NA LANI EHA, Patrons of Hawaiian Music & Culture

Excerpted from the Hawaii Music Hall of Fame & Museum site:

David Kalakaua (1836-1891)

The eldest of the four, David Kalakaua, elected King in 1873, is generally regarded as the catalyst for Hawai`i's cultural resurgence in the last half of the 19th century. Considered a "cultured intellectual of unusual mental powers" by his friend, Robert Louis Stevenson, Kalakaua was gifted in many fields from politics and sports to literature and music. King Kalakaua gave his chief patronage to music, from ancient chant to the waltz, and was actively involved in restoring public performance of the hula. The Merry Monarch Hula Festival, presented annually in Hilo, Hawai`i was named in his honor.

William Leleiohoku (1854-1877)

The youngest of "The Heavenly Four", Prince Leleiohoku was said by his sister, Lili`uokalani to have a talent for composition "really in advance" of the two princesses. He founded the Kawaihao Singing Club and soon he and his colleagues were winning most of the royal song club competitions. Even outside the family, many claimed that he had one of the purest and sweetest male voices among native Hawaiians. Leleiohoku was considered the most talented of the royal composers. Had he not died of rheumatic fever at age 23, his abundant talent promised that his would have been a brilliant musical career.

Lili`uokalani (1838-1917)

Lili`u, as she was known to friends and family, began her formal musical training when she entered the missionary-sponsored Chief's Children's School at age 4. A serious and talented student, Lili`u was able to sight read music at a very early age, according to her autobiography. She was often asked by her teacher to introduce a new song to the class; Lili`u would then sing it by following the notes on the score until the class learned it by ear.

Miriam Likelike (1851-1887).

Unlike her brothers and sister, Princess Likelike was raised in Hilo, Hawai`i. It was after her return to Honolulu as a teenager, that her musical endeavors began in earnest, encouraged by Kalakaua, Lili`uokalani, Leleiohoku, and later by her husband Archibald S. Cleghorn, whom she married in 1870. With her sister, she led one of the three royal music clubs that held regular friendly competitions to outdo each other in song and poetry.

HAWAIIAN PROPHETS AND CHANTERS

Excerpted from the Hawaii Music Hall of Fame & Museum site:

Hawaiian Prophets And Chanters

Chant was the basic form of musical expression prior to the arrival of Europeans to the Hawaiian Islands. The bards and poets of old Hawai`i, not having a written language, composed mele to be committed to memory, narrating the events and history of their time.

Chants of Prophecy

In the old days in Hawai`i, prophetic utterances (Mele Wanana) and hidden sayings ('Olelo Huna) were relied on and the words of the Kaula fully believed in. These chants of prophecy were declarations of the Kaula (prophet) made beforehand of what is to be, which was known by its fulfillment.

The chants foretold future events, declaring the will of the gods. No chief or ruler of a kingdom would disregard the words of the prophets and those possessed by an `aumakua or by the ancestors. Their direction was always right.

The kapu (sacredness) and mana (power) of the mele lie in the text of the chant: its `olelo (words). The importance of words is expressed the proverb

I ka `olelo no ke ola; I ka `olelo no ka make
(In the Word is Life; in the Word is Death)


Excerpted from Hawaii Music Hall of Fame:

2000 Hall of Fame Honorees The Oldest Cherished Kahuna Nui and Prophets Honored

Keaulumoku (1716-1784)

Keaulumoku, the first, and perhaps the oldest known chanter to be inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame, was born at Naohaku, Kohala, Hawai`i. From his youth he wandered among the hills and vast, desolate lava fields, communing there with the spirits.

Human society seemed very small to him after daily contemplation of the ocean and mountain majesties and the nightly vision of the stars. As the future opened to him, he was always willing to read it for comfort or warning to his people. He was known on all the Islands and it was safe for him to travel anywhere. The only physical description of Keaulumoku is the occasion of his last prophecy, when he was the advanced age of 62. His eyes were bright, but his form was bent and his white hair and beard swept his shoulders. He began his chant with tremulous tones, gaining strength as his voice rose like the wind sweeping through the mountain gorges singing the chant of Haui ka Lani. He foretold the union of the islands under Kamehameha, the extinction of the monarchy, the domination of the white race, the destruction of the temples, the probably extinction of the Hawaiian people.

Ka`opulupulu (Circa 1773)

Around 1773, when Kahahana ruled O`ahu, Ka`opulupulu, a kahuna nui (chanter priest) and prophet advised against making a gift of the lands of Kualoa, O`ahu to the ruler's uncle, Kahekili, Chief of Maui. The prophet said "oh Chief, if you give away these things your authority will be lost, and you will cease to be ruler." Ka`opulupule told the ruler that it would be wrong to cede to another the national emblems of sovereignty and independence. (Had Kahahana obtained the kingdom by conquest, he could do as he liked, but he had been chosen to rule by the O`ahu chiefs.)

The prophet argued "To Kualoa belong the sacred drums of Kapahu`ulu, and the spring of Ka`ahu`ula, the sacred hill of Kauakahi-A-Kaho`owaha. The surrender of the ivory that drifts ashore (Palaoa-pae) would be a disrespect to the gods, relinquishing power to Kahekili.

Kahekili was intent on destroying the prophet's influence, and so declared Ka`opulupulu a traitor. The ruler's argument was that if the prophet was willing to die, the gods would avenge him by bringing death to his murderers, and overthrowing the rule of the chief who had condemned him.

Both Ka`opulupulu and his son agreed to die. The kahuna nui was killed at the edge of the sea at Pu`uloa about 1782, his son at Wai`anae.

It is interesting to note that Ka`opulupulu also prophesied that white men would become rulers, the native population would live landless like fishes of the sea, the line of chiefs would come to an end, and a stubborn generation would succeed them who would cause the native race to dwindle.

Kapoukahi

When Kamehameha the Great could not wrest the rule of the Island of Hawai`i from his cousin, Keoua Ku`ahu`ula, he sent Ha`alo`u, the grandmother of his wife, Ka`ahumanu, to consult Kapoukahi. The priest was living at Kamoku, Waikiki.

Kapoukahi was skilled in reading signs and omens. Ha`alo`u offered the genealogy of her grandmother in exchange for a blessing for Kamehemeha; she asked for the prophet to tell her how Kamehameha could gain rule over all the Islands of Hawai`i.

Kapoukahi told her to have her son-in-law build a great house for his god at Pu`ukohola, and mark out its boundaries. "If he makes this house, he can gain the kingdom without a scratch to his own skin."

The prophecy he is said to have uttered was "war shall cease on Hawai`i when one shall come and shall be laid above on the altar (lele) of Pu`ukohol'a, the House of God." The death of Kamehameha's cousin came in 1791. Keoua Ku`ahu`ula was placed on the altar in the Heiau of Pu`ukohola, and the whole of Hawai`i became Kamehameha's, as predicted by Kapoukahi.

Kapihe

In 1813, shortly after Kamehameha's second son was stillborn, Chief Kaikio`ewa arrived with his prophet, Kapihe (also called Kamaloihi). Kapihe said "the child will not die, he will live."

The baby, Kauikeaouli, was cleaned and laid on a consecrated place. Kapihe took a fan (pe`ahi), fanned the child, prayed and sprinkled Kauikeaouli with water. At the same time, he recited a prayer addressed to Ka`ohohiokala (similar to the Child of God). The baby began to move and make sounds, and soon came to life.

Most interesting of all was Kapihe's prophecy, spoken about three years before Christian missionaries arrived in the Hawaiian Islands with bibles and scriptures:

"The ancient kapu will be overthrown, the heiau and lele altars will be overthrown, and the images will fall down. God will be in the heavens; the Islands will unite, the chiefs will fall, and those of the earth (the lesser people) will rise." Like the prophecy of Ka`opulupulu, it seemed to foretell the coming of foreigners. Strangest of all was the saying about the downfall of the kapu (taboo), for there was no suggestion of this in earlier Hawaiian history.

Hewahewa

The last High Priest under the old religion, Hewahea served as kahuna for both Kamehameha I (The Great), and Liholiho (Kamehameha II). Upon the death of Kamehameha I in 1819, Hewahewa. along with Queen Regent Ka`ahumanu and Keopuolani succeeding in breaking the ancient kapu system.

In 1820, the American missionaries arrived at Kailua (Kona) Hawai`i. Hewahewa expressed "much satisfaction in meeting with a brother priest from America", the Reverend Hiram Bingham. Hewahewa became a devout Christian and composed a prayer which antedated the use of The Lord's Prayer in Hawai`i. In part, it spoke of "Jehovah, a visitor from the skies" thus putting a name to the god whom Kapihe, before him, had predicted as "god will be in the heavens".

History Of Hawaiian Chant

Before 1819, a chanter was a central figure in Hawaiian Society, chosen by birthright and by vocal quality, assessed by an intricate vocabulary of sound patterns unique to Hawaiian chant. Especially significant in pre-contact Hawai`i were chants that recounted the genealogy of an individual, and the Kumulipo, the Creation chant. These chants, passed down and sung from memory, were the only way in which history and mythology could be recorded and taught.

For traditional Hawaiians, chant continues to represent "deep physical and spiritual union in humankind and our relationship to nature." Its sacredness and power lie in the text of the chant, called `olelo.

Today, many chants are more secular in nature; a chanter may be called upon to prepare and sing a mele inoa in praise of an individual bearing a certain name, rather than chanting a genealogy which covers a person's ancestry from the beginning of time. Celebrations of special events and historic meetings are often opened with chanted prayers and greetings.

With the resurgent interest in preserving Hawai`i's culture, the art and skill of Hawaiian chants are once more being learned by Hawaiian schoolchildren; many new mele oli and mele hula are being composed and performed.

Forms of Chant

Chanting was a common form of communication among ka po`e kahiko (the people of old). The chants expressed their thoughts, desires and emotions.

Chant may be performed in one of two different styles: as oli or as hula.

Oli is chant not danced to, with prolonged phrases uttered in a single breath often with a trill (i`i) ending each phrase. Ke oli is the chant and mea oli is the chanter.

• O: to call for a thing desired; to answer to a call
• LI: spirit; that which is spiritual, pertaining to the spirit; the inherent spirit within the soul.

Mele is poem, chant of any kind, or song.

