Perfect melodies that sounds like the heavens opened up and scattered sunshine on Hawai`i. "Chicken-skin" harmonies that could equal the likes of a ten-man choir. Musical clarity and tone that can only sound like one thing ... one of the best Hawaiian music groups to ever grace the music scene in MY time. Many groups attempt, but do not come close to the harmonies and stylings, not to mention class, of the Makaha Sons. It is my humble attempt to honor these local guys, Moon Kauakahi, John Koko, and Jerome Koko, at a most fitting time in their career; their 30th anniversary.
John Koko, Jerome Koko, and Moon Kauakahi make up the
Makaha Sons
30th Anniversary Concert:
In honor of three decades at the top of Hawaii's music industry, the Makaha Sons threw a special five hour-plus musical extravaganza bash, on Saturday, June 17th, 2006 at the Neal Blaisdell Center. Their line-up included some of Hawaii's finest entertainers including Grammy Award winner Daniel Ho & Herb Ohta, Jr., Na Kama, 2006 Na Hoku Hanohano Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Kamau`u, and multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning, and Grammy nominated group Ho‘okena. Also on the tab was prior and 2006's Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning, Album of the year and Contemporary Hawaiian album of the year group from Maui, Hapa.
The Makaha Sons celebrated with a huge bang, as the top names in Hawaiian
music showcased unforgettable talent, on one stage.
The list continued with promising new artist, Hoku Zuttermeister, Jr., special guests Barry Kimokeo, Mark Ho‘omalu & dancers of the Academy of Hawaiian Arts, Aunty Genoa Keawe, multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, Fiji, and Chinky Mahoe & Hula Halau 'O Kawaili‘ula (2006 overall winner in the mens division at the Merrie Monarch).
Artist after artist, group after group, if you attended, you were guaranteed the best seat in the house, no matter WHERE you sat, as it was the most intimate, yet classy show I've seen in Hawaii in a long time. If you were one of the lucky ones to purchase a "floor" seat you were entitled to a delicious buffet that left you truly wanting to just "kick back" and enjoy the music.
It just isn't a Makaha Sons' performance without hula dancing.
Concert-goer Roz Makaula, entertainment producer for KHNL News 8's morning show, said of the evening, "The Makaha Sons 30th Anniversary Celebration is [was] a night to remember! There is comfort and familiarity in the musical mastery that is the Sons. I can be one of hundreds in a crowded arena and hear their tunes and suddenly feel like I'm having my own personal concert. They connect with their fans. That's one reason why they have such a loyal following and why I'd take a walk in the country with them anytime." I agree with Makaula, and add that for myself, personally, the high quality of the show was not a surprise, as synonymous with the name of the Makaha Sons throughout their career, has been quality music, and everything from top-notch set and beautiful stage design to promising opening acts, as well as almost sold-out venues.
Short history:
Pictured here with their wives, (seated center is late Lydia Kamakawiwo`ole, wife of
Moon Kauakahi) the Makaha Sons credit family and friends for making it as far
as they have come.
From a small club, called "Uptown Yokos," in 1976, the original five members of what was known as the Makaha Sons of Ni`ihau, amazed audiences and started a following from their first performance. From that first performance, no one would have guessed that the threesome today is the same same group, despite undergoing numerous changes and trials in management, actual group members, and sadly, even two deaths in the group. But through trials and rough times, the Makaha Sons persevered and through it all, now have 30 long years to look back and reflect upon, and today, have proven that despite critics (some of whom doubted the successes of the Makaha Sons as a trio once Skippy, and then Israel Kamakawiwo`ole passed away) as well as genres of music that are "here today, gone tomorrow," their traditional feel and harmonies have pleased Hawaii as well as the rest of the world. With numerous Na Hoku Hanohano Awards down their musical "belts," so to speak, the trio has grown together and have perfected their musical stylings throughout the years.
Pictured here are L-R Moon Kauakahi, Jerome Koko, and John Koko. Seated is
the late Israel Kamakawiwo`ole.
So you can accurately say that the Makaha Sons have won Hawaii over and have proven their staying power here in the islands, but more impressively, around the world. A look at their yearly calendar proves that their fan base spreads around the globe and is rapidly growing. Their music has taken them in every nook and cranny of the international globe. A common name in Japan and in much of the United States, they perform in sold-out venues from state to state, all year round.
