The Pahinui Bros. “The Pahinui Bros” ...

The Pahinui Bros. “The Pahinui Bros” Private Music

It isn’t fair to call the Pahinui Bros. Hawaii’s answer to the Neville Brothers but the two family bands excel in similar ways. Just as New Orleans’ Nevilles start with a core tradition (R&B;) and branch out with wide-ranging interests, so the Pahinuis are devoted keepers of tradition seeking new combinations, new approaches. Martin, Cyril and James (Bla) Pahinui are sons of the late Gabby Pahinui, one of the most influential Hawaiian guitarists and singers. Sometimes with famous mainlanders’ help (Ry Cooder, David Lindley, Dwight Yoakam, Jim Keltner and Van Dyke Parks all make appearances), sometimes as a self-contained trio, they deliver the lovely, wafting sound and earthy harmonies of their island heritage but also forge links between that and other pop styles. In their island-hopping version of John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy,” for instance, the lazy Hawaiian “slack key” guitar sound marries a relaxed Jamaican beat with winning results. “The Pahinui Bros.” is not just a genre exercise but an inviting and restorative experience.