References

Hawaiian Music and Musicians, George S. Kanahele, Editor
An Account of the Polynesian Race, Abraham Fornander
Ruling Chiefs of Hawai`i and Ka Po`e Kahiko, Samuel M. Kamakau
The Echo of our Song, Mary Kawena Pukui & Alfons L. Korn
Kahunas, Master of Black Art, J.S. Emerson (read before the Social Science Ass'n, 1916)

Hawaiian Musicians

1-10

101 STRINGS

Song: Beyond the reef

2 LOCAL BOYZ (SEE 3 LOCAL BOYZ)

3D

- Website of 3D. As individuals David "Kawika" Kahiapo, Del Beazly, and Dwight Kana'e are forces in the tranditional and contemporary Hawaiian music scene. Together they blend seamlessly, leading the listener to believe that they have worked together for many years. Their debut collaboration, In Living Color features Hawaiian standards, new compositions, as well as pop classics such as James Taylor's Fire and Rain and Jim Croce's Time In A Bottle. All songs feature exemplary guitar work, outstanding vocals, and innovative arrangments. We invite you to relax and enjoy the nahenahe sounds of this talented trio.

3 LOCAL BOYS (Broken Link)

Comedy: Now "2 Local Boys".

Song: I'm a Filipino

3RD ROAD DELIGHT

3 SCOOPS OF ALOHA

- Promo - (Mel Amina, Brad Lindsey, Brian Callahan, Ben Mejia, Brian Bascar, Roy Hamada) Woman is Smarter; Sweet Lady of Waiahole...

Song: Sweet Lady of Waiahole

3 PLUS

SEE "THREE PLUS"

4 P.M. (Broken Link)

Song: Sukiyaki (It's all because of you)

45 Dash

"45 Dash" has spent the last three years performing around the state of Hawai`i, developing a loyal fan base. Now, with the release of their debut CD they are ready to take their musical career to the masses -- presenting a blend of island reggae and contemporary Hawaiian sounds.

5:05

Promo - Ben Vegas is 5:05's Lead Vocalist and plays both Electric and Acoustic Guitars. An original member of the Krush, Ben was once signed with United Artists and is now one of Hawaii's most sought after singers and studio musicians. Jonny Kamai is 5:05's Lead Guitarist and other Lead Vocalist (Jonny sings lead on "Thankful"). The newest member of 5:05, Jonny made his name with Jonny & the Dreamers. Blaise Sison plays Bass and also sings Background Vocals in 5:05. A first call studio bass player, Blaise has played with the best bands around Honolulu. Rod Esteban anchors the 5:05 rhythm section on Drums. He has played with Henry Kapono's Same World Band and more recently with the alternative rock band Absolute Fiction. Producer Lester Gantan plays Keyboards and sings Background Vocals in 5:05. Lester has worked with Glenn Medeiros, Smokey Robinson, Graham Nash, Charo, Cecilio & Kapono, Bruddah Waltah,Willy K, Kalapana, and Jon Basebase. SEE BEN VEGAS

96744

- Promo - 96744 (Dennis, Henry, Kainoa, Makena) "Livin' Country": All I have to do is dream; Homely girl

Song: Livin' Country

ACOUSTIC SOUL

(Mike Okouchi, Robb Shibayama) "Chapter One" 2002 -

'AHA PUNANA LEO

Not a group really but a compilation of the voices of teachers and students. A recognized and award winning resource for Hawaiian education. `Aha Punana Leo's first CD features various songs from `Aha Punana Leo curriculum videos -- great for adults and children, Hawaiian lyrics and translations to all songs are included in the liner notes. "`Ina`i" 1999//2001 Na Hoku Hanohano Award: Religious Album Hawaiian Language Performance ~Aunte `Ane Hi`ilani Kanahele and friends lift their voices in song to the heavens. This spiritual CD is a pleasing mix of prayer, Hawaiian language, and harmonious voices in the traditional Ni`ihau vocal style. "He makana heia mau memel mai ke Akua mai", writes Kanahele. "These songs are gifts from the Lord". Hawaiian lyrics (no translations) are included in the liner notes. "Na Himeni Ho`omaika`i I Ke Akua" 1999//2002 Na Hoku Hanohano Award: Religious Album of the Year Native Hawaiian voices resound on this CD, with Ni`ihau hymns sung by the students and teachers of Ke Kula Ni`ihau o Kekaha. Hawaiian lyrics (no translations) to all songs are included. "Na Leo O Ke Kula Ni`ihau O Kekaha" 2000//2002 Na Hoku Hanohano Award: Hawaiian Language Performance This CD is filled with songs from recently released `Aha Punana Leo curriculum videos. It's also a follow-up to the CD `Ina`i. Hawaiian lyrics and translations are included in the liner notes. "`Ina`i `Elua" 2000

AHIA

The Maui Ahia `ohana -- Conrad, Howard and Sam -- present their original compositions on this debut recording by the group. All of the songs were written & arranged by Sam Ahia (with the exception of an outstanding version of Jerry Santos "Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u"). Family members Howard, Conrad & Lisa join in on guitar & vocals. "Ukumehame" 1994

PETER AHIA

- Promo page ... Peter Sings. (1970)

SAM AHIA

DARLENE AHUNA

Promo page ..... announcement of her winning another Hoku award for best single. 1997 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Female Vocalist of the Year; 1996 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Liner Notes Award - Skylark Rosetti-Ota "Ulana Ke Aloha"

Song: Ke aloha pau'ole oe na'u

DENNIS AH YEK

GARY DUNCAN AIKO

Son of Genoa Keawe - Promo page ... "Mai Poina `Oe Ia`u (Don't Forget Me)".

Song: Medley - Ukulele lady, Honolulu lady, my little chickadee, yaka hula hickey dula

ALAN AKAKA AND THE ISLANDERS

Article

Lessons

President of Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association. "Hawai`i's Golden Treasures" 1996

JANEL AKANA

Song: Don't dream it's over

Song: Butch Starkey & Janel Akana - Ua mau (old man)

KEOLA AKANA

- Promo page ... Hawaiian Soul.

BILL AKAMUHOU

Article

William Akamuhou Dias was born in Nawiliwili, Kauai. In the 1930s he played with Rapoza Bros. in Kauai and then became a regular on Hawaii Calls in 1940. In the navy during the war, he formed a group called the Nautical Hawaiians, who gave a command performance for President Roosevelt at Pearl Harbor in 1944. Later, he performed at Queen's Surf, led the orchestra at the Royal from 1948 to 1953, when he became the highest paid entertainer in Hawaii. and on the radio. He was an accomplished musician, composer, singer, band leader and comic dancer. Among his compositions are 'Sing Hawaii Sing' and 'When Clouds Muffle the Moonbeams.' He was called the 'Hawaiian Scotsman' for his memorable rendition of the Sol K. Bright hit, wearing full Scottish regalia. Biographical material from Tony Todaro, The Golden Years of Hawaiian Entertainment (Tony Todaro Pub., 1974).

Song: Little Brown Gal

DIANA AKI

Promo

Composer: 1990 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner -- Haku Mele Winner: "Mana'o Pili", Diana Aki - Composer, Moments With You, Diane Aki

MATTHEW AKIONA

Article

Maui singer.

AKIONI (MALACAS)

- Promo page ... Da Palapalai Patch. Winner of the Kindy Sproat Falsetto Contest, held annually on the big island of Hawai`i.

Song: Mokuoeo

FAITH THOMPSON AKO

One of Bay area's top noted female artists, Sista Faith. Born and raised on the North Shore of Oahu she has made Northern California her home for over a decade.

ALAKA'I

- Promo page ... James Judd, Stewart Kawakami, Kuhio Yim.

ALA NUI

- Promo page ... (Analu Aina, Mel Amina, Del Beazley, John Cruz, Ernie Cruz, Jr., Kaipo Deguair, Ken Makuakane) SEE INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS "Ala Nui".

ALAPAKI (Al Terry)

Al Terry, aka Alapaki, is one of Maui's most popular performers.

Song: Soft Green Seas

'ALE'A

Promo - 2001 Na Hoku HanohanoAwards: Most Promising New Artist Group of the Year; Island Contemporary Album of the Year; Haku Mele: "Mapu Mau Ke `Ala" composed by Julian Ako (Ryan Gonzales, Kale Hannahs, Kala`i Stern, Chad Takatsugi) "Take Me Home" 2000; Their first CD earned `Ale`a eight Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 2001 -- and this album has the potential to bring them more awards next year. Liner notes include lyrics. (Ryan Gonzalez, Kale Hannah, Chad Takatsugi) "Origins" 2002 --- Homepage of Ale'a. "Take Me Home", the debut CD by the band 'Ale'a is now in stores. Wayne Harada of the Honolulu Advertiser writes: "'Ale'a, a new foursome whose name means "sweet-voiced." Think Makaha Sons, but younger; think Ho'okena, but more hapa-haole than traditional. Think hot." Kalai Stern, Ryan Gonzalez, Chad Takatsugi, Kale Hannahs.

Song: Hapa haole girl of my dreams

JOHNNY KAMEAALOHA ALEMEIDA

Dean of Hawaiian musicians. Excerpted from HUAPALA: Almeida, John Kameaaloha - the Dean of Hawaiian music was a blind composer, musician, vocalist, entertainer, and teacher. He was born under a bush while his mother was gathering maile in Pauoa Valley. His blindness was attributed to the maile sap. His compositions, at least 300, mostly inspired by women, were songs of love and romance, and enhanced his reputation as a casanova. BORN: Honolulu, Oahu - Nov. 28, 1897 PARENTS: Julia Kamaka & John C. Almeida EDUCATION: 6th grade MARRIED: Elizabeth Nahaku - Sept. 3, 1919 SON: Charleston Puaonaona Excerpted from Hawaii Music Hall of Fame John Kameaaloha Almeida (1897-1985)

A prolific composer of 300 songs, many of them Hawaiian language "standards" today, John K. Almeida was ranked among the top composers of Hawaiian songs. He was regarded as Hawai`i's premier blind musician. His defective eyesight from birth and blindness by age ten were determined to be the result of the poisonous maile bush sap. His mother had no time to cleanse her hands before delivering him, alone, on a Pauoha Valley hillside, where she was gathering fragrant maile for leis on the day he was born.

At age four, Johnny Almeida was already active in church and school choirs and organized his own "Waianae Star Glee Club" at age 15. (This group later became "Johnny Almeida's Hawaiians.") As a vocalist, his falsetto voice has been described as "one of the sweetest and highest". He thrilled audiences with his clear high G and A in such solo favorites as "Wahine U`i" and "Waikapu".

Throughout his long career, he was almost never without a band of his own, and as an instrumentalist had few peers. Considered probably the last of the Hawaiian mandolin players, Johnny Almeida had also mastered `ukulele, guitar, steel guitar, string bass and piano by the time he was 25. From 1922-1927, he was chief musician on Matson Lines ships sailing between Hawai`i and the West Coast, and in the 1930s hosted a popular Hawaiian music half hour on Honolulu's KGU radio.

