RUMBLE­STONE

Rumblestone

Classic rock/alternate/blues

U'ilani Studios Kaua'i

Rumblestone (Kaua'i) is Paul Ventura, vocals and lead guitar; T.J. Wead, lead vocals and bass; Dale Dombrow, vocals and bass; and Mark McKamey, drums.

Overview: Group leader Ventura wrote or co-wrote all 12 tunes; nothing says original like your own music, and Rumblestone could evolve into a cornerstone of Island rock. There's punch and power and prowess throughout, without the overdrive volume. The brooding tone on "All About You" and the dance-tempoed "I'll Be Waiting" succinctly capsulizes the group's pliable spectrum. One negative: the cover idea to form the group's name in coral doesn't work.

3 stars

Island Love — Favorite Love Songs of Hawai'i

Mountain Apple

The CD is a grab bag of melodies with local flavor, by a bevy of known voices performing familiar — and undiscovered — tunes. Its unintended mission: a quickie soundtrack for a backyard party.

Overview: The artistry, for the most part, outshines the titles, though you might have heard a ditty in a concert. Like: The Brothers Cazimero's "Pretty Face/Jealousy" medley, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Wind Beneath My Wings/He Hawai'i Au" combo, and the Hawaiian Style Band's "Love & Honesty" that put Robi Kahakalau and Wade Cambern on the map. Willie K, Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Amy Hanaialii, Brother Noland, Sean Na'auao, Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole, Teresa Bright, Mailani Makainai and Keola Donaghy also are represented.

3 stars

The Best of Na Palapalai

Traditional Hawaiian

Koops2 Entertainment

Na Palapalai's backyard Hawaiian sound, which has earned the group seven Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, is rebooted in this best-of disc, corralling tracks from three previous CDs. Its specialty: leo haihai (falsetto).

Overview: Group founders Kuana Torres and Kehau Tamure remain, and the sweet voice of departed member Keao Costra is heard here in a spirited stroll down memory lane. With roots in Hilo, the "Hilo Medley — Mahalo E Hilo Hanakai /Hilo" touches a nerve. "Ke Anu O Waimea" typifies the easy-flowing kanikapila spirit.

3 stars

Na Na Pua Lei A Pauahui

Hawaiian/world

Overview: The Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus, led by Lynell Bright, is a fountain for Island mele. Bound by the traditions of the Kapalama campus, these are the voices of the children of Pauahi, the princess who founded the school, whose students are of Native Hawaiian descent. The choir is comprised of keiki o ka 'aina 9 through 12 — thus, the cherubic, youthful verve in a splendid specimen of traditional Hawaiian, the classics, contemporary newbies. Sung in English and in Hawaiian, the fare includes a thematic "We Send This Aloha to You," "Alu Like," "Hawaii Ponoí," "Ke Aloha O Ka Haku (Queen's Prayer)," "Hawaii Aloha" and "Hallelujah Chorus." Sing along, hula or simply listen — this is joyful stuff.

4 stars