…
She is love. She is love. She is love…

I’ll leave the last three songs of the mix for you to enjoy.

All in all, the production is great, though I wonder what it would sound like if more emphasis was placed on guitars instead of strings. Nonetheless, this is an album worth every groove… Put your headphones on and get lost in the music. Be seduced by his voice. Because just like digging for records, this music requires patience and a keen ear to find the obscure nuances. The gems.

Listen carefully!

Tracks in mix
“Reach for the Sun”
“Catch the Wind”
“High School Girl”
“‘Unu ‘Unu Mai / Pehe” (sung in Tongan, not Hawaiian)
“Move On Up”
“Love”

Credits
Producer :: Vic Malo
Arranger/Conductor :: Don Ralke
Engineer :: Stan Ross
Photography :: Roger Parsons
Design :: Woody Woodward

Musicians:
Paul Humphrey :: drums
Mike Lang :: piano, Fender rhodes
Dick Hyde :: trombone
Plas Johnson :: tenor sax
Jackie Kelso :: alto sax
Chuck Findley :: trumpet
Jerry Cole :: guitar
Ray Pohlman :: bass

“Ode to Waiahole & Waikane Valley”

“I am Hawaiian, I’m all that’s left / I am the son of the sea and the surf
This land was my land, I shared with friends / Now it is their land, and I pay rent…”

Vic Malo’s politically-charged “Ode to Waiahole & Waikane Valley” is filled with clever criticism, taking stabs at so-called “progress” and alluding to the Woody Guthrie track, “This Land is Your Land”. (Did Vic know about the uncovered verses when he wrote this song?)

“I pay to see a waterfall
But there’s no water—none at all
They’re gonna tax the sun I hear them say
You know what that means—I’m gonna pay”

It was tough to find information about Vic Malo (also known as Victor Mataele), but Google makes a few things certain:

1. He’s Tongan, which confuses me because he’s also part Hawaiian, according to the lyrics above. He’s related to King Tauha’afau Tupou IV (an interesting bit of info found in a book that mentions Vic was a fencing instructor and taught lessons in Honolulu during the 1970s).

2.He had a role on Hawaii 5-O in a few episodes: “A Death in the Family” and “Number One with a Bullet, Parts 1 & 2″. The episodes aired in 1978. I have yet to find a relevant video link.

3. He invented a “Method and system for music notation”, which uses “notes and other musical representations using symbols, such as numbers, letters and color”. In March 2010, he received a US Patent (#7674965 B2) for his invention. Nice work!!

More to come on the rest of his self-titled album.

(Vic—if you’re reading this, tell us more about yourself!)

“It’s a Beautiful Morning…”

The song “Countryside Beauty” has been on repeat for the past 24 hours, so it’s evident that I’d be sharing this one with you today. There’s something about the islands song that emanates the lush tropical smells and views of Hawaii… Today’s a short post. Enjoy the video, I’ll have more on Tender Leaf in the future.

Listen to the wind blow, listen to the birds sing out loud
And it’s that time again for us to fall in love

Well, it’s a beautiful morning, think i will go outside
It’s a beautiful morning, think I will take a ride, yeah
To the countryside and see the beauty,
To the countryside and see the beauty pass me by
Doo doo do doo….

Something about the islands,
Things are not the way they used to be
Look around you, not so fast

Well, it’s a beautiful morning, think I will go outside
It’s a beautiful morning, think I will take a ride, yeah
To the countryside and see the beauty,
To the countryside and see the beauty pass me by
Doo doo do doo

It’s a beautiful morning, think I will go outside
It’s a beautiful morning, think I will take a ride, yeah
To the countryside and see the beauty,
To the countryside and see the beauty pass me by
Doo doo do doo

DJ & the Spice of Life – “Tell Me Once More”

That DJ Muro tracklist is nearly complete, aside from information like label, year, album title. But one thing’s now definite: DJ & the Spice of Life are responsible for “Blue Moon”. I came across Tell Me Once More on eBay a while ago, saw the songs listed and immediately knew this was the band whose Rodgers & Hart cover was included in DJ Muro’s mix. But I needed absolute proof, so I picked up a copy*.

Notice how their outfits are coordinated? The guys on the end wear vests, the middle men white shirts, and D.J. Oshiro is the only one with white pants.

The album art poses one of two possibilities: face-melting disco-funk group, or mediocre cover band. With its minimal black/white design, a mixture of cover songs and originals, words like “congas”, and the fact that it’s a private pressing (SPL Records :: SPLP-101) send signals that this’ll be a hot one.

Well, it’s split between the two, but leaning toward the latter. Of the 10 songs, 4 are originals. They’re decent, better than some of the covers. Yet the biggest drawback is probably the recording quality of the instruments and vocals. In several instances, D.J. Oshiro’s lead vocals seem to suffer from clipping. The keyboards are thin, the guitar lacks oomph, and the kick drum sounds a little drowned out. Was it the recording studio’s fault? I can’t say, even if the name “Commercial Recording Hawaii” sounds generic and lackluster. (Actually, CRH was built with “aesthetic and acoustic qualities [that made it] among the best in Hawaii”. The award-winning Hawaiian Eyes by Jon Osorio & Randy Borden was recorded at CRH.)