It was through his radio shows that he was given the title "Dean of Hawaiian Music". He used radio effectively to discover new talent, and was instrumental in launching the careers of singers Bill Lincoln and Genoa Keawe, and steel guitarists Billy Hew Len and David Keli`i. Johnny Almeida also left his mark as a teacher and recording artist for 49th State Records, a company he helped to form.

Today, Johnny Almeida is best remembered for his characteristically Hawaiian melodies. He said his song ideas came to him in dreams at night, or when he was outdoors. The popular "Green Rose Hula", "Green Carnation", "Panini Pua Kea" and "Noho Paipai" were written for hula. Other songs, now standards, are "Maile Swing", "A `Oia" and "Ku`uipo Pua Rose". He wrote many songs about flowers (for he loved beauty and beautiful women).

PUA ALEMEIDA

Son of Johnny Alameida. -- Excerpted from Hapa-haole songs: Charleston Puaonaona Almeida was born in Honolulu into what would become one of Hawaii's great musical families. Under the guidance of his father John, Pua became a virtuoso steel guitarist, composer, arranger, singer, band leader and consumate musician. He played all the local clubs before the war--Pago Pago, Ramona Cafe, then USO shows with Buddy Peterson and Randy Oness, and work on radio station KGMB. After 1945, he performed at the Moana Banyan Court for a dozen years with his group The Sunset Serenaders, and performed on Hawaii Calls for 17 years.

Pua, like Alfred Apaka, had a bad heart, and passed away in 1974, one of the mostly unsung greats of Hawaiian music in the 20th century. His generosity and humility as a performer, friend and mentor led many others on to greatness. Fortunately, many of his hundreds of recordings live on.

Biographical material from Tony Todaro, The Golden Years of Hawaiian Entertainment (Tony Todaro Pub., 1974).

ALI'IS

- Promo page ... 1982 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Single of the Year - "You Are the Best of My Life" b/w "Feelings" Contemporary Album of the Year THE ALII'S "The Alii's" 1981 ... SMOOTH SOUNDS...

Song: Maka Hilahila

ALI'I MANU

"He Makana O Aloha ~ A Gift of Love" 2001; "For A Peaceful World ~ No Ka Honua Maluhia" 2001

ALIKA (SIMPSON)

WILLIAM "BABA" ALIMOOT

- Promo page ... William "Baba" Alimoot has been singing and playing Hawaiian music for over twenty years now. From Waikiki showrooms, to Disneyworld in Florida; from concert halls in Japan, to backyards across Hawai`i. Baba has been sharing his love of Hawaiian music all over the world. With this debut CD, Baba is finally able to showcase all of talents -- singing, arranging, and playing guitar, bass and `ukulele. ...

ELBERT "EDDIE" ALKIRE

Steel Guitarist. 1983 Inductee into HSGA Hall of Fame.

ALLEGRO CHAMBER MUSIC OF HAWAII

HENRY KALEIALOHA ALLEN

Henry Allen is one of Maui's premier steel guitar players. Promo page.. "The Magic of Steel Guitar" (1994); "Blue Hawai`i" (1995); "Memories of Hawai`i - Series One" -- Steel Guitar to da max....

KEAHI ALLEN

"Na Kumu Hula: Songs From the Source Volume II" by various artists (State Council on Hawaiian Heritage) Winner: Compilation (producer's award): Keahi Allen -- The State Council on Hawaiian Heritage helps perpetuate Hawaiian as a living language and preserve what remains of pre-contact culture. Some of the kumu hula here present pure chant and percussion. Others use instruments and musical traditions of European origin including modern synthetic effects.

ALOHA

With every movement there is a prominent female figure in the front lines. As Sade is to world music, Lauryn Hill is to urban soul, and Selena is to Tejano, Aloha is to Island music. Her smooth sensual voice has the capacity to generate a major impression on the world stage. Aloha’s debut album entitled “Take Me Home”, displays her versatility as a singer/ songwriter, at the same time reflecting her warm and loving persona.

ALOHA ISLANDERS (Broken Link)

Utah based. Bill Keoniana Kelly - Ned Aikau - Kimo Po ai - Ben Namahoe - Danny Baclayon - Bruce Meyers - Keawe Enos - David Kekuaokalani - Peter Hanohano - Ezekial Kamai - Gayle Mori Andrews

ALOHA FRIDAY BAND

Promo page.. "Aloha Friday, No Work Till Monday (single)" 1996

Song: Kimo Kahoano & Paul Natto - Aloha Friday no work till Monday

ALOHA PLENTY (Doug & Sandy McMaster)

Hanalei Sunset

- Doug & Sandy McMaster. Smooth slack key guitar. From Kahalui.

Song: Hanalei Sunset

ALOHA PUMEHANA SERENADERS

Promo page.. Featuring the amazing falsetto of the late Darrell Lupenui, this album of treasured hula songs is a joy to see again, now exquisitely remastered into CD format. (1976) (Darrell Lupenui, Wendell Silva, Lanakila Manini, Ainsley Halemanu)

ALFRED UNAUNA 'ALOHIKEA

Extracted from HUAPALA: Alohikea, Alfred Unauna - the composer laureate of Kauai was described as one of the best entertainers of his time. A self-taught musician, who could neither read nor write music, he played ukulele, guitar, bass, and saxophone, but is best remembered as a singer, a rich and powerful baritone. BORN: Waipi`o, Hawaii - Sept. 10, 1884 DIED: Sept. 15, 1936 PARENTS: Lucy Koi`i & William E. Alohikea MARRIED: Elizabeth Kahau, Alice Namilionalani Keanini - 1921 CHILDREN: Lulu, Moses

IRMGARD FARDEN ALULI: Music Catalog

Promo page -- One of the grand ladies of Hawaiian music...and Auntie's still performing!!! 1999 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Anthology Album of the Year Auntie Irmgard Keali`iwahinealohaNohokahaoPuamana Farden `Aluli is rooted deeply in Pu`unoa, Mala, Lahaina (Maui) where she was born on October 7, 1911. The ninth child of thirteen, her roots extended as she grew and took a firm hold in family life, music, education and religion. She is now our last link to the great Hawaiian music composers who have passed on: Mary Kawena Puku`i, Johnny Almeida, Alice Namakelua, Charles E. King, and so on. (Liner notes contain lyrics and translations) AUNTIE IRMGARD & PUAMANA (Irmgard `Aluli, Luana McKenney, `A`ima McManus, Mihana Souza)

Excerpted from Hawaii Music Hall of Fame 1998 Hall of Fame Honoree Irmgard Farden Aluli (1911- 2001)

The most prolific female Hawaiian composer since Queen Lili`uokalani, Irmgard Aluli has written over 200 songs. She is still counting, as she never bothered to keep a record of her output. She wrote her first composition, "Down on Maunakea Street", in 1935.

Irmgard's first hit song, "Puamana", was composed in 1937. Homesick for her Farden family home, Puamana, in Lahaina, Maui, she composed her song while serving in Moloka`i as a field agent for the University of Hawai`i Agricultural Extension Service. In time, it became the name of her well-known family quartet, formed in the 1970s. Irmgard, her daughters Mihana and Aima and her neice Luana have performed from California to New York, and remain "on call" for major celebrations and public concerts in Hawai`i. One of ten children, Irmgard was raised in an environment of music. Her parents, sisters, brothers and numerous relatives were all gifted with musical talent. Long before she began composing tunes and writing lyrics, Irmgard was singing in family music sessions, at school, and in church choirs. It was through these activities she developed her strong alto voice, and learned to play `ukulele, bass, guitar and piano. She credits her ability to "feel harmony" as a result of many hours improvising harmonies with her brothers and sisters to sheet music brought home from school.

Many have ranked Irmgard's "E maliu Mai" as her best song. She wrote it in the 1950's as an alternative to Charles E. King's "Ke Kali Nei Au" which she felt was worn from use. The romantic feeling of King's classic is retained in Irmgard's simple short version by use of the echo effect of a love call. Other memorable standards are "Lapahoehoe Hula" (Boy from Lapahoehoe), for which Irmgard composed the music, and Kawena Pukui wrote the lyrics. "Baby Kalai" was written in 1943 for the Baby Lu`au of the first Aluli grandchild born into her husband's family. Both songs are still being performed and recorded.

"Auntie Irmgard" as she is called today, also composed many songs touching on a spiritual theme. Her children's songs have distinguished her in the small group of Island composers, mostly women, who have written Hawaiian songs for children. Noted Hawaiian music teacher and arranger, Dorothy Gillette, has said of Irmgard "(she) has created melodies that are singable and memorable." A recipient of many honors and awards for her "simple, distinctively Hawaiian" compositions, and her contributions to the music education of Hawai`i's children, Irmgard Aluli is a Living Treasure of Hawaiian music.

MEL AMINA

Promo page.. "Ku Ha`aheo Kakou, E Na Hawai`i" 1995 SEE 3 SCOOPS OF ALOHA AND ALA NUI

R. ALEX ANDERSON

Article

1998 Hawaii Music Hall of Fame Inductee

The Composer who Charmed Hawai`i and the World

Very few Hawaiian composers can claim as many "popular standards" translated into as many different languages as R. Alex Anderson. If you hear a familiar Hawaiian tune with English words chances are very good that Robert Alexander Anderson is the composer. In fact, during the Christmas holiday just past, you were probably among the thousands around the world who sang "Mele Kalikimaka" at least once.

R. Alex Anderson was born in Honolulu in 1894, and from high school on to his passing in 1995, composed nearly 200 songs. He was considered the "most Hawaiian" of the hapa haole composers. No Island composer had a longer career writing English lyric songs.

"Andy", as he was called by close friends, or "Alex" by those who simply felt close to him because of his music, wrote songs based on traditional Hawaiian themes telling of flowers, scenes, islands, seas, people, events and customs. His ear for the Hawaiian music's special sound and rhythm was exceptional, and he was regarded as a successor to Charles E. King in maintaining the melodic and lyrical qualities which are Hawai`i's musical identity

A prominent businessman by vocation, and a WWI veteran, Alex Anderson had no formal music training and spoke no Hawaiian, yet his compositions still give rise to dreams of Hawai`i as "paradise" for people all over the world. He called himself "a composer who writes without knowing the rules", and "wrote" most his lyrics "in my head". In addition to being a natural composer, he was also an original one who never consciously borrowed a tune.

His first composition, "Haole Hula", written in 1927, was a hit, and remained his personal favorite. Among the most familiar of his compositions are "Lovely Hula Hands", "Lei of Stars", "Coconut Island". He wrote "Cockeyed Mayor of Kaunakakai", in the 1930's for a party to fete movie star Warner Baxter. "White Ginger Blossoms" was written at the suggestion of film star Mary Pickford, and "I Will Remember You", while a student at Cornell University, homesick for his Island home. His most famous song, "Mele Kalikimaka", Hawai`i's Christmas song, went around the world on the back of Bing Crosby's recording of "White Christmas". Crosby, Andy Anderson's frequent visitor and golf partner, liked the tune so much when Andy played it for him that he surprised Anderson with the recording.

