Island Sounds by Wayne Harada

Here's the Honolulu Advertiser's Island Sounds section by Wayne Harada that reviews the CD "Revelations".

Posted on: Sunday, May 22, 2005

ISLAND SOUNDS

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Original religious material, with jazz undercurrents, is amazingly graceful.


"REVELATIONS" by Michael Chock, with Aaron Aranita; Sugartown Records

• Genre: Religious, jazz.

• Distinguishing notes: Michael Chock, who plays trombone and acoustic guitar here (as well as sing lead vocals), has composed a batch of tunes that obviously combine two passions jazz and religion. With Aaron Aranita, who plays everything from sax to keyboards and bass to percussion, the disc is a harmonic new-age look at two conventional genres that also embrace the vocals of Gail Mack and electric guitarist Joe Siababa. "Rejoice," "I Will Worship You," "Give Thanks: and "Joy" are inspirational originals that have that cool jazz undercoat. "Amazing Grace," the ageless hymn, perhaps best exemplifies Chock's hybrid — mellow, bluesy, still reverential; with new music set to familiar lyrics.

• The outlook: Limited appeal, but enough invention to lure the curious — or even the devoted.

• Our take: Amazingly graceful excursion, and one that's easy to worship. "Call to Worship" by Michael Chock. Audio sample available in mp3 format.




Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, or fax 525-8055.

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