Island Mele-The Honolulu Star Bulletin John Berger Island Mele Saturday, May 14, 2005 "Revelations" Michael Chock (Sugartown) Chock played Top 40 music as a member of Greenwood back in the 1970s, but makes his debut here as a singer/songwriter with this album of Christian music. Almost all of the songs are originals, in some cases, Chock wrote new melodies for existing lyrics. He also played acoustic guitar and trombone, as well as doing most of the singing. Co-producer Aaron Aranita provides the reeds, winds, bass, percussion and synth strings. Most locally written Christian music puts "the Word" ahead of rhyme, rhythm and meter, so it's of primary interest to other members of the congregation. Some of Chock's writing is of this kind, and Aranita's arrangements are sometimes more than his synthesizers are capable of, but the two come up with some interesting ideas. For instance, reworking "Amazing Grace" as jazz and setting the familiar lyrics to a new melody pays off amazingly well. Aranita also blends acoustic instruments and synthesizers on the uptempo "Give Thanks." Posted on: Sunday, May 22, 2005 ISLAND SOUNDS By Wayne Harada Advertiser Entertainment Writer And original religious material, with jazz undercurrents, is amazingly graceful. Listen up. "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.