According to Pam Anderson, his daughter, the family still receives revenues every year from such favorites as "Mele Kalikimaka" and "Lovely Hula Hands" from all over the world: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Great Britain, Greece, Japan, Ireland.

Perhaps the best description of R. Alex Anderson's love for making music and for his homeland is found in two lines from "Haole Hula": "I love to dance and sing of the charms of Hawai`i, and from a joyful heart bring aloha to you." On this theme, R. Alex Anderson's life is described and photographed in a new book by Scott Stone, "From a Joyful Heart" due to be released (hopefully this year) by Island Heritage. Planned to be included with the book is a CD of twelve of R. Alex Anderson's best known songs ­ (again, hopefully) as sung and recorded by Andy himself, who had a fine voice and through his lifetime sang with quartets and groups around Honolulu.

R. Alex Anderson was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 1998. His biography and photos are found in the 1998 Hall of Fame koa-framed exhibit located in the Lawrence Newbold Brown room at Bishop Museum. VINCENT ANDRADA

ANELA (KAHIAMOE)

ANELAIKALANI (Brittney `Ânelaikalani Jennings)

Article

13-year-old falsetto singer who recently released her first album in 2000.

Song: Fireman's Hula

ANIVAS

Promo page.. Miriam Sam Samuelu is the beautiful voice featured on this debut release from Anivas. Singing the lead vocals and playing the keyboards, she presents the beautiful music of Samoa.

ANO

(Haku, Ikaika & Kamuela Kaho`ano)

DESMON ANTONE & BAMBU

Promo - Des & Bambu are performers at the Maui Marriott in Ka'anapali. it's evident that they've been playing together awahile, because their harmonies are tight and their instruments don't overpower each other.

ANUHEA (Broken Link)

Hawaiian backyard style.

Song: Palolo

ANUENUE

Promo -- From Lahaina, Maui comes the duo -- "Anuenue" -- with some special guests, too. An all-instrumental...heavily influenced by the great old recordings of Martin Denny, Jerry Byrd, Arthur Lyman and that whole 1950's exotica-lounge crowd. Perfect background music for your next gathering! (Chet McCracken, Chris Pinnick) "North Shore Dream" 1997

ALFRED 'AHOLO APAKA

Promo page - Alfred Apaka the Golden Voice of Hawaii... a legend whose gone but not forgotten. 1999 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Liner Notes - Harry B. Soria, Jr. These are the "lost" recordings of Hawaii's golden voice -- Alfred Aholo Apaka -- recorded in Hawai`i between 1945 and 1949. His voice expressed the romance and enchantment of Hawai`i as no one else ever has. This album contains the songs that led up to the world discovering this handsome Hawaiian with the golden baritone. He possessed a voice that could range from B flat to E with incredible agility -- a consummate ballader who must be credited as a major factor in the popularization of Hawaiian music for two decades. These are the recordings that started it all. Liner notes give a rich history of the musician and the music -- no lyrics, however.

Excerpted from Hawaii Music Hall of Fame1995 Hall of Fame Honoree Alfred Apaka (1919-1960)

Alfred Apaka possessed one of the most remarkable singing voices ever to come out of Hawai`i. His natural, untrained voice could range from B flat to E in pianissimo, an agility that allowed him to sing both baritone and tenor parts of the same song. By temperment and talent, Apaka was a balladeer whose renditions of "Beyond the Reef" and "Sweet Leilani" are known around the world.

A handsome athlete whose masculinity carried over into his singing style, he became a leading entertainer with a commanding stage presence, and the ability to control both his material and his audience. From 1938 to 1951, Alfred Apaka's popularity as a singer grew through performances with leading bands in both Hawai`i and the mainland U.S.A. His own group played the West Coast circuit from 1946-1949, and then settled in at Waikiki's Moana Hotel until 1951. In 1952, he was "discovered" by Bob Hope while playing at Don the Beachcomber's, and he appeared in both Hope's and Bing Crosby's radio shows.

Alfred Apaka's record albums are collector's items, and his recordings are still in demand today. His untimely collapse and death at age 41, during routine exercise at a Honolulu gym, sent shock waves through the world of musicians and Apaka fans. He was at the height of his career, and about to begin a sponsored TV show of his own. Alfred Apaka, mourned by thousands, was buried with a microphone in his hands. He is still memorialized today -- a musical great of legendary dimension.

Song: Aloha O'e

Song: Hawaiian Love Call

APANA SISTERS

The hula traditions of Kauai's Apana Sisters go back generations; from 1965 to 1983 they performed at the Coco Palms Hotel. In 1993 the Kaua'i Museum named Lovey Apana a Living Treasure for her work perpetuating the hula. Here they offer up their favorite songs - ranging from Hawaiian classics, to country tunes, including a Japanese version of "Hukilau".

PETER APO

Peter Apo and Del Beazley

Promo page - Apo & Beazley "The Best of Peter Apo and Del Beaszley" (1999) Promo -- Best of Peter Apo & Del Beazley MAMO RECORDS IS proud to present this anthology collection of recorded works spanning ten memorable years for us in the Hawaiian music industry. This will be their farewell project. Mamo Records started as a simple one-time project for an Apo & Beazley album of Peter Apo songs. That album evolved as a result of the friendship between Peter and Del as paddlers with the Ka Moi Canoe Club in Waianae. Paddling led to jamming in Peter's kitchen out at Makaha. Then Peter met Dave Toma one morning as Dave was tinkling on the "House" piano at the Hawai'i State Legislature. The 1st album was a labor of love and won a Na Hoku Hanohano Award for most promising artist. That was supposed to be a nice end to a wonderful project. But, Del Beazley was such an awesome young talent that Steve and Peter decided to invest in a solo album for Del to help him launch a solo career. That resulted in the classic Na Hoku Hanohano Award winning album One For Akua. SEE DEL BEAZLEY

Song: Moku kai kahi

HAUNANI APOLIONA

Promo page -- 1985 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Haku Mele - "Alu Like" by Haunani Apoliona 1988 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Engineer of the Year - Jim Linkner Haku Mele - "Kukuiohiwai" by Haunani Apoliona Traditional Hawaiian Album of the Year Female Vocalist of the Year. But Haunani Apoliona is much more than a musician. Though she joined Olomana in 1982, her roots were in the Hawaiian Renaisance. Extracted from Living Voices Haunani Apoliona: "Aloha. I am Haunani Apoliona, a Hawaiian woman born in Hawaii and raised in Hawaii, trained as a professional social worker and currently serving as a trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Aloha. Well I am a musician, self-taught. I don't read music. The beginnings of my enjoyment for music began at home where my father taught me and my cousin to play ukelele when we were young. He used to take us out in the evening after dinner and we'd sit under the lichi tree in our front yard which is still there and we used to play music. Eventually the music on the ukelele lent its way to the guitar, eventually my guitar and enjoyment moved specifically into Hawaiian music and at that time I was at the university and studying Hawaiian language and from the Hawaiian moving into Hawaiian music into the slack key. That was a time in the seventies, they call it the Hawaiian Renaissance Period or rebirth of Hawaiian culture. I was in it. I didn't know what was really happening but I knew what I was trying to achieve because it helped to steer the course for what eventually would become a career in social work, working in a Hawaiian agency, Alaleeke, Inc., eventually becoming the chief executive officer of that agency, moving onto the election of the trusteeship at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in which I'm currently involved. I never dreamed in my whole life I would write a song. My first ever composition was written around Hawaiian values and how those Hawaiian values still have application in contemporary times. The thoughts came, the melody came and was born the song Alaleeke . [song is played] It's got a very simple message about how we can better live in Hawaii with each other, about working together with a sense of perspective and humility, how we can take it wherever we are. [song played] Those kinds of lessons connect me back to my growing up period but they emerge in the song called Alaleeke which began to be taught in the public education system. When we do the song Alaleeke in our public performance it's surprising how many young children and their families know the song. It's a common connector, a linkage between not only Hawaiians but people of the same spirit. Prior to my election as a trustee for the Office of Foreign Affairs there were many people who I would meet that I maybe not professionally work with with the non-profit Alaleeke but first would know me as a performer and with that feeling of knowing me came the spirit of trusting me and from that then your relationship of trust and friendship grows. "

SANI APUAKEHAU

Promo

Currently performing with Ho'onua. Band Members on his CD: Sani Apuakehau, Corey Kamai, Kekoa Ahuna

GENE ARGEL

Organist

PI'ILANI ARIAS Jawaiian

Song: Tears on My Pillow

TAPU ARII

promo

Promo - Precious Island showcases Tapu's strong songwriting skills, the infectious music reflects his many influences, from Tahitian to hip-hop, reggae to R&B, with a sound is uniquely his own. Featured on Precious Island are a few of Hawaii s most prominent artists: Sistah Robi, Fiji, Damon Williams, and Jeff Rasmussen. Robi and Jeff join Tapu on the beautiful duet, "Sweet Mama Dear," written for Tapu's mother. Fiji and Tapu's younger sister Sabrina share their version of one of the most popular songs in Tahiti, "Love and Honesty."

Promo - In his native Tahiti, Tapuari`i is a veteran recording artist with five albums to his credit. This CD gives music lovers in Hawai`i and elsewhere a taste of what makes him so popular. Showcasing his storng songwriting skills, the infectious music reflects his many influences -- from Tahitian to hip-hop to reggae to R & B -- but the sound is distinctively his own. (Guest musicians: Robi Kahakalau, Fiji, Damon, Jeff Rasmussen) "Precious Island" 2001

ARMADILLO BAND

Reviews: COUNT the Maui based Armadillo Island Band among Jimmy Buffett's musical progeny. Similar acts have called Hawaii home in recent years. Multi-talented guitarist/singer/song writer Armadillo and his band are as good as any of them. The songs are generally about seaside life in tropical climes but not necessarily Hawaii. "Those Bikinis" sets the mood with a celebration of feminine beach wear. "Chicken Choker" is a clever and comic song of rejection. "All I Have Now" is a philosophical anthem on the nature of material wealth. Other songs tell of love lost and found, the search for self, and hope for the future. The band gives solid support in styles ranging from Latin to soulful light rock; arrangers Armadillo and Trav Duro Jr. add substance by keeping synthetics minimal. Armadillo's liner notes put the songs in context and give a sense of who he is. - Review by John Berger, Star-Bulletin - Friday, January 29, 1999

RACHAEL ASEBIDO

Reviews: Hawaiian singer Rachel Asebido showers some island love on a CD comprised mostly of tunes made famous by others. On this album titled after the old Smokey Robinson/Bobby Rogers song, her fluid alto gives fresh flavor to favs "The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me," "Good Morning Heartache," and "The Shoop Shoop Song." Asebido keeps it real with the ethnic-ish "Slopes of Mauna Kea," covers some country ground with "Past Memories" and "Carrie's Lullabye," and excels on "Erse Tu," a grand ballad and the type of song she should record more often. Originally issued on cassette only in 1995.

