NahenaheNet Essays
Aloha mai kakou....Its been a few weeks since I've had the time and inspiration to write on whats happening the Hawaiian music scene. Along with the normal pre-Christmas formalities things have been pretty hectic for the Donaghy 'ohana in Hilo. NahenaheNet is also getting very large, very popular, and needs a lot of love and attention. Thanks to all of you for all your feedback, criticism, and encouragement. If I don't have time to write before the big day arrives, Mele Kalikimaka ia 'oukou pakahi a pau.
Musicians are about ego. Face it, behind every great musician is a little voice telling him how great he is. There has to be. There is not always going to be the encouraging voice of a parent, spouse, fan, or significant other to drive them to a higher level. Some musicians wear their egos on their sleeves, and there are more than a few of them on the Hawaiian and contemporary Hawaiian music scene. In others it is less apparent, but make no mistake about it, it is there. This is not necessarily a bad thing, without that drive, we would have nothing put pretty mediocre music on the radio.
Music is also about collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork. There was a really funny scene in the movie "Fame," where a synthesizer wizard was clashing with his stuffy, old-school teacher about the benefits of technology, and "being able to do it all yourself with a couple of keyboards." The teacher replied "That's not music, it's masturbation." Seriously, there is some beautiful music being recorded by solo musicians out there, but a large majority of the music being recorded today is by two or more musicians. The tensions caused as two or more musicians fight to stay in time and in-tune with each other is part of the beauty of music.
The history of Hawaiian music is filled with memories of outstanding groups, musicians that, despite their nature, subdued their egos and sometimes their talents to serve the greater good. Almost all of the great music that I listened to in high schools and after was done by duos or groups: C & K, Kalapana, Country Comfort, The Sunday Manoa, Olomana, The Cazimeros, ad nauseum. Gabby, though he was promoted as himself, played with a group of incredibly talented musicians.
Now, think of the music acts that have come to the forefront of Hawaiian music in recent years: Keali'i Reichel, Willie K., Kekuhi Kanahele, John Cruz, Harold Kama, Jr., Kawika Kahiapo, Randy Lorenzo, Robi Kahakalau, Darren Benitez.... need I continue? There are exceptions, of course, Hapa and Ho'okena immediately come to mind. The fact is that precious few really talented new groups have been coming out recently. There seems to be a bit of a glut on solo artists who are backed by bands, rather than really being a part of the band.
Personally I think the most talented band ever to be put together in Hawai'i is Kalapana. Look at the what's left of their original lineup: two incredibly gifted singers and songwriters (Malani Bilyeu and Mackey Feary), and an electric guitarist with few peers here (D.J. Pratt). Add to that a rhythm section that anyone in the state would kill for (bassist Kenji Sano and keyboardist Gaylord Holomalia), who should receive Hokus for restraint and taste. They play exactly what makes the whole band sound best. Its a shame so many people here seem to have forgotten about Kalapana, they are still spectacular, still writing, recording, and performing superb original music. It's a sad fact that the music fans in Japan seem to have a far greater appreciation for them than the people of their homelands do.
It is also sad when a talented group comes along, only to have ego or other differences call an end to their collaboration. A lot of my friends got very angry when C & K broke up, and didn't forgive them even after their subsequent reunions. Hawaiian Style Band is a recent example, and from my perspective neither Robi as a solo act nor HSB with a new female vocalist has had the success that they did working together. About the only performers in recent memory who have benefitted from a separation have been Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and the Makaha Sons. Well, maybe not benefitted, but neither seems to have suffered in terms of critical or commercial success.
The magic that happens when two talented musicians find that common ground and groove is indescribable. When you add a third, fourth, even fifth that can contribute, and not detract from the performace, they can take you to places you've never been before. I'd like to be taken there more often.
'O au me ka 'oia'i'o,
Keola
Feedback to keola@maui.com.