“SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS”
For those addicted to island living, this is a great representation of the diversity of the music and cultures of the huge region of Oceana. Although it is strange that no Hawaiian performers are included, it is interesting to hear the word “aloha” coming from other Polynesian performers, and to notice the similarities in harmony and feeling that is present in Hawaiian music. Te Vaka, based in New Zealand, creates a contemporary, pan-Pacific sound that translates well the tropical joy of the South Pacific. Whirimako Black of New Zealand delivers the album’s best track, “Wahine Whakairo,” a tribute to female traditional stone carvers. O-shen, born in New Guinea but residing in Hawai’i, deftly mixes traditional music with a little pidgin hip-hop. —Putumayo World Music 2004 [JOE GATTO]
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