DREAD ASHANTI

Reggae.

Song: Beauty of the Sea

ATA

SEE "ATA DAMASCO"

SALE ATISANOE

SEE "KONISHKI"

MARK ATUAIA

CAROLE & FLORENT ATEM

Song: Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u

AUKAHI PRIDE

Article

(B. Iwalani Kekauoha-Masoe, T. Fono Masoe, Kaniala Daniel Masoe)

GEORGE E.K. AWAI

In 1915 the ukulele began it's popularity on the U.S. mainland with the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, where Hawaii hosted a pavillion. ... George Awai and his Royal Hawaiian Quartette along with other groups were instant hits. This was the first time that Hawaiian music had been promoted on the U.S. mainland and it soon swept the country.

NATHAN AWEAU

Promo

Promo - Long-time guitarist for Don Ho, Nathan uses this solo album to reflect on the important things in life -- God, family, friends, children, love, etc. -- with five new originals he wrote, and eight local classics touched with his own special style. PROMO -- With his eclectic style of arranging, Nathan releases his third full length CD entitled, “E Apo Mai” (To Cherish), and what a cherished CD this will be. Armed with the blessings of Don Ho and many of his faithfuls, this CD will surely capture hearts and minds. “E Apo Mai” (To Cherish) - With the tragedy of 9/11, Nathan reflects on the important things in life - God, family, friends, children, love, etc... with five new originals, written by Nathan, and eight local classics touched with his own special flavor. Nathan’s ability to diffuse different styles of music enables him to perform in such genres as jazz, pop, heavy metal, classical, reggae and Hawaiian. With this ability he infuses ideas from these styles and binds them together in his music. Such is reflected on this CD, giving a fresh new sound to local music. The first selection, “E Apo Mai”, in which the release is also titled, reflects upon his childhood days. With his jazzy, silky style of Hawaiian falsetto, this song will make you give your “mama” a kiss. Also included on the CD is his version of “Kamakani Ka’ili Aloha”. In the words of Billy Crystal, “SIMPLY MARVELOUS”. Or in Don Ho’s words after listening to this cut, “YOU CAN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT”. Without a doubt this song screams “hit”...try watch! Nathan is venturing out into new territories...starting his own record label and being able to record in his own studio. He performs every instrument on this CD (electric and acoustic guitars, electric and acoustic bass, percussion, drums and drum machine programming, piano and synthesizers) except for Akaka Falls - accompanying him on the guitar is Ben Chong, original leader of the world famous ALI’IS. When Nathan was asked why he prefers to play and sing everything, he said “THAT’S MY FAVORITE PART OF MUSIC, CREATING”. Nathan’s music career has taken him from high school/college jazz bands to being Don Ho’s bass player. And within that time, he matured into one of Hawaii’s brightest new talents. On this CD, he opens his heart and shares what he cherishes. “E APO MAI” is distributed by Booklines Hawaii and is available at all local music stores. Please call Nathan Aweau for more information.

Song: Latitu

AZ

Jawaiian. "In Da Morn'n"

Song: In Da Morn'n

I am NOT an expert on Hawaiian music. I am just a simple person who loves Hawaiian music. The music lifts my spirits when I'm down. It makes me feel good about the world. It washes all my tensions away. It brings back sweet memories of home and the good times of the past. It is part of my soul...as I'm sure it is of so many others.

There are so many artists and groups that come and go on the contemporary Hawaiian music scene that it is hard to keep up. To keep up-to-date with the Hawaiian music scene, tune into the Newsgroup: alt.music.hawaiian . Lurk in the background, post your thoughts, ask questions, share your love of Hawaiian music, or join in the discussions. If you love Hawaiian music, this is the newsgroup for you. There's also the Hawaiian Music Message Board moderated by Stevo which is an excellent forum for general questions on Hawaiian music. Another exceptional resource is Keola Donaghy's Nahenahe.net for the latest information on Hawaiian music.

A must-see resource if you're looking for lyrics to Hawaiian music is HUAPALA. This is the Hawaiian Music & Hula Archives of Ka`iulani Kanoa Martin. This is THE definitive compilation of lyrics for Hawaiian music.

A resource that should not be overlooked when seeking info on Hawaiian musicians is the Hawaiian Music Directory. It is the most comprehensive resource around with a phenomenal amount of info on Hawaii's musicians -- singers, composers and instrumentalists.

To clarify my purposes of using commercial site links on the page: I have NO vested interest in the companies nor gain any profit from them. I have NO affiliation with them. The only purpose is simply to let people know what albums are currently available from the artists. My intent is to support the local musicians by showcasing their talents and letting people know what they've done. The people can search out the albums/tapes/CDs for the best price on their own. An excellent list of on-line music sources to search for your favorite artist can be found on 'Stevo's Hawaiian Music Site.

As to the full-length songs (versus clips) used on this site, let me also clarify. I know that I'm stepping into a very hazy area by using full-length songs. The piracy issue (intellectual property rights) is always in the forefront for the artist. HOWEVER, on my site, clips are very unsatisfying for the expatriate "locals" and Hawaiian soldiers/airmen -- primarily those in Korea -- who are the target audience for my site. They want full-length songs. I found that if I converted mp3s to wma on the lowest settings, the audio was adequate for the computer. However, if anyone tries to reconvert the cut back to mp3s, they will be sadly disappointed as the output will be trash as the sound has been degraded. This is why the songs are NOT recommended for downloading.

Though I am still in a gray area and can be chastised severely if challenged, atleast I'm trying to protect the artists songs -- in a limited way. I can only hope that the artists will understand.

B

B.E.T.

Promo page - "Polynesian-P-Funk" -- Hawaii is diverse in cultures and ethnicities, but at the same time incorporates all of them into the melting pot it is today. Like Hawaii, Big Every Time has many different musical facets that are combined to make a different and unique sound. BET's flavor covers unique styles from Reggae, Hip-hop, Rhythm and Blues, to Funk. Add a heavily influenced Polynesian and island mood to this mix, and the sum of these different musical facets would equal Big Every Time. BET's members, Timothy Kaimiola Troxell and Joe Louis Daniels Jr., first started in 1993, providing back up for other well-established local talent. The two sang with Butch Helemano, Diane and Da Boys, Braddah Walter, League of Nations, and Tropical Wine. BET soon began to share the stages with other names like The Heartical Crew (THC), Natural Vibrations, Ka'au Crater Boys, Kapena, and Fiji. BET also opened for national and international groups such as, Yellowman, EeK A Mouse, Lighter Shade of Brown, Mikey Dread, The Born Jamericans, Half Pint. The Marleys, Steel Pulse, and Big Mountain. Mike Galmiche, the executive producer of their second album, titled, Hear We Come, has also been spinning records at Don Ho's on the weekends, and has been attending various functions around the island with his Turn-table wizardry. Galmiche even offers his talents on one of BET's songs, Pineapple Crown. Craig Sherrad of Los Angeles, CA, also a producer for BET, has done music for top acts such as Snoop Doggy Dog and Dr. Dre. Sherrad is currently working with Mad Lion and Xibit, just to name a few. BET's single Let's Hook It Up is definitely a chart topper and will be around for a long time. The 16 songs on this album are a unique blend of Polynesian, Reggae, R & B, and Hip-Hop influences. And like Hawaii, it is a mixture of these sounds that breed a new form of talent from the Islands. One thing is for sure – this album will not be a disappointment.

Song: BET feat Fiji, Puka, Anita Hall - How long

BABA B (Badoyen)

Promo page - Local Boy: Baba B. is a "local boy" in every sense of the word, born and raised on the west side of O`ahu. This, his second album, is filled with beautiful ballads and island-flavored melodies.

Song: Local Boy

BACKYAHD

Song: Stay irie

DON BADURIA

Promo page - Ukulele Magic - Hawaiian Style

BOBBY BANIAGA

JENNIFER LEHUA BARBER

Promo

Promo - "Lehua" is actually Jennifer Barber, who has already made a name for herself in the island music scene. When she calls Led Kaapana "Uncle", it's for real. Her mom is Led's sister, Lehua Kaapana Nash -- yet another talented member of the Kaapana `ohana. Of the ten tracks on this release, nine are originals...best described as "island R&B".

Song: I'm a Woman

MICHAEL BARRETTO website

SEE URBAN VENEER

website

Hawaiian to Blues -- Kauai singer-- "Any Island Breeze"

HELEN KAPUAILOHIA DESHA BEAMER

Article

1995 Inductee Hawaii Music Hall of Fame. Great-grandmother of Keola and Kapono Beamer.

KAPONO BEAMER

Website promo

Music Catalog

Article (2001)

New release, 1999 Hoku Hanohano Award "Instrumental Album of the Year" "Great Grandmother, Great Grandson" A tribute to Helen Desha Beamer, Kapono's great grandmother - Kapono Beamer - Honolulu, HI 96816 Mahalo to the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts

2002 Hoku Hanohano Award "Instrumental Album of the Year" "Pana Aloha, Hawaiian Heartbeat" Kapono says, "I was inspired to create a collection of some of the most beloved Hawaiian melodies, presented in a setting of unique musical arrangements featuring acoustic guitars, piano, bass, and percussion. I hope that when you hear these classic Hawaiian melodies, you will be filled with feelings of kindness and love so that your heart, too, can beat to the rhythm of the 'Hawaiian Heartbeat', 'Pana Aloha'."

Song: Keola & Kapono Beamer - Honolulu City Lights

KEOLA BEAMER Homepage

Website promo

Music Catalog

Promo profile

Keola Beamer Liner Notes: White Mtn. Journal

Keola Beamer Biography

Born in 1951, Keolamaikalani Breckenridge Beamer was raised in Kamuela, on the Big Island, surrounded by members of one of Hawai's most illustrious and beloved musical families. The Beamers trace their roots to the 15th century; among their ancestors are the Queen Ahiakumai Ki'eki'e and Ho'olulu, a child of the favored wife of Kamehameha I.

Keola established himself early on as the family's youngest standard-bearer. A child of the rock and roll era, he has always been on the vanguard of the Hawaiian contemporary sound. However, he also helped drive what has come to be known as the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance: he has recorded many of the songs written by his ancestors, from the lively Keawaiki to the lullaby Pupu Hinuhinu. He has recorded and produced more than a dozen albums, winning numerous Hoku Hanohano Awards, Hawai'i's equivalent of the Grammies, and has even appeared on Sesame Street and on NBC's "Today Show."

