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Wayne Harada reviews Faith's CD on Hawaii.com

Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

Distinguishing notes: Faith Ako is a San Francisco-based Hawaiian artist who left the Islands 22 years ago. Based on her sound, she is the model of the "you can take the Hawaiian girl out of the country, but you can't take the Hawaiian out of the girl" stereotype.

Indeed, she launched this CD earlier this year at Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, Calif., sold out the place and since has become the spirit of aloha among those who admire her.

She tackles a range of Island favorites, from Dennis Kamakahi's "Koke'e" to Edith Kanaka'ole's "Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai," and imparts her own style and specialness to each. A medley of Kaua'i tunes makes one yearn to visit the Garden Isle. Other mele work magically in her hands: "Papalina Lahilahi," "Hilo One," "Miloli'i."

Ako has fun with "'Uwehe 'Ami and Slide," a yesteryear hit by Teresa Bright and Steve Mai'i, and she even pays tribute to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, whose vocal imprints are all over "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World," radiating with Hawaiian warmth. With Bruddah Iz's arrangement, 'ukulele accompaniment and stylistic delivery, right down to the "chiminey" tops.

The CD neglects to list "You Make It Hard," the Kalapana tune, which is the final cut on the disc, a duet with Tarvin, who is credited on the liner notes.

Our take: Ako retains the faith and aloha of Island music and remains connected to her culture, even from afar.

John Berger of the Star Bulletin reviews Faith's CD in his column Island Mele

Expatriate islander Faith Ako writes in the liner notes of her debut album that she embraced Hawaiian music after moving to the mainland, and that she's dreamed or years of recording these songs. Bravo! Ako has a lovely voice, and producer Tarvin Makia wisely emphasizes traditional Hawaiian instruments over electronic keyboards and synthesizers.

Ako excels at doing Hawaiian standards in traditional nahenahe (soft, melodious) style. "Papalina Lahilani" and "Pua 'Ahihi" are two of her best choices. Both are beautifully done.

She also pays homage to Steve & Teresa with a conventional halau-friendly remake of " 'Uwehe 'Ami and Slide," and does an outstanding job on a gorgeous medley of three hapa-haole songs that celebrate the beauty of Kauai.

She includes the text and translation of the chant that opens the album, but alas, not for the one original song in the collection. And it must be the "dream come true" thing that inspired her to record acoustic IZ-style takes on "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World."

An unlisted "ghost track" recording of "You Make It Hard," recorded with a second unidentified vocalist, ends the album on an enigmatic note.