Staying true: While many musicians switch genres to fit the time and tune, the Makaha Sons have stayed true to traditional Hawaiian music. Success may lie upon clarity of functions, also, as they have proven successful with each member doing something specific. According to John Koko, each group member has very important strengths which each brings to the table. "Moon is the six string guitarist, leader, arranger, and the brains behind the group. Jerome is the 12 string guitarist, and our business man. He handles all of our bookings, and everything connected to it. He's also our MC and runs the show on stage. As for me, I'm the upright bass player and Mr. Personality. I'm also the coordinator of the shows. I take care of the sounds and lights and whatever else needs to be done for the shows. I also supervise our website, and do PR for the group," says Koko.
Future: There are a handful of successful solo artists, and groups in Hawaii that have the Makaha Sons to thank for getting them started on the right foot. Clearly, that is a continuous goal for the Makaha Sons. Says John Koko, "Right now, we're getting into producing up and coming musicians. We're teaching them not only the music side, but the business side, too. They get 100 percent ownership of their cd's. Which I think all musicians should have." There was talk of a new CD release, but their focuses have been on other things. Says John Koko, "Hopefully, we can get our DVD out this year. I'm learning how to do therecording and filming side, which is a lot of fun from Kawikanui Kahele and Mike Goodnecht. It's a live recording we did at the Hawai'i Theatre. Hoku Zuttermeister, Barry Kimokeo, Halau Hula Olana, and Jeri-Lynn "Kealo" Koko are also featured in the DVD. As for a Makaha Sons CD, we've been too busy traveling." So don't fret, Makaha Sons fans, the DVD should satisfy your thirst for their music!
So while fashion styles change and music genres come and go, there's one thing that is sure to stay. Congratulations, to the one and only Makaha Sons, for 30 great years in Hawaiian music-all my best, and definitely, from all of Hawaii!
| What Da (Famous) Locals Think: |
2006 Na Hoku Hanohano Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie A'i Kamau'u (right),
pictured here with daughter, Sha-Lei
"I was raised on Makaha Sons' music. I remember fighting the crowd at Pearl Ridge Shopping Center (when there was Farrell's and Downtown was Phase I and Shirokiya was at Phase II!) to see them. I sat right in the front and with all of my might, fought the desire to stand up and dance. I was in the 6th grade and mesmerized!! They have continued to be leaders, not just in CD sales, sold out concerts and Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, but truly great keepers of tradition and style. It has been an honor to travel with them and to see first hand how they touch people around the world. All hail the Emperor (Jerome), the King (John) and the General (Moon)! They are truly the heartbeat (E.K.G.) of Hawaiian music."
- Natalie Ai Kamauu
Chef Sam Choy (right) with Jerome
"I met the Makaha Sons 20 years ago back when they were still the Makaha Sons of Niihau. The first time I heard them play was when I saw them at Nanakuli Beach Park. Listening to the richness of their music really made me proud to be Hawaiian. How did they become my brothers? I went backstage once to congratulate them and tell them how great they were. We got to talking and we've been great friends ever since. Without the Makaha Sons a lot of the younger bands or groups wouldn't have somthing to shoot for. They wouldn't have a perfect example of what Hawaiian music is. Hawaiian music has become very successful internationally. The Makaha Sons have entertained people around the world making sure the music and culture is not lost. The Makaha Sons have been very generous in taking young talent and exposing them not only to the music but the business side of the industry as well. It really makes you feel proud either to be Hawaiian, to be from the islands or to be very passionate about Hawaiian Music when you listen to the Makaha Sons."
- "Uncle" Sam Choy
Herb Ohta, Jr. (left) with Daniel Ho
"My Father Ohta-san was my first and only 'ukulele teacher from the age of 3. I lost interest for 5 years until I heard the Makaha Sons. I started to love Hawaiian music and the 'ukulele again. My Father showed me how to play, however the Makaha Sons are the main reason why I play music today! Makaha Sons forever!"
Aloha,
Herb Ohta, Jr.
Pictured here with Barry Kimokeo (far right) and John Koko of the Makaha Sons, Hoku
Zuttermeister enjoys a break from performing.
"Aloha Kim, Thank you so much for asking for input about the Sons. They have done so much for me, more importantly so much for all of Hawaii. Their music has stretched across the world, and with that, their aloha for Hawaii. When you think of and listen to Hawaiian music, the Makaha Sons are a must to be included in your list."