Keola was one of Hawai'i's first recording artists to integrate Hawaiian chants and instruments, like the tiny gourd whistle and the nose flute, with contemporary forms of music. "A lot of musicians in the past treated the nose flute as a frame," he says. "They played it at the beginning and the end of a piece. Through experimentation, I managed to integrate it into the piece. It has a gorgeous sound, a gorgeous texture." Keola's legendary great-grandmother, Helen Desha Beamer (1882-1952), was one of Hawai'i's most prolific and accomplished singer-songwriters, whose compositions came to her in dreams, on boat rides, and during visits with friends. Possessed of a high, clear soprano, her fluency in the Hawaiian language endowed her with lyrics with vivid images. She was also a skilled dancer whose intricate footwork and fluid grace left a lasting imprint on the hula.

Her grandaughter and Keola's mother, Winona Kapuailohia Beamer, is also a noted chanter, composer, and author, who has spent a lifetime researching and teaching "Hawaiiana," a term she coined. Indeed, Keola's career as a musician began in his mother's Honolulu hula studio, where he played guitar as an accompaniament for the dancers. "That's part of being in the Beamer family - your job is as a musician," he says. Then he adds with a laugh: "And my mom is the only person who ever fired me."

In high school and college, Keola studied classical guitar, and later, when he began to teach guitar, he published a method book, Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, using a tablature system for 16th-century lutes as his starting point. At about the same time, in 1972, he recorded his first landmark solo album, "Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar in the Real Old Style," filled with the nahenahe (soft and sweet) sound of this Hawaiian tradition. This album continues to influence many guitarists.

"In my family, music was taken seriously," Beamer says. "It was an integral part of our lives, almost like a religion. But Hawaiians are up against a shallow stereotype, often demeaning to the native culture. That hurts." It has been the life passion of Keola Beamer to counter such images.

Keola Beamer is one of Hawai'i's premier singer/songwriters, arrangers, composers, and slack key guitarists. His well of talent springs from five generations of the Island's most illustrious musical lineages. The Beamer family traces their roots to the 15th century descendants of King Kamehemeha and Queen Ahiakumai.

Keola established himself early as a leader of the wave of contemporary Hawaiian music when he wrote the classic Honolulu City Lights - which is one of the absolute all-time best selling recordings in the history of Hawaiian Music.

Song: Keola & Kapono Beamer - Kaliponi Slack Key

Song: E ku'u morning dew

MAHI BEAMER

1991 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award

Mahi Beamer was a standard a long time before Keola and Kapono Beamer came on the scene...and still performing in Waikiki. Excerpted from Meet Mahi'ai: Born in Honolulu, Edwin Mahi'ai Copp Beamer is the youngest of the three children of Mildred Kaaloehukaiopuaena Copp Beamer and Milton Hoolulu Desha Beamer. Starting his musical career early, Mahi composed and performed a Mother's Day song at a school piano recital in the 7th grade at Kamehameha Schools. After attending the University of California at Santa Barbara and the Juilliard School of Music in New York, Mahi served in the United Stated Army from 1951 to 1953 at Schofield playing piano and glockenspiel. A top attraction as a singer and dancer at the Queen's Surf, Mahi performed three shows nightly from 1954 to 1959. In 1959, he recorded two albums in one day aptly entitled "The Remarkable Voice of Hawaii's Mahi Beamer in Authentic Hawaiian Songs" and "More Authentic Island Songs by Mahi ... Hawaii's Most Remarkable Voice" which featured compositions from his grandmother, Helen Desha Beamer. After successfully developing his career abroad, Mahi returned to Hawai'i in 1974 and over the years has performed at places such as Princeville, Westin Kauai , and Turtle Bay Hilton on Oahu. In 1991, he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Hawai'i Academy Recording Artists. He was again honored in 1992 by the State of Hawai'i as "a steward of the musical talents of the Beamer ohana and ... the leader in the dissemination and perpetuation of the cultural legacy of Helen Desha Beamer."

NONA BEAMER (Winona Kapuailohia Desha Beamer)

Na Mele Hawaii

Na Mele Hula Vol 1

1992 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Lifetime Achievement.

DEL BEAZLEY Homepage

Website

Peter Apo and Del Beazley

Contemporary Hawaiian Album of the Year

Ala Nui

A consummate singer-songwriter, "THE BEAZ" as he is known to his friends and fans, has a career as bright as they come. He has captured great excitement and embodies the fresh young talent who promises to take Hawaiian music to new and wider audiences.

Song: Moku kai kahi

BELIEVE

Website promo

Promo - Debut album from this group -- Winners of the first "Pride of the Islands" contest in 1997. (Rayna Chong, Malama Puhi, Abby Vasconcellos) "Believe" 2002

DARREN BENETIZ

Promo page - 1996 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Most Promising Artist of the Year DARREN BENITEZ "Broken Hearts"

Song: Broken hearts

HENRI BERGER

1995 Hall of Fame Honoree (1844-1929) Composer, arranger and bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band (originally called "The King's Band").

CHAUNCEY BERMODEZ

Frank B. Shaner Hawaiian Falsetto Contest winner (1999)

BIG MOUNTAIN

Promo - Big Mountain started off as a West Coast (San Diego) reggae group and garnered an international reputation among world beat music fans. But lead singer Quino had spent some time in his youth in Hawai'i, and his vocal style is heavily influenced by Henry Kapono. The band subsequently moved to the islands and ended up recording this CD. "Only One" is a local radio hit, and there is also a fine reggae remake of the Rod Stewart classic "The First Cut is the Deepest." SEE QUINO

MALANI BILEYU

Promo page - 1995 Na Hoku Hanohano Religious Album of the Year. Reflections on my Life

KEALI'I BLAISDELL

Promo page - "Ka Ulu Mae`ole" (1998): On this debut recording, O`ahu native Keali`i Blaisdell unveils 12 new Hawaiian compositions. Contemporary sounds blend with ancient themes in songs which express the depth and breadth of love love for one another (kekahi i kekahi) and for the land (aloha `aina). Liner notes include full lyrics and translations.

BLUE MAKAHA

Article

(Steve Ma`i`i, Mel Pu`u)

BOBBY

SEE "BOBBY HOLCOMB"

LEILANI RIVERA BOND

Review

Daughter of Larry Rivera of Kaua'i. Promo page - "Na Hoku o Ka Lani"....

RANDY BORDEN

Obituary

Passed on, but not forgotten. 1981 "Hawaiian Eyes", Jon Osorio & Randy Borden - Composers, Hawaiian Eyes, Jon Osorio & Randy Borden SEE JON OSORIO

Song: Hawaiian eyes

KENT BOWMAN

Promo page - No Talk Stink: Comedy from way back in 1960s...but still good.... Also see Pidgin English Children Stories.

BRANDON BRAY 1987 Na Hoku Hanohano Religious Album Award

KALEI BRIDGES

Promo page - "Beneath the Kona Moon" (1995) 1992 Winner of the Clyde "Kindy" Sproat Storytelling and Falsetto Singing Contest. Beautiful falsetto voice.

SOL BRIGHT

A master and a legend from days past...

Excerpted from Hawaii Music Hall of Fame 1995 Hall of Fame Honoree Sol K. Bright, Sr. (1909-1992)

"Hawaiian Cowboy", and the ever-popular compositions "Sophisticated Hula" and "Polynesian Love Song" among the many he wrote. Bright's greatest contribution to the promotion and perpetuation of Hawaiian music over 50 active years as an international entertainer/band leader was as a producer and director of Hawaiian shows.

In the late 1940s and '50s, Sol Bright had five Hawaiian shows going at one time, in major night clubs on the West Coast. In the 1960's he was entertaining in every major showplace in Hawai`i, as well as Japan, and his radio, television and live show tours of Hawaiian entertainment were carried around the world. His many recordings produced on the Decca, Brunswick, Victor and Columbia labels are, today, considered collector's items.

It was Bright's contributions to Hawaiian civic and social clubs, and other organizations dedicated to the preservation of Hawaiian music that expressed his abiding love and concern for his native Hawai`i. Bright's musical sister Hannah and brother Andy were also well-known entertainers, and the Bright family name carries on today.

Song: Hawaiian cowboy

TERESA BRIGHT

Promo page - Teresa Bright music catalogue

Song: Ho'o launa aloha

Song: Hula Heaven

Song: Lei Mokihana

Song: Lei Mokihana

BRIMSTONE

(Ka`iana Ako, Kahi Fernandez)

Song: Island Loving

BROTHER NOLAND

Tony C-Brother Noland promo

A Collection of His Greatest Hits

Promo page -- 1991 Na Hoku Hanohano Award: Anthology Album of the Year "A Collection of His Greatest Hits" 1990

Promo page -- Brother Noland for new CD

Song: Kona kai opua

Song: Puea, Tara & Me

Song: Brother Noland & Tony C - Ke'ala o ka rose

BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Brothers & Sisters: Shannah Nahulu - Buffee Chai - Peter Keone Colburn - Kado Nahoopii -- Promo - Hawaii's phenomenal Waianae Coast sensation, with their Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning vocal blend, will rejuvenate and excite you with their new CD, "Jus'Us." With the magical touch of producer Hutchi Boy-E of SkrapYard Records, "Jus'Us" is a guaranteed hit! All original members of Brothers & Sisters are reunited, along with guest performances by Wela Kaleikoa on drums, Eddie Rosa on guitar and drums, Roy Hamada, Steve Solomon, Joe Espinda and Hutchi Boy-E on keyboards, and Roy Naki on percussion. Rap artist Stephen S. Takamori "D.O.S." is featured on the song Crazy About You.

BROTHERS KANILAU

Promo page -- BROTHERS KANILAU "Chants from Ancient Hawai`i" (1998): Chant has been called the "soul of the Hawaiian people". With no written language, the Hawaiians mele (chants) served as vessels holding precious legends and wisdom for one hundred generations. On MELE `OLI, you will hear the best-loved chants of ancient Hawai`i, handed down and preserved within one island family, masters of the mele form. Here are twenty-three authentic chants that take us back to the dawn of Hawaiian culture, each one a treasure of exotic beauty and undeniable power. Liner notes include lyrics and translations.

BUNNY BROWN'S HILO HAWAIIANS

Promo - Since 1964, this group of family and friends has been the "house band" at Hilo's Naniloa Hotel -- entertaining locals and visitors with Hawaiian party music. (Boysen Brown, Bunny Brown, Elson "Bobo" Brown, Arthur Kaua, Savella "Moto" Modesto) "Hilo Hawaiians" 2002

IKAIKA BROWN

Star Bulletin story

Brown Family: 3 Generations - 2000 Na Hoku Hanohano Mele Award

Are you ready Hawai'i. E ho'omakaukau e ka po'e Hawaii! Because what you are about to hear is some of the most nahenahe (sweet) Hawaiian Slack Key music of our time by Ikaika Brown. Fourteen-year-old Ikaika Brown says his father encouraged him even......the guitar. Kiho'alu Maui's Ikaika Brown is boy wonder of slack key...

