Owana Salazar - Singer, Slack Key & Steel Guitarist

Jazzed-up Hawaiiana from Owana Salazar

A Hawaiian songbird connects the dots, fusing vintage Island tunes with a splendid jazz seasoning.

ISLAND SOUNDS
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Honolulu Advertiser
Sunday, April 25, 2004

"HULA JAZZ" by Owana Salazar; Moonbow Records

Genre: Hawaiian with a jazz flavor.

Distinguishing notes: Owana Salazar is an acknowledged Hawaiian favorite, generally sticking to a traditional Hawaiian songlist. Here, she embarks on a delightful, lilting journey, marrying her love for Hawaiian music with her appreciation for jazz. Think Richard Kauhi meeting Herb Hancock, shaking hands with Teresa Bright and, well, even Ethel Azama — folks who have been pioneers in their own little ways. Salazar is in that league, with a revealing and resonating songbook that includes vintage tunes (hapa-haole as well as traditional Hawaiian titles) that suit the matrimony.

Listen to the sultry syncopation of her original title song, along with the nostalgic reflections of "Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi," "South Seas Sadie," "Kainoa," "Pretty Red Hibiscus," "A Song of Old Hawai'i," and "E Mau."

The outlook: Not an original concept but a smartly executed one, with satisfaction guaranteed.

Our take: Could be Salazar's biggest endeavor yet — with broad appeal over wider demographics than mainstream Hawaiiana.

"Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi" by Owana Salazar. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

Original document: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Apr/25/il/il05a.html/?print=on