Reviewed by Stella Redburn

Ben and Maila have been performing together for over 16 years. They perform at weddings throughout Hawaii and are highly rated there. I liked the relaxed feel-good atmosphere of these tracks - just right for a wedding party. The quintessential Hawaiian summer sound is what I love about this album. They have both got attractive voices, heard to advantage over a small band here. Over half the tracks are home-grown and these are my favourites. The happy, ingenuous sound of "Cruisin' Round The Island", the romantic waltz of "Lilinoe" with its assured use of chord changes, the sultry ballad "E Nani E" and the extremely strong "Maile Lei", all invite repeat listening. Maila gives us a charming version of the 1931 "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" and the slide guitar adds a bit more country in their "Pili Mau Me 'Oe". If you've a taste for Hawaiian-tinged easy listening you will want to check this one out.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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