"UKULELE JAZZ" BY BENNY CHONG; MUSIC BEN PRODUCTIONS

• Genre: 'Ukulele instrumentals.
• Distinguishing notes: Over the years, Benny Chong has been many things to many people. Guitarist with The Aliis for many years; musician with Don Ho in more recent times; a closet 'uke soloist to his family. Now he's "outed," with an impressive, if simple, serenade of solo and ensemble strumming, on a patchwork of tunes that ultimately forms a quiltwork of his livelihood. His touch and his sound blend harmoniously as Chong sashays from one genre to another, tackling Broadway favorites ("Happy Talk," "Summertime"), world classics ("Meditation," "Night in Tunisia"), pop titles ("Cry Me a River," "Spicks and Specks") and Hawaiiana ("Ka Wailele O' Nu'uanu," which he adores so much, he includes a rhapsodic ensemble version along with an intimate solo rendering). Listen to his phrasing, his handiwork; he's up there with the more established faves of the day.
• The outlook: Underrated and under the radar for years, Chong's coming-out party should be welcomed enthusiastically. This, clearly, is a belated labor of love.
• Our take: Chong delivers a bull's-eye.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com .