Kaukahi – LIFE IN THESE ISLAND

Kaukahi is the journey of 4 Hawaiian men on different paths, all destined to meet. They joined together in 2004 for a single purpose: to live and share ALOHA wherever they go. The vision is clearer as they become more comfortable with who they were created to be, tapping into deep inner resources while at the same time connected by the Spirit. Whether singing, telling their stories, or laughing together they are having great time and spreading ALOHA. Their faith and their love for one another, their families, Hawai’i, and the nations, is a common thread that keeps them going.

The got together and started singing in April 2004. From the moment they began at their very first “jam” there was magic! The more they got to know each other, hanging out with each other’s families, and playing music together, it was obvious there was something special about the energy of this group. They were all accomplished musicians and knew about each other, but all four had never played music together before 2004. They didn’t all show up at Dean’s carport by accident. Kawika was not only a well known Hawaiian musician with two solo CD’s on the market but a highly respected “Kahu” (spiritual leader) who Dean wanted to meet. That meeting finally happened in 2003. Dean and Barrett had been friends for many years after their paths crossed during middle school at Kamehameha School. They remained connected, playing together in the band, “Pai’ea”, who became well-known when their first CD became a Na Hoku Hanohano Award finalist. “Pai’ea” was about to record their second CD when the Kaukahi connections began. Dean also met Walt in 2003 at a park where each had taken their children. Walt, who is a cousin to the late Iz Kamakawiwo’ole, was playing his ‘ukulele while hanging out with his daughter.

Teresa Bright – HAWAIINAWA

Hawaiinawa is a brand new release from beloved Hawaiian musician Teresa Bright. This exciting new CD is inspired by the Japanese love for the Hawaiian culture, music and hula. It also draws in the recent popularity of Okinawan music among Japan’s younger generation. Hawaiinawa brings these two cultures together and entwines Okinawan music with the sweet gentle language and sounds of Hawai’i. This is a unique and captivating collection of music that is recorded in the Hawaiian language, arranged with the the Kiho’alu (slack key) tunings and then all flavored with the vocal style of Teresa Bright.

 

Mike Kaawa – kanikapila-live!

kanikapila – live! provides a taste of backyard jams that take place all over Hawai’i. So if you are planning a luau or just having a party, then you’ll want to include this CD. Mike Kaawa is an illuminating performer who brightens many of Hawaii’s most popular stages. Mike captivates his audiences with his enchanting stage presence & vocal abilities. Mike’s strong instrumentation and distinct vocal expression comes straight from his heart. He has created his own distinctive sound that very few musicians have achieved. Mike Kaawa’s music career spans almost 4 decades. He has participated in quite a number of musical groups including Na Keonimana (Kelii Taua, Alan Pokipala, the late John Kekuku), Anuenue (Moe Keale, Imaikalani Young, Paul Martinez), Hokulea (Kelii Taua, Roland Cazimero, Dwight Hanohano, Kalani Whitford), Mike Kaawa Trio (Imaikalani Young, Eddie Palama), Brown Company (Chucky Boy Chock), Par Three (Darryl Gonzales, Joe Barinobas/Jensen Richards), The Native Hawaiian Band, Na Oiwi (Dennis & David Kamakahi, Jon Yamasato).

Pilioha – PILIOHA

Pilioha is a Hawaiian music trio from the island of O’ahu. Pilioha started in the early 90s as a duo with first cousins Glenn Mayeda Jr. on bass and Gary “Kalehua” Krug Jr. on rhythm guitar. In 2001, they found a young and talented lead guitarist, Kamuela Kimokeo, who not only gelled with them musically, but fit in as if he were a younger brother. The name Pilioha literally means “a family relationship.” It is not only a fitting description of the trio, but a reminder to them of how important their relationship is with one another, as well as with their families. This understanding and support of one another, their families and friends is reflected in the balance and harmony of their music.

It would be hard to describe a genre of Hawaiian music that Pilioha perpetuates because of the wide range of their repertoire. Each of member of Pilioha possesses lead vocal qualities, both in Hawaiian falsetto and in regular voices. Instrumentally, all are versatile. Some have labeled their music to be much like the music of the Hui Ohana, one of Hawaii’s all time favorite groups. It is no surprise, as Ledward Kaapana, the guitar virtuoso of the Hui Ohana, has helped each member.