|
Review by John Berger
Island Mele
by John Berger
(from the Honolulu Star Bulletin 1/23/98)
Bask in ‘Summer’
perfection……….
Review: Land
of the Endless Summer
Cindy Combs (formerly on Better Days Records now on Moonrise
Music)
Cindy Combs
was best known until now as the composer of several hits
for Olomana in the 1970s. This perfect album redefines
her as a seductive vocalist and accomplished guitarist.
Five of the songs are originals by Combs; producer Berry
Andelin contributed two more.
The arrangements are relatively simple but beautifully
thought out in creating a varied palette of moods and
tempos. Each is a polished gem. Combs’ acoustic
guitar and Bruce Hamada’s bass are the primary instruments;
other instruments are used sparingly and with excellent
results. The total absence of synthetic strings and the
other archetypical clichés of typical recordings
is particularly welcome. There are no lame remakes or
slapdash filler numbers either.
Few remakes ever compare to the definitive recording but
Combs’ rendition of “Ei Nei” is one
of those rarities. It offers an imaginative new perspective
on the song and displays her talents as well.
Song lyrics, English-language translations and performance
credits complete this perfect musical portrait.
| 
