Lorna Lim is doubly-blessed – she possesses one of the most beautiful voices in Hawaiian music, and was raised in one of Hawai‘i best known and gifted music and hula families. Her latest release, Polinahe, reflects her strong roots in both the Hawaiian music and hula traditions.

Polinahe contains Lorna’s signature vocal stylings on many Hawaiian standards, such as Hula ‘O Makee, ‘Alekoki, I Aloha ‘Ia Nō ‘O Kanaio, and an exquisite rendition of Lena Machado’s “Aloha Nō.” It also includes some new compositions. While the CD jacket lacks lyrics and translations, the lyrics can be found on the Palm Records website, along with audio samples of each track. The background instrumentation is sparse and tasteful – just enough to support and not detract from Lorna’s vocals.

We can only hope that this new release is the first of many to come from this gifted songstress.

Cody Pueo Pata has two full CDs to his credit, 2001′s “E Ho‘i Nā Wai” and “He Aloha…”, released in 2007. The latter CD garnered Pata the prestigious Haku Mele Award at the 2008 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards for his composition “Mili‘ōpua”.

Pata follows up with his third CD, “Mo‘ohana”, a mini-release containing only six songs. While lacking in quantity of recordings, “Mo‘ohana“ does not lack in quality of either song or performance. Pata shows off the versatility of his voice by performing in chant style, and while he eschews falsetto on most of this recording, he shows he is as equally gifted when singing in full voice. His carefully chosen uses of falsetto and the ha‘i enhance the songs meanings beautifully. Two strong original compositions, Ho‘i I Ka Piko and Mele Mahalo are well supported by refreshing interpretations of traditional melee.

In the brief liner notes, Pata defines the meaning of “mo‘ohana” as tradition – a succession or series of actions, deeds and behaviors – and declares that tradition as right, privilege and a responsibility. He has certainly carried out his responsibility well.