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David "Kawika" Kahiapo has been known for years as one of the great "side-men" in contemporary Hawaiian music. His gutar artistry and vocals have adorned the recordings and live performances of such artists as Na Leo Pilimehana, Jesse Rivera, Palani Vaughan, Chucky Boy Chock, 'Eha, Kekolu, and more. His father Samuel provided a firm musical foundation for young Kawika, and early family gatherings provided the opportunity to play with the legendary Gabby "Pops" Pahinui, something few musicians his age can boast.

Kawika released his debut solo CD, entitled ’Alana in 1996. It featured guest appearances by friends Lehua Kalima (of Na Leo Pilimehana), Jesse Rivera, Chinky Mahoe and Kelly Boy Delima. Of the CDs 12 cuts, 10 are original compositions, and Kawika has recorded innovative, contemporary arrangements of two Hawaiian standards - 'Opihi Moemoe and Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua.

In 1999 he teamed up with Del Beazley and Dwight Kana’e to form 3D. And he has just released his second solo recording, One Heart, One Voice. We're working on updates to Kawika's site, including adding liner notes and audio samples from One Heart, One Voice, as well as updating the samples from ’Alana. In the meantime, please check out John Berger's review of One Heart, One Voice on the Honolulu Star Bulletin website.

’Alana

Mahalo ke akua for giving me the talent of making music. I give God all the glory for this entire project. From the writing of the music, to the final mix-down, He has guided me every step of the way.

To my wife Laurie, who believes in me, and sacrifices her life for me and our children. You're the greatest! To my son Dalen and my daughter Shauna, thanks for being not just my children, but my friends too. Of course, to our little Jeremiah, someday the whole world will se why God kept you with us! I love you all!

Much love and aloha to my Mom, who has surrounded me with love my entire life. And to my late father, who has left me a legacy of music that has been deeply rooted in my heart. For those who knew him, I would like to say that everytime you hear me sing and play, you hear a part of me and a part of him. Till we see one another... again.

Thanks to.. Na Leo Pilimehana for the opportunity to re-enter the entertainment scene once again as a member of their band and to Jesse Rivera for allowing me to express my creativity on his first solo project... Kelly Boy Delima, Lehua Kalima, Jesse Rivera and Chinky Mahoe for your contribution to this project... Jeff Roache for letting me use your 12-string guitar... to Pierro Grill, I send "Da Kine, Big Mahalo, la dat!" It was a great pleasure to work with a master such as yourself.

I would especially like to thank my cousin Keao NeSmith for his invaluable knowledge of the Hawaiian Language (which he learned from our Grandma) and for all of his input.

So, sit back and listen. Aloha

Kawika

Na Mele

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produced by: Pono Records
Executive Producer: Kawika Kahiapo
Producer: Pierre Grill
Recorded by: Pierre Grill at Rendozvous Recording, Inc., Honolulu, Hawai'i
Arranged by: Kawika Kahiapo
Hawaiian Translations by: Keao NeSmith
Cover design, photography, concept, graphics by: Allison Foo

This album and many other Hawaiian music titles can be purchased online from The Hawaiian Music Island.

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