Song: Kalo man

STEVEN BROWN

SEE JON, RANDY AND STEVE

BROWNSKIN

Lyrics

Song: Whatever It Takes

BOB BROZMAN

Website

Biography

Check out Bob's new web site at http://www.bobbrozman.com! Bob Brozman was born in New York in 1954 and has been involved in music since early childhood. Slack-key duets with Led Ka'apana (See LED KA'APANA).

Song: Cyril Pahanui & Bob Brozman: Ku'u lei

Song: Leward Kaapana & Bob Brozman: No Ke Ano Ahiahi

BRUDDAH BU (Craig Thompson)

Ukelele expert...everything you'd ever want to know about a uke. Member of Poi Boyz.

BRUDDAH KU`ULEI (AHUNA)

Promo

Promo - Bruddah Ku'ulei is from one of Hilo's finest musical families. His brother is J.J. Ahuna and his sister-in-law is Hoku Hanohano award Winner Darlene Ahuna. Bruddah Ku'ulei also possesses the Ahuna musical magic. The title track, plus "Mama" and "Mirror of My Mind" are Big island favorites. Simply said, good music performed with aloha.

BRUDDAH KUZ

Song: Talkin Da Kine

Promo page -- Bruddah Kuz concert dates.

BRUDDAH WALTAH & ISLAND AFTERNOON (Walter Aipolani)

website

Hawaiian Reggae 1991 Na Hoku Hanohano Award: Contemporary Album of the Year "Island Afternoon - Hawaiian Reggae" SEE WALTER AIPOLANI

Song: Manu o'o

BRIDGETTE BRYANT

BU LA'IA (Kaui Hill)

Hawaiian Comedy

Song: Canoe ride

BULIKOKO BAND

ANDY BUMATAI

1979 Most Promising Performer

TV Credits

CDs on sale

1979 Hoku Hanohano Most Promising Performer; 1990 Hoku Hanohano Best Comedy Album

Clip: Haoles & John Wayne

EDDIE BUSH

Promo page -- "A Man and His `Ukulele" 1996

JERRY "MANU" BYRD:

Catalogue

Jerry Byrd - The Master of Tone and Touch

Jerry Byrd is probably cited by more steel players as the single most influential player in their early musical development than any other musician. 1978 Inductee Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.

Song: Jerry Byrd & Andy Sexton - Alohikea

C

MANA KALEILANI CACERES

Song: Couldn't Take the Mana

CAREY CAMACHO

website

Carey is a Hawaiian musician (of Hawaiian and Portuguese ancestry) born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Carey's father, Ken Camacho, is from Hilo on the island of Hawai'i and his mother, Gail "Napua" (Naki) Camacho, is from Moloka'i. Carey currently resides in San Pablo. "Project CKC Backdoor Ki ho'oku'u" can be purchased at Sun Jose Hawaii in San Jose. For more information, contact Kuha'o Records or Carey Camacho at (510) 741-5524.

WADE CAMBERN

Promo - Wade Cambern made his impact as a member of the immensely popular "Hawaiian Style Band," and HSB lovers will not be disappointed by "Blue Canoe."

Song: Dita & Wade Cambern - All I do is cry all night

JOE CANO

Promo - This instrumental release from Maui's Joe Cano continues in the vein of his last two releases: excellent guitar playing with a Latin feel. Joining Joe on this album is Tom Conway on Lead and rhythm guitar, Daniel Morengo on bongo's and hand percussion, and Mark D'Antonio on conga's.

CANOE CLUB

Website

(Bridgette Bryant, Daniel Ho, David Ho) Roy Sakuma proudly teams up with two of his former students, Daniel Ho and David Ho, to present "Canoe Club", a vocal-instrumental band that showcases the ukulele in a pop/island musical setting. Daniel Ho, the featured composer, and David Ho, on ukulele and keyboards, are childhood friends born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Both found their love of music as students at Roy Sakuma's Ukulele Studios. Daniel and David moved to Los Angeles in 1986 to pursue their dreams of working in the music industry. Daniel's work as a composer and producer brought him two #1 albums on the national airplay charts, and two top ten albums on Billboard. David found his calling as a recording engineer, studio designer, and computer consultant.

Song: Just along for the ride

DICKEY BOY CANTOHOS JR.

Song: Waipahu

SEAN CARILLO

Former member of the groups "Island Sons" and "Local Anesthesia"

MELINDA CARROLL

Na Hoku Hanohano List

1989 Na Hoku Hanohano Female Vocalist Award

Song: Whene'er you make a promise

CEDRIC CARTEJENA

WALTER CARVALHO

Slack Key Guitar master and teacher.

MATT CATINGUB

Hawaiian swing and Big Band sound -- Matt's new swing big band BIG KAHUNA and the COPA CAT PACK's brand new Concord Jazz CD "Hawaiian Swing" is here! This is truly a one of a kind project, sure to keep you dancin' and listening! Get it online at Amazon.com. Click here for the latest information on BIG KAHUNA and the COPA CAT PACK.

Song: Matt Catingub & John Pizzarelli - Lady be good

BROTHERS CAZIMERO

Website promo

Robert Uluwehi Cazimero

Roland Kanoelani Cazimero

1988 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner: Anthology Album of the Year "The Best of The Brothers Cazimero"

1978, 1979, 1981, 1986 Na Hoku Hanohano Group Award. Promo -- Who are the Brothers Cazimero?: Two of the islands favorite performers, who play both contemporary and traditional music with such joy, humor and charisma that they draw every audience into that special place called Hawaii. 20 years of Hoku Hanohano Award-winning songs.

Song: Akaka falls

Song: E kuu morning dew

CECILIO & KAPONO

Cecilio & Kapono were THE popular musicians in Hawai`i in the 70's. Song of the Year - "Good Times Together" by Cecilio Rodriguez Contemporary Album of the Year Group of the Year Album of the Year CECILIO & KAPONO "Goodtimes Together" 1988 (SEE CECILIO RODRIGUEZ AND HENRY KAPONO)

Song: Good times together

Song: Honolulu city lights

MOANA CHANG

1997 Star Bulletin article Moana Chang: She wanted to record the songs she learned while growing up. Moana Chang -- "He Leo 'O Moana: The Voice From The Deep Ocean" (Mountain Apple Company) Moana Chang had no plans to record when she returned home several years ago to care for her widowed mother. Chang had been an entertainer as a youth, shared her knowledge of Hawaiian music and hula on the mainland, and raised a family of musically inclined children. "I made ('He Leo') with the promise that I would promote Uncle Bill Lincoln's songs, and a lot of the older aunties who knew that I could sing as high as I do trained me to sing the phrasing of the words correctly. "I wanted to do songs that were of when I was growing up, but I thought Hawaii was only interested in contemporary and wasn't interested in the authentic music. I never thought I'd be one of the nominees." Finding Chang isn't too difficult. She sings at the Bishop Museum, aboard the S.S. Independence and with Tihati Productions. "I sing all over and (also) teach music to my grandchildren. It's hectic, but if I can help bring back the kind of music that we used to have it's well worth it. "

CHANT

Promo - CHANT their debut CD single: "Something to Give" sold 6,000 copies and was nominated for three 1998 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaii's Grammys): Most Promising Artist, Single of the Year and Favorite Entertainer of the Year (public vote). This single also contains their #1 hit remake of the Shirelle's "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow." The first run of their CD single "Something to Give" sold out in 24 hours, was #3 in the Tower Records Overall Singles Chart. The single peaked at #1 on the Hawaiian Sales Charts. ...The seven members of CHANT are: Darren Porlas (vocals) Tanner Henderson (vocals) Charles Timtim (vocals) Vergel Jepas (guitar/vocals) Ben Taaca (guitar/vocals) Carl Fidel (Bass) Alvin Paguio (drums)

Song: Will you still love me tomorrow

CHIEF RAGGA

SEE JAMIN WONG

SONNY CHILLINGWORTH

No Hawaiian musician page would be complete without a mention of this legend. Though Sonny has passed on, his resonant voice and slack-key stylings will live on. Who can forget his rendition of "Charmarita/Malasadas" (Portuguese Folk Song) or "Ho'omalu Slack Key"...

Song: Hi'ilawe

SONNY CHING (William Kahakuleilehua Haunu`u Ching)

Sonny's website .

Kumu hula Sonny Ching and his halau debut with a dazzling album of `oli (chant). His halau, the award-winning Halau Na Mamo O Pu`uanahulu is based in Honolulu. It is recognized as one of the leading groups practicing, preserving, and living the Hawaiian culture today -- through the language, music, chant, and the history that accompanies the mele and the subject of the mele. Kumu Ching also has students in La Paz, Mexico, as well as over 300 students in Japan. For soundclips of all tracks -- in both Real Audio and MP3 format -- go to Sonny's website . 2001 Na Hoku Hanohano Award : Liner Notes - Sonny Ching & Nohea Kawakakiu

J. MOKI CHO

Promo page -- "Tatee" - Ulei Pahu I Ta Motu.

CHUCKY BOY CHOCK

GINI CLEMENS

CLUB NISEI

Vintage -- Japanese Music of Hawaii with extensive historical notes. Promo -- Club Nisei was the first Hawaiian-Japanese orchestra to begin performing in the post WWII era and one of only two Hawaiian-Japanese orchestras to ever record their music. The CD presents the music heard on the radio programs, and at nightclub floor shows, theatrical concerts, teahouse gatherings and backyard parties of that era in Hawai`i.

KAWAI COCKETT:

Mentors

1994 and 1999 Na Hoku Hanohano Male Vocalist Award. Promo page -- Male Vocalist of the Year Kawai Cockett, born in Puko`o, Moloka`i, September 24, 1938, was the sixth of sixteen children born to Francis and Carrie Ae`a Anderson. The child was given to his father's cousin, John Kawai Cockett, to be raised (keiki hanai). Growing up on Moloka`i, he learned, in the traditional Hawaiian way, to play the `ukulele and to sing by carefully observing his relatives and neighbors as they gathered to kanikapila (play music) in their backyards.

