Stories

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).

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...)....

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...

"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?

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...