BUT, all is not lost. Despite the record’s unimpressive attempt at disco/funk, I prefer the parts without singing. Plus, the original compositions are a good listen. I wonder what kind of gigs they played?

Here’s my mix with edited versions of “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me”, “Tell Me Once More”, “Blue Moon”, and “(Just) Fade Away”.

D.J. Oshiro :: vocals, percussion
Rick (Richard) Hayduk :: guitars, congas
Frank M. Reuter :: keyboards
Cyrus S.L. Goo :: drums
Dan Char :: bass guitar

Cover photo by Roald F. Hartman
Art direction and design by Dan Char

(*I’m sure the seller I bought this from has more copies. Keep checking eBay and you’ll find one).

A Few Finds

Recent plans to go back to the islands for a short vacation have fallen through, so I’m left digging for Hawaiian records some 2500 miles away from Honolulu.

Can’t say that these albums satisfied my need to dig through bins at Hungry Ear, Jelly’s, Rainbow’s, and all the thrift stores on O’ahu. But it was a big relief to find three of these at my doorstep when I got home (i.e. eBay/internet finds). Expect more on these soon (maybe the Kalapana LP is already too well-known to post about, but who knows if something will come of it).

Cool Sound / Cool Hawaii Japanese Record Label

Aside from say, Mackey Feary’s Black & White CD, there haven’t been too many reissues of Hawaiian LPs in the U.S. (at least the kine I’m looking for). But do you remember what I said about those Japanese record enthusiasts? Needless to say, some of the best Hawaiian funk/soul/jazz has been re-released on CD via Japanese label Cool Sound, as well as its Cool Hawaii imprint.

It’s hard for me to tell, but some of these reissues might not be available anymore. If they are, I’ll gladly buy the whole lot the next time I visit Japan (whenever that is…). Most of the Cool Hawaii reissues were released in 2003-4, and there’s been a few Cool Sound reissues of Hawaiian artists. Why am I blogging about this? I can’t find a Cool Sound/Cool Hawaii discography available in English, and reading katakana is tedious for me, so I’ll compile that list here:

COOL HAWAII
Number :: Artist :: Album Title

COHI-1001 :: Ray Gooliak:: Home Away From Home
COHI-1002 :: Ray Gooliak :: Isle Say
COHI-1003 :: Tender Leaf :: S/T
COHI-1004 :: Mackey Feary & Nite Life :: S/T
COHI-1005 :: Mackey Feary :: Touch Sensitive
COHI-1006 :: Island Band :: I’m Your Capitan
COHI-1007 :: V/A :: Island Mellow 1, Hawaiian AOR Now & Then
COHI-1008 :: Lance Jyo :: Dreamwalking
COHI-1009 :: At Second Glance (V/A) :: At Second Glance + 2
COHI-1010 :: V/A :: Island Mellow 2, Hawaiian AOR Now & Then
COHI-1011 :: Toma/Natto :: Revisited
COHI-1012 :: Richard Natto :: Won’t Take No For An Answer
COHI-1013 :: Toma/Natto :: 3XO/Third Time Around
COHI-1014 :: Richard Natto :: Richard’s St.
COHI-1015 :: George Street :: Living On Daydreams
COHI-1016 :: George Street :: Magic Lady
COHI-1017 :: George Street :: Seasons
COHI-1018 :: Mike Lundy :: The Rhythm of Life
COHI-1019 :: Mike Lundy :: Inner Flame
COHI-1020 :: Maurice Bega :: 2 Hearts
COHI-1021 :: V/A :: Island Mellow 3, Hawaiian AOR Now & Then
COHI-1022 :: Audy Kimura :: Looking For “The Good Life”
COHI-1023 :: Audy Kimura :: A Gift Of Song
COHI-1024 :: Johnson Enos :: S/T

COOL SOUND (Hawaiian artists only)

COOL-114 :: Aura :: S/T
COOL-115 :: Nightwing :: Island Holiday
COOL-118 :: Music Magic :: S/T
COOL-119 :: Music Magic :: One Man Lady

Wow, I have only a few of these right now (bold). I need to hear more! I wonder why they stopped Cool Hawaii at 24 releases? And how much else is Cool Sound is hiding from us? Hmm…

Momi – Borne in a Faint Streak of Light

Such beautiful music fills the grooves of Momi’s Borne in a Faint Streak of Light. Released in 1979 on CRI Recording (a private label?), the LP is layered with swaying horns, crisp drumming, delicate harping and Momi’s child-like, angelic voice.

Each track sounds like it descended upon Earth via a falling cloud. Not that the music moves slowly, but Momi and her band of divine messengers play with the warming energy of the sun and the gentle touch of the breeze. Like I said, it’s a beautiful thing to hear.

Momi (Diane Leimomi Riley) was about 23 when Borne was released. The album has been described as warm folk-psych, or even soul music. I’d say it’s roots are in jazz, with a touch of funk/psych and some reggae for good measure (see: “Lambsbread”). Despite the labels, Borne is one hell of an album. It’s heavenly, I mean, and outstanding for someone so young.