Song: Aia l`a o pele

COCONUT JOE

Review

COCONUT Joe is actually a quartet. No one is named Joe, but multi-faceted Bob Rogers is the resident song writer. Knowledgeable observers of the local music scene will recognize guitarist Frank Kam as a former member of Shnazz and the Heebee Jeebee Brothers. Macy Campbell (drums/percussion), and Barbara Ann Rogers (bass) complete the group. All four sing. (But the pic on the site of the Coconut Joe band has six members?) 96734

Song: Hawaiian rain

COLON:

Article: Pure Heart is now Colon

Promo page -- With Jon Yamasato's departure from the popular group "Pure Heart", the remaining two members (percussionist Lopaka Colon, and uke wizard Jake Shimabukuro) invited musicians Guy Cruz and Andrew McClellan to join with them -- and the new group "Colon" was formed. This debut CD from the new group presents a little bit of everything -- rock, reggae, and more. -- COLON (Lopaka Colon, Guy Cruz, Andrew McClellan, Jake Shimabukuro) "The Groove Machine" 2000 -- 2001 Na Hoku Hanohano Award : Favorite Entertainer of the Year

Song: E pili anei

CINDY COMBS:

Website

Website

Bio

Promo page -- Unlike other slack key artists on Dancing Cat, Cindy was not born in Hawai'i. She came with her family and stayed by choice. She was born on April 20, 1953 in San Diego, but packed up, while very young, to travel the world with her parents and sister. The four globetrotters eventually settled in the Canary Islands. "Our intention was to remain," Cindy recalls, "but one day a song came on the radio. My mother started to sing along...'Haina ia mai ana kapuana...' and I asked her 'How do you know the words to that song?'" It turned out that Cindy's family had lived on O'ahu before she was born. Her father was a Pearl Harbor survivor, in fact, and they were all homesick for Honolulu. They returned, with Cindy this time, in 1963. "When we arrived, my mother kissed the ground. I was certain we were in the right place because mom would never have done anything that risked that many germs unless the gesture was heartfelt!" ... One day, in 1971, Cindy spotted an ad in the local paper advertising slack key guitar lessons taught by Keola Beamer, who was just beginning to gain a reputation as a hot young player on the scene. "I did a double take," Cindy says. "I could hardly believe the synchronicity of it. You know that feeling that this was meant to be. I got on the phone right away and wound up taking six lessons in six weeks." In six weeks, Cindy learned much, including the G6th and C Wahine Tunings she favors today, and six songs, all of which remain special favorites. "Those six weeks changed my life and put me on the road to where I am today," she says. "Still playing, still in love with slack key." ...

Song: Medley; kanaka waiwai iesu no ke kahuhipa.

Song: Ken Emerson & Cindy Combs: Ka Mele Nahenahe O Ke Kai

TONY CONJUGACION ("TONY C"):

Tony C-Brother Noland promo

Website

Promo page -- Revered and inspired by ancient allure and mixed with modern day enhancement, "TC2000" takes listeners on a magical and somewhat surreal journey into the depths of their own sensuality and inner soul. Tony has created a whole new sound...chant hip-hop. "TC2000" 2000; "O Ka Wa I Hala" 1996

Song: Ku'u lei kiele

Song: Brother Noland & Tony C - Ke'ala o ka rose

RY COODER

Bio

Steel Guitar master; Rising Sons with Taj Mahal SEE RISING SONS

Song: Kanaka wai wai

COOKIE:

COOL BREEZE:

COOL CHANGE

(Bryan Canencia, Fabian Vereoe-Baker)

Song: Reggae-hawaiian - Smile

CORY, LOKELANI & TRAVIS

Feel It: 1995 release. SEE CORY OLIVEROS

Song: Ikona

DANIEL RAE COSTELLO:

Article

Song: Tahitian Dream

DANNY COUCH:

Former Ali'i member. 1985 Na Hoku Hanohano Song Award: "From My Heart", Lorraine Ka'ai & Danny Couch; 2000 Na Hoku Hanohano Single of the Year - "These Islands" (from Almost Paradise)

Song: Hawaiian Wedding Song

COUNTRY COMFORT:

Promo page -- Country Comfort was an immensely popular group in the early 70's - part of the contemporary Hawaiian music movement that included Cecilio & Kapono and Kalapana. Songs were in English rather than Hawaiian, and owed more to folk-rock than to Hawaiian music. Unfortunately, the band self destructed in 1976. This "best of compilation" includes songs from both Country Comfort albums - "We Are The Children" and "Country Comfort" - as well as band member Billy Kaui's 1977 solo album. (Jimmy Freudenberg, Billy Kaui, Chuck Lee, Randy Lorenzo, Eugene Matsumura, Steve Wofford & Gaylord Holomalia) "Best Of Country Comfort & Billy Kaui" 1992

Song: Hello Waimanalo

COUNTRYSIDE BAND:

Promo page -- Members of this band have more in common than just their music, they also are truly `ohana (family) -- with father Kai having taught his son and two daughters the instruments and vocal harmonies you will here on this, their debut recording. The album's title honors the family's roots (Waimanalo, on the east side), and their current home (Wai`anae, on the west side). Liner notes are extensive, and contain lyrics for most of the songs. COUNTRYSIDE BAND (Kai McKeague, Kaleo McKeague, Cassidy McKeague, Leslie McKeague) "East to West" 1999

CRAZY FINGERS:

Promo page -- With a reggae/Pacific sound, this versatile band has been headlining at clubs along busy Front Street in Lahaina for years. Now with statewide radio play, their first "homegrown" CD has been carefully remixed, remastered, and re-packaged -- offering you reggae, R&B, rock 'n roll, rap, country, funk, surf music, and blues. CRAZY FINGERS (Scott Baird, Sam Green, Felicity Raugust, Chaka Taylor, James Somera) "Legalize Happiness" 2000

Song: Surf's Up

LINDSEY CRIVELO

Article

Original singer of Take Me Back (Molokai Slide). Nephew of late George Helm from Molokai.

KAWIKA CROWLEY

Kawika Crowley's 1994 album features contemporary songs performed in English, most of which are original compositions about island life. Bla Pahinui guests on his song Waimea.

R. CRUMB & HIS CHEAP SUIT SERENADERS

Promo - "The current band includes Bob Armstrong (saw, guitar), Bob Brozman (various steel instruments, guitar, ukulele), Al Dodge on mandolin, Terry Zwigoff on saw, cello, Stroh fiddle, and mandolin, and Tony Marcus on guitar and fiddle. Everybody sings except for Terry." Promo - "R. Crumb and his Cheap Suit Serenaders" (CSS) are a loosely organized string band playing songs from the 1920s and (occasionally) modern songs styled after the songs of the 20s. They recorded three albums in the 70s and occasionally are active today, though usually without Mr. Crumb who lives in France.

Song: Hano Hano Hawaii

ERNIE CRUZ, SR.: hawaiian music

- Lilikoi Records, 1997 Ernie Cruz Sr. sings about the Moloka'i cowboy riding in the wind on his new CD called A Time and A Season. Greatly respected in Hawai'i as one of the leading country-Hawaiian musicians, Cruz is the patriarch of a musical family that includes Ernie Cruz, Jr., of Ka'au Crater Boys, and Hoku Hanohano Hawaiian music award Winner John Cruz.

ERNIE CRUZ, JR.:

Formerly of the Ka'au Crater Boys; 2002 Na Hoku Hanohano Award : Male Vocalist of the Year Island Contemporary Album of the Year "Portraits" 2001

Song: Another Saturday Night

GUY CRUZ

Guy is the youngest in the Cruz family, yet comes from a long line of musical talent. Inspired by older brothers Ernie, from Ka'au Crater Boys, and John. SEE PURE HEART AND COLON

Song: Me and Julio

JOHN CRUZ

- John Cruz's Island Style, Shine On, Kahala Moon on "Acoustic Soul" album. 1997 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner: Contemporary Album of the Year / Most Promising Artist of the Year

Song: Island style

CULTURE BOYZ

Song: I wanna meet you girl

ANDY CUMMINGS (Andrew Kealoha Cummings)

1983 Na Hoku Hanohano Instrumental Award; 1987 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award; Excerpted from Bruddah Bu: "In 1938, he was nearing the end of an eight month U.S. mainland and Canada tour, when he arrived in Lansing, Michigan. The temperature was 5 degrees above zero, quite cold for an islander, as you can imagine. Walking back to his hotel after their show, Andy thought of the white sandy beach of Waikiki, with it's rolling surf, palm trees and warm sunshine. He went immediately to his room, picked up his ukulele, and composed one of the classic songs in the history of Hawaiian music, "Waikiki". Later, Andy would combine his talents with another of Hawaii's all time greatest, Gabby "Pops" Pahinui."

Song: The cockeyed mayor of Kaunakakai

SONNY CUNHA (Albert Richard Cunha)

Known as the Father of Hapa-haole music. (Oct. 1, 1879 - Jan. 23, 1933) 1996 Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Inductee. The following excerpted from the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame:

Albert R. "Sonny" Cunha (1879-1933)

"Father of Hapa Haole Songs", "Sonny" Cunha was the first Hawaiian composer to popularize Hawaiian songs with English lyrics. His first song was "Waikiki Mermaid" composed in 1903, followed by his big hit "Honolulu Tom Boy" in 1905. His composition "Hula Blues" is still a popular standard, as is "On the Beach at Waikiki", which he re-wrote from Henry Kailimai's tune. While a law student at Yale University, "Sonny" Cunha wrote Yale's now-famous school song, "Boola Boola", the melody for which was taken from "Moanalu Hula". After his graduation from Yale, "Sonny" decided rather than the practice of law, he would return to his first love - Hawaiian music. Already a gifted composer, arranger, pianist and singer, he chose to tour the mainland U. S. with his own group, combining Hawaiian music with the already popular and danceable American "ragtime" rhythm. He continued this influence in Hawai`i, making musical history at the Hawaii Theatre, where Hawaiians began dancing to his imported tempo. The bright, upbeat rhythm of the hapa haole song brought recognition to Hawai`i from the entire world, and it was picked up and incorporated in the compositions and arrangements of the Hawaiian musicians who followed. The musical precedent he established has continued to the present day. Another of "Sonny" Cunha's major contributions was the publication and marketing of these songs. He played an important role with a substantial number of his hapa haole songs featured in "Famous Hawaiian Songs" published by Bergstrom Music Company in 1914.

A consummate musician, he was also interested in march, opera and light classical music, and was at one time a director of the Royal Hawaiian Band Glee Club and musical director for the Fatty Arbuckle Musical Troupe at the Hawaiian Opera House. Unfortunately, "Sonny" Cunha's voice was never recorded although his songs are regularly listed among the most popular Hawaiian recordings.

NOHELANI CYPRIANO

Promo page ... Singer loved by tourists and locals.... 1992 Na Hoku Hanohano Award : Female Vocalist of the Year

Song: Livin' without you (1977)

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Click on Musician Alphabetical Index to continue.

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