Island Mele: ‘Maliu’ by Ikaika Blackburn

Jun. 8, 2013

Hawaiian falsetto singer Ikaika Blackburn starts a memorable new chapter in his career with “Maliu.”

Island Mele: ‘Slack Key Hauka’i’

Jun. 5, 2013

Bay Area ki ho‘alu guitarist Patrick Landeza made history last month with his latest album.

Island Mele: ‘Take Me On’ by The Green

Jun. 3, 2013

The Green start the countdown to a new album with the release of two download-only singles.

Island Mele: ‘This Wave’ by Stef Muzic

May. 29, 2013

Stef Muzic sings her emotions out over a rich and diverse pallet of instrumental arrangements.

Island Mele: ‘Carmen Takes the Lead’

May. 22, 2013

Carmen U‘ilani Haugen has always had a beautiful voice whether she was singing lead or harmonizing.

Island Mele: Ohtas celebrate ‘Legacy’

May. 16, 2013

With Ohta-san and Ohta Jr., the purity of the ‘ukulele wins out.

Island Mele: Ohta partners with Conjugacion, Yamasato

May. 15, 2013

Reviews of new albums by Herb Ohta, Jr. with Tony Conjugacion and Jon Yamasato.

Island Mele: The Dukes of Surf

May. 10, 2013

The Dukes of Surf evoke memories of ’60s surf rock with their new album.

Island Mele: Fernandez shows versatility

Apr. 22, 2013

Troy Fernandez reminds listeners of his musical abilities on “Strumming My Ukulele.”

Island Mele: Kupaoa here to stay

Apr. 15, 2013

“Bumbye” features crisp acoustic arrangements, two strong lead voices and smooth harmonizing.

Island Mele: ‘Manawa’ by Mailani

Apr. 9, 2013

Mailani Makainai moves from pop to modern Hawaiian music, and the results are beautiful throughout.

Island Mele: Jeff Peterson

Apr. 5, 2013

Jeff Peterson’s solo slack key playing is always relaxing. “Slack Key Travels” is no exeception.

Island Mele: Tiki Taboo

Apr. 1, 2013

Tiki Taboo is a welcome example of a tribute band that honors its predecessors’ legacy rather than mocking or spoofing it.

Island Mele: Lei looks back

Mar. 25, 2013

As Kristian Lei prepares for a new chapter in her life, “On a Personal Note” is a timely retrospective on where she’s been.

Island Mele: ‘Hula 2,’ ‘Blues on a Ukulele’

Mar. 11, 2013

Reviews of new albums by Robert Cazmiero and Ohta-san.

Island Mele: Boyd strong in solo debut

Mar. 5, 2013

Manu Boyd takes his commitment to the indigenous music of Hawaii in a new direction with “Mele ‘Ailana.”

Island Mele: Daniel Ho explores new genre

Feb. 9, 2013

The five-time Grammy Award-winner’s new album, “On a Gentle Island Breeze,” is a cross-cultural journey.

Island Mele: ‘Pilialoha’ celebrates Hawaiian music

Feb. 8, 2013

Weldon Kekauoha’s Grammy Award-nominated album underscores his commitment to perpetuating the Hawaiian language.

Island Mele: Na Leo and Bobby Brooks Wilson

Feb. 4, 2013

Reviews of Na Leo’s “Romantic Waikiki” and Bobby Brooks Wilson’s “It’s About Time.”

Island Mele: Mike Love’s ‘Change’ is impressive

Jan. 21, 2013

Local reggae artist Mike Love presents a memorable calling card with his debut album, “The Change I’m Seeing.”

Island Mele: Reggie Padilla, Johnson Enos

Jan. 14, 2013

Reviews of “Almost Home” by Reggie Padilla and “Lehua” by Johnson Enos.

Island Mele: Aweau shows his range

Jan. 7, 2013

Nathan Aweau’s new album is timely reminder of his unusually diverse repertoire as a singer, musician and songwriter.

Island Mele: Sunway, ManoaDNA

Dec. 31, 2012

Reviews of “I’m Here” by Sunway and “Sweet Embrace” by ManoaDNA.

Island Mele: Don Tiki, ‘A Christmas Wish’

Dec. 25, 2012

Reviews of “Don Tiki’s Hot Lava Holiday Songs” and “A Christmas Wish,” two new holiday albums now available.

Island Mele: ‘25 Greatest Hawai‘i Albums of the New Century’

Dec. 18, 2012

With 87 years until the year 2100, “The 25 Greatest Hawai‘i Albums of the New Century” is a bit premature.

Island Mele