(NOTE: KAPONO FANS PLEASE READ! Launch date of new album has been pushed back to Monday, 6/20. Sorry for the inconvenience. BUT TRUST ME, its worth the wait... every minute of it! =) Aloha and Mahalo for your support! ~ Kim Lehano)
With my job, I meet a lot of people in Hawaii's entertainment industry, and am fortunate enough to be friends with some of Hawaii's finest entertainers. However, I do have my favorites; those whose careers I closely follow.
With a father who was a musician, growing up with Cecilio & Kapono was a must. Blaring through our home speakers was a constant C&K or Kalapana presence. My dad's music group and his solo gigs echoed the stylings of C&K, and made me very familiar with C&K's music from a VERY early age. Not only did I familiarize myself with it, but I grew to love and appreciate it, and especially today, realize that the "good ole days" of Hawaiian music was in that time frame; the birth of Hawaiian contemporary music-the 70s. So when I get to meet those who have influenced my love for music, my appreciation grows fonder, as I see the behind the scenes work ethic and heart and soul in the music I so dearly love.
You may have seen my featured artist, Henry Kapono, here and there, from Jack Johnson's sold-out Kokua Festival, to the largest fundraiser on Kaua`i, in addition to various charitable events all around the state and abroad.
Henry Kapono Ka`aihue was born and raised in Kapahulu, Oahu, near Waikiki. Roots of a large, 100% Hawaiian family, Henry was very athletic, and well-rounded. Music wasn't the only thing he was good at.
Henry Kapono Ka`aihue was very athletic in his younger days,
earning full scholarships to play his sport(s).
After receiving a baseball scholarship to Punahou School, and a college football scholarship to the University of Hawaii, Henry's love of music began while singing in a choir, and was followed by picking up different instruments to self-teach himself. Ukulele, and then guitar, and the rest, they say, is history.
Henry Kapono first performed as a solo artist, before teaming up
with Californian, Cecilio Rodriguez, for what is known today,
as C&K.
After performing as a solo artist, and a three year stint in Japan, Henry came back and met up with Cecilio Rodriguez. Sound familiar?
C&K formed much of Hawaii's contemporary island music scene for decades.
Pictured here are Cecilio Rodriguez and Henry Kapono, having fun for
the camera!
Yes, C&K began, and music in Hawaii was never the same again. Skip forward a few award-winning albums, constant radio-play of hit C&K songs, a successful restaurant/lounge/bar career (Kapono's Bar & Grill), acting stints, to June 11th, 2006, the release of "The Wild Hawaiian." It's a project with personal meaning, and personal ties, to Kapono's heart and soul of Hawaiian, PURE Hawaiian, music. "This CD is very near and dear to my heart. It's a very important project because it helped me realize a lot of things about myself as a Hawaiian man and as a human being. It's about moving forward," contemplates Kapono.
After Kapono's Bar & Grill shut its doors, Kapono was able to focus on this project, as well as spend time with those who mattered most. "My spare time is seldom, but I usually spend it with my wife or my daughters or my grandson or friends. Just doing whatever they want to do. I also took up golfing recently and really enjoy it when I can go out with my friends," said Kapono.
Kapono spends free time with family and friends as much as he can.
Pictured here with daughters Kaleo, Momi, and grandson Nainoa.
While I don't have the space to comment on all the tracks in "The Wild Hawaiian," I found a few that stuck out in my mind, and in my heart. I got to spend some time with Henry, and felt his passion behind the project. That led me to listen, intently, to all of the tracks, linear notes beside me, to get to know the project enough to provide an honest and contemplative look at his latest work.
"The Wild Hawaiian" comes out on June 11th, followed by a state-wide
tour, beginning on July 8th. Visit www.henrykapono.com for more details
I can be honest and say that I was originally not a fan of those "Jawaiian" artists who rapped to the tune of Hawaiian lyrics. I always thought, "Oh boy, Hawaiians are turning in their graves listening to this pop nonsense." But throughout the years, I've come to appreciate the style, and depending on style, recognize it as a most creative way to explore Hawaiian music.
Like Jack Johnson has brought "island music" to the rest of the world I feel that "The Wild Hawaiian" will do the same for Hawaiian music. In all its entirety, this CD was a two "Wild Hawaiian" thumbs up on my account, and will revolutionize Hawaiian, with a bit of rock and roll. Rock and roll? Hawaiian? What am I talking about? You got it. I was a pure-bred, full-fledged fan of rock groups back in the day. Guns N Roses, Slaughter, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith. So when I first listened to Henry's tracks, not only did the CD's title jump to mind, but the rocker in Henry made me realize how talented, and how diversified his talent really was.
Is THAT what was hidden all these years, in this "laid-back" C&K style music? I was pleasantly surprised. And like I said, if you weren't one to appreciate Hawaiian music themed to guitar, you may want to listen to this, and re-evaluate your opinion. The spirit behind it all, was important, as I found that Henry started to appreciate his Hawaiian ancestors MORE after working on this project. "This CD is very near and dear to my heart. It's a very important project because it helped me realize a lot of things about myself as a Hawaiian man and as a human being. It's about moving forward," said Kapono.
Kapono, pictured above, uses "The Wild Hawaiian" to culminate his
love and appreciation for his Hawaiian culture.
