Island Mele: The Intire Project, Chris Salvador

REVIEWS BY JOHN BERGER / jberger@staradvertiser.com

‘Change in Tides’

The Intire Project (Aumakua)

The banjo is not often heard these days in local recordings. Its prominence here sets the Intire Project’s first full-length album apart from this year’s other local releases.

The sound will be familiar to music trivia fans who remember the group’s self-titled EP or its contributions to two local compilation albums. Anticipate a blend of bluegrass, modern folk and acoustic rock, a hint of U2, and a touch of alt-country without a fiddle player.

On the opening song, “We Are,” a bluesy acoustic melody introduced as a duet for acoustic guitar and banjo suddenly blossoms as bass, drums and electric guitar join in. A simple lyric statement, “we are what we are,” is developed into a compelling call for personality responsibility and social consciousness.

Electric guitar is the dominant instrument on some of the other songs but the folkish sound of banjo and acoustic guitar is the foundation. Guest cellist Chris Chorney reinforces the quintet’s traditionalist pre-modern sound with his work on two selections.

“Change in Tides” is available at www.theintireproject.com.

‘[EP]IC’

Chris Salvador (CTS Music)

Ukulele player Chris Salvador, a Hoku Award finalist for Most Promising Artist(s) as a member of Heart & Soul in 2011, steps forward as a solo artist with this five-song CD EP. Salvador is the composer of the five songs. Studio drummer Abe Lagrimas Jr., doubles as Salvador’s musical arranger. Alden Tokuzato (guitar and bass) also provides instrumental support.

Salvador plays with clean precision over Lagrimas’ drum/bass/guitar arrangements. “ATP” opens the set with an uptempo number reminiscent of classic surf rock but with ukulele in place of the traditional electric guitar. A slower pace elsewhere allows Salvador to work his instrumental artistry in softer more romantic style.

For more information visit www.kanileaukulele.com.
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John Berger has been a mainstay in the local entertainment scene for more than 40 years. Contact him via email at jberger@staradvertiser.com.