When I first created Pipeline
2 Paradise Radio nearly 3 years ago one of my intentions was to create a playlist that I would enjoy listening to. It
consisted of mostly Contemporary Hawaiian and Urban Island
music. I told myself even if my family and close friends didn't listen at least I would enjoy the music selection. With
a few exceptions and for the most part till this day not many of my ohana members or close friends listen to my station.
You know what, I don't take it personally. In fact "not listening" is an ongoing joke with my family that
I throw into conversation every now and then. Here's the thing, although most of them don't really listen to my station,
they ALL still support me 100%. That's the thing with family... when the dust settles they will always be there
for you! At least that's the case with my ohana. It's the old saying, "blood is thicker than water!" For
me having family close is very important. I guess that's the reason my wife and I moved to Las Vegas... to be closer to both of our families.
Since moving to Las Vegas my family relationships have definitely strengthened and so
has my playlist for Pipeline 2 Paradise. As I have grown and solidified relationships within the Hawaiian and Pacific Island community up here in Las Vegas so has my musical taste. If you've been a constant listener of Pipeline 2
Paradise Radio over the years then you know that my playlist have changed a lot since launching. My musical taste has
evenly turned towards Traditional Hawaiian Music. I started appreciating the cultural experience that the music
provided. My playlist continues to celebrate more old Traditional artists and favorites as well as welcome new,
exciting and fresh artists and selections.
Speaking of new artists,
I received our current Paradise Pick's self entitled debut cd about a month ago. It was a stressful period for me and
incoming cd's, many of which I didn't recognize the names started to back up in the studios. Still I held to my original
promise made to myself that I will always take the time to listen to every track on every cd that came across my desk.
When I finally reached the cd of PIlioha which means "a family relationship," I listened to it and I was completely
blown away.
I listened to the entire
cd about 4 times throughout the day. It was truly a breath of fresh air that packed an old Hawaiian punch.
The cd opened up with
an oli or chant "Aloha E Nu'umealani" by Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole that truly sets the Traditional
vibe for the entire project. From track 1 I knew I was in for a treat.
Several songs immediately
captured me as I made my way through the cd, the first being Kahakuloa. Kamuela Kimokeo,
lead guitarist and vocals composed this song in gratitude to his first Kumu 'olelo Hawai'i
who took the class on a trip to Kahakuloa which I believe is a breathtaking landmark shoreline hill on the island of Maui.
Another composition that
showcases the original nahenahe sounds of Pilioha is written by the group's Bass player Glenn Mayeda Jr. As stated
in the cd cover, Pi'i Ka 'Ula utilizes kaona or "hidden meaning" to personify aspects
of nature that describe the first meeting of man and woman. Glen's inspiration and understanding also came through
similar personal experience.
Not to be left out, the
third member of Pilioha composes a heart-felt song in honor of his mom. Gary Kalehua Krug Jr.'s song musically rivals
one of the all-time greatest contemporary Hawaiian songs recorded by one of the most significant groups in Hawaiian music
history. "Everything," is the perfect compliment to Hui Ohana's "God Bless My Daddy/Mom I
Love You" Warning: Be careful as you listen to this song... your allergies could start to act up!
The rest of the album
clearly confirms why Pilioha is so well deserving of the 2006 Ka Himeni Ana contest honors. Beautifully performed Traditional
selections like "Aina Moloka'i," "Kaula'ili/Pu'uohulu," and "Keolaokalani (Penei
No)/Na Ka Makua establishes their foundation for their music. Of course as their name references, their journey
wouldn't be possible without the pillars of strenghts in their families. As Keone Nunes, who wrote their cd insert points
out about the front cd cover, "Pilioha is leaning on a stone of foundation or kahua, much like the foundations that each of
their families has built for them to lean on throughout their life.
Pilioha's debut album
is truly a must have for any Hawaiian music collection. It has instilled faith back to many Traditional Hawaiian Music
lovers whom feel that the roots of Hawaiian music were quickly being lost to newer styles. For me Pilioha's music has
provided another strong layer to my Traditional Hawaiian Music foundation.
Maybe now with Pilioha's
music in rotation my ohana will consider listening! Then again... oh well. Congratulations to the men of Pilioha
on a very successful debut release.