All songs arranged by Momi Riley. Produced by Jim Riley (James Weston Riley?) & Momi and friends. Backup musicians include:

Bobby Potter, tenor sax, sax, flute
Rick Myrick, lead guitar, backing vocals (“Baby’s Blue”)
David Moore, bass, synthesizer (“Windows in the Sun”)
Beverly LeBeck, cello (“Sunrise”)
Robert Lokomaika’i o Kalani Snakenberg, Hawaiian translation of “Shine”

Here’s the back cover:

More Phase 7

“Sweet Love” by Phase VII, from their Windjammer album.

From what I know, this song is part of a self-titled album by the band. Definitely released after Playtime. Maybe their 3rd album?
Here’s the tracklist:

1. Sweet Love
2. Girl, It’s Up To Me
3. Show Me Your Magic
4. Angels Around You
5. Live It Up, Love It Up
6. Itchy Fingers
7. This Time
8. Don’t Girls Get Lonely
9. Say The Word
10. Say It, Say It Again

Anyone wanna confirm this?
Anyone wanna share some audio clips with me?

Phase 7 (VII) – Windjammer

While surfing a few weeks ago, I came across another Phase VII album I hadn’t heard of, Windjammer. At first, I thought it read “Phase VIII”. Maybe it was a spin-off/new lineup of the original Phase 7? Hmm. The cover art wasn’t as intriguing Playtime either, so I gave it little attention and passed on.

Last night, I looked again and realized it really was Phase 7, not 8! (I must need glasses). Windjammer was their 2nd album, apparently. But what’s a “Windjammer”? Google hadn’t helped me a few weeks back… but as luck would have it, just last week YouTube user miken2av uploaded nearly 2+ hours of Phase VII performing in 1986 at where else? Aboard the Rella Mae cruiseship, operated by Windjammer Cruises Inc.! (The cruiseship operated up until the late 90s and I think is now out of service.)

(Video automatically jumps to 11min 40sec for the good stuff)

Phase VII playing on Windjammer Cruises Rella Mae. Sept 1986. Rella Mae was a 1000 passenger dinner cruise ship that used to leave from pier 7 Alaoha Tower. There was a sunset cruise and a moonlight cruise. I had the awesome experience of working there during my senior year in high school. –video description

I emailed Mike, asking for more info about Phase VII and Windjammer:

The band is the same one who released the album [Playtime]. They also had a record they sold on the ship. It had the picture of the ship on it. [Windjammer]

Obviously all those dinner cruise ships were targeted at tourists. Locals did go also but I would say mostly to either bring visiting relatives or to celebrate something special. Seems like it cost 40-50 dollars each if I remember right. They had an all you can eat buffet and all you can drink bar.

While I worked there they actually went out two times a night. Sunset cruise that featured the show “Ports of Paradise”. Then there was the moonlight cruise with “That’s Dancin”. The sunset cruise was most popular and during busy times would fill up regularly – 1000 people. The moonlight cruise was more of a Vegas scene. That one was more popular with locals looking to celebrate something special.

As expensive as it was I would say it wasn’t something that some locals went to over and over like going to a bar. The show was the same every night. The music for the dance set was pretty much the same.

The ship experimented with having a sit down dinner choice also that cost more money and had better food and a private bar.

The above music probably won’t impress you like Playtime does. After all, the Windjammer wasn’t a nightclub, but purely showbiz entertainment. The Phase 7 guys were great entertainers, so it doesn’t surprise me that they’d be doing a gig like this (Playtime is scattered with skits from the Kauai Resort Hotel). Regardless, these videos transport me to a time I never would’ve experienced!

Below is a 2-song telethon performance with “Show Me Your Magic” and “Angels Around Us”. I don’t think these songs are on Windjammer, but I could be wrong. There’s an introduction to the band members at 3min 35sec. Take a closer look, I think last guy they introduce was the shirtless braddah dance-fighting in the first video.

Thank you miken2av for showing us the magic!!

Aloha in Japan

I’ll say without a doubt that Japanese record collectors are probably the most diligent collectors in the world. Not only do they have deep knowledge of what’s good, but they’ve got the good stuff in great condition:

Nothing goes “uncollected”. At least in my opinion. I still remember reading this post years ago and thinking two things:

1 Thankfully, many stores in the USA still price their rock (Led Zep, The Who, Beatles) high and the funky stuff low.
2 Record stores in Japan are nothing like America’s, with plenty of specialty shops that carry specific kinds of music. Need a specific record? The shop probably has it or knows someone who does.

I haven’t spent any significant time digging in Japan, but there are many useful blogs in Japanese about Hawaiian music. Rarities that would’ve taken me years to learn about are on these sites—albeit most without sound samples, and sometimes without extensive descriptions. Google Translate isn’t the biggest help, either. But just having titles/artist names to go by eases my search for Hawaiian-style grooves.

Needless to say, the best Hawaiian music is back in Hawaii or Japan, online or in person. Just wish I could be there right now…