The release date, of June 11th, is Kamehameha Day in the state of Hawaii, and Kapono thought it fitting to debut his album on a day that gives respect to those who have fought for our people. "(I) thought it would be appropriate because the CD pays tribute to the Kings and Queens of Hawaii's past. It also pays tribute to our home Hawaii and it pays tribute to our ancestors," comments Kapono. For that reason alone, this seven-years in the making CD is an invaluable teaching tool for those who want to learn more about Hawaii's heart and history. That is, if you don't mind it with a little bit of excitement!
Na Ali`i. WOW. He's BAAAACK. Gone are the days of C&K's mellow, "sing you a love song" ballads, "peace, love, and happiness" hits. Here is a strong and very energetic mix of refreshing beats, with catchy short Hawaiian "sing-along" phrases as well as that "Ku-E!" type chant, that immediately draws your attention to the beat and to the rhythm of a very deeply embedded, yet obvious message: "The Chiefs." The Chiefs, or Na Ali`i, as the songs title explains, focuses in on those rulers who helped bond the Hawaiian people together, as well as the GREAT ONE: King Kamehameha the Great. Originally done by Kui Lee, this song gives you that "right there" feel; as if this battle song narrates a place and people in time that is otherwise indescribable in plain words. Thus, song will do, and excels, in translating swift power and powerful movement, by those who reigned the Hawaiian islands. As I listen, I still can't believe it's the same song as the one Kui Lee sings. Unbelievable!
Na Al'i: Na Ali'i speaks about the rulers of Hawai`i, including King Kamehamehameha
the Great. Powerful, bold, and energetic.
Chicken skin. My exact thoughts when I first heard Kapono's last track, "Ke Aloha O Ka Haku - The Queen's Prayer." Henry's solo guitar-playing, as well as, vocal talent, shines forth with this powerful, ballad- type remake of a song with deep meaning and roots into the Hawaiian Monarchy. The opening instrumental, clean guitar sound made me reminiscent of one of my favorite acoustic groups, "Blessed Union of Souls," and even "Extreme," and then when Henry's vocals start, the heart and soul of this project come alive. You don't have to understand Hawaiian to feel the power of this piece, my ultimate favorite on "The Wild Hawaiian." This song is so powerful that "movie soundtrack" and anything "epic" comes to mind when replaying this song in my CD player. I usually try to listen to a song first, and then look at the lyrics. When I read the lyrics, while listening to the music, I got teary-eyed and realized just then that Henry accomplished EXACTLY what he wanted to do with his music: inspire and give me a sense of empathetic loss of power, from one family member to another. I could literally imagine a family member imprisoned, yet not being able to do a thing about it, and then finding the strength, as this song provides, to go on and be stronger. Henry's feelings about the song, made me realize WHY the emotion felt so powerful, in the finished product. Said Kapono, "The Queen's Prayer is the epitome of what this project is about. To me she says … we were betrayed and we cannot change that, but we can move forward and change tomorrow for the good of all mankind and make it better for ourselves, but first we must forgive and let go. She was an amazing lady and an amazing leader. I have high respect for her as a human being and as a Hawaiian. I am also a big fan of her music. God bless the Queen." The song's electric guitar bridge/ending is so powerful and emotionally pulling that I felt Henry's heart while arranging this song, and reliving the Queen's Prayer. If you are like me, sometimes you'll skip through music CDs to the one that you can listen to over and over again. This one, did it for me. Definitely a repeat play on my music list.
Ke Aloha O Ka Haku - The Queen's Prayer: This was my ultimate favorite song
on "The Wild Hawaiian." Chicken-skin, emotional, and finally, shows Kapono's amazing
guitar skills and vocal perfection.
2006 will bring a lot of good things for Kapono. Respect and appreciation by all of his fans, I'm sure. Even better, a double surprise, as he and wife, Lezlee, are expecting twins, due in July. His enthusiasm, is that of an excited first time dad. But he isn't one! Father of two daughters from a previous marriage, the excitement I felt while hanging out with Henry and Lezlee, was contagious.
Pictured here at 24 weeks pregnant, Henry and his wife Lezlee, are the proud parents,
of soon to be twins, expected in July 2006.
"My wife and I are having twins, a boy and a girl. We're really excited about it and can't wait. It's going to be a blast. I have two daughters from a previous marriage and they are a real gift and I feel like I'm being blessed with another chance to watch my children grow from infant to adult. How awesome is that!?" gushes Kapono.
I don't know much more on how to sum up this refreshing blend of music, other than what is said by its artist: "My goal for The Wild Hawaiian is to take it beyond the reef...to put Hawaiian music on the map in a different way. To conquer the World...The Wild Hawaiian way!" says Kapono. Well, conquer on, then Kapono, the world awaits!
Where I've Been
Okay, okay, so I got carried away with the feel and emotions of "The Wild Hawaiian." So what else to eat, but "ono" Hawaiian food, from where else?
One of Kapono's favorite places to eat
Ono's Hawaiian Foods is located on Kapahulu, right outside of Kapono's hometown. Kapono and I dined on the tastiest lau lau in Hawaii. One of his favorite places to eat, this busy restaurant has been making mouths water for awesome Hawaiian food, for decades.
Did you THINK I'd leave you with an "Around Town with Kim Lehano" without anything
food related? I think not! What's my column WITHOUT food? Pictured here,
Henry Kapono, "The Wild Hawaiian" himself, and me, enjoying the "grinds" at Ono
Hawaiian Foods located on Kapahulu Avenue, on the outskirts of Waikiki.