Mahalo Nui!
Hoku Zuttermeister
Na Kama
"Hi Kim, I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner. We've been so busy the last few weeks with hula competitions, promoting our latest CD, Kamakolu, and having just returned from Japan. What can I tell you about the Sons? Like so many inspiring groups that are trying to make it in the music business, and have been influenced greatly by the Sons, we (Na Kama) have had the great fortune to have developed friendships with each John, Moon, and Jerome. They've been there for us on so many different levels. Whether it was needing help in the studio, trying to figure out an arrangement for a song or business related issues, they are right there for us, and without any hesitation. They're three Hawaiians with hearts full of "Aloha". As we continue our own journey to establish a niche in the Hawaiian music scene, we do it with a stronger confidence and wiser approach because of what we have learned from the Sons. We wish them all the best and look forward to much more great Hawaiian music from them."
- Aloha, Brian Mersberg (of Na Kama)
Fiji
"The Makaha Sons have been my foundation and connection in staying rooted in Hawaiian music. They stand as a reminder to all of us that we should do everything possible to perpetuate a dying breed called Hawaiian music. Long live the Makaha Sons."
- Fiji
Aunty Genoa Keawe
"The Makaha Sons are very good, I love those boys. They have developed themselves over the years to what they are today. Well accomplished professionals in preserving our Hawaiian Music. I recall the trip when we traveled to perform at Carnegie Hall, 4/18/98. Travelling with us were John Cruz, Cyril Pahinui, Robi Kahakalau, and Hula Halau 'O Kawaili'ula just to name a few. We had a great time. I appreciate that Makaha Sons have always asked me to be a part of their annual concert 'Take A Walk In The Country.' I will always support the Sons in their effort to preserve our Hawaiian music."
- Aunty Genoa Keawe
Ho`okena member Horace Dudoit, III, has remained close friends with his
colleagues, the Makaha Sons, for many years.
"The Makaha Son's are an extension of the legends who have paved the way before us. Their legacy of Hawaiian music will live on for decades to come. Happy 30th Anniversary my brothers!"
- Horace K. Dudoit III
"Ho`okena"
Kelly Boy Delima, leader of electrifying music group, Kapena, speaks highly
of the Makaha Sons.
"What would Hawaiian music/the Hawaiian music scene be like WITHOUT the Makaha Sons? Hawaiian music wouldn't be recorded in its purest form without the Makaha Sons. Even though music on our island has changed they have preserved traditional Hawaiian music for generations to come. The Makaha Sons have influenced me tremendously. As a little boy, I would listen to their records, long before there were CD's and dreamed of some day playing and singing songs like the Queen's Jubilee, Rusty Old Steam Pipes, and Hali'ilua. I wish them continued success and I know the best is yet to come."
- Much love and aloha,
Kelly Boy De Lima-Kapena
Hapa (Photo courtesy of David Vasquez)
"...for myself, they have always represented true professionalism in the music business and have always been the Jedi Masters of the Hawaiian and Polynesian music world...No trio on the face of the earth can sing like that! Their majestic three part unison and harmony singing bring comparisons to early Crosby, Stills and Nash and I was hypnotized by the Sons in 1979 by a sound that 27 years later, I still describe as 'entrancing.' Add to this their grace and kindness as people, and it is easy to understand how the deep emotionality of their music "opihis" them to all their listeners and forever inspires the rest of us who imitate them. 'Ohipa Maere! (Wondrous work!)"
- Aloha nui,
Barry Flanagan, HAPA
"If I had one word to describe The Makaha Sons, it would be 'CLASSY'. There's a reason why The Makaha Sons as well as groups such as The Brothers Cazimero, Olomana and Ho'okena are able to withstand the test of time...good music and good people are basic keys to having a successful career. My style doesn't necessarily come from them, but what I take from these gentlemen are, the way they handle themselves in the public eyes...being cordial, humble, honest and most of all being themselves. I recently had the pleasure of being with them on a flight to Maui...we sat together...and I swear to you, I laughed through the whole trip. These guys really love what they do...I admired their comradeship... yet, when they hit the stage it is pure magic! The Makaha Sons and their music is blessed by God...and in return we are blessed by it ... Congratulations on 30 years, you deserve everything and more...boy, you guys are old.. You folks need a fourth member? I can play the spoons!"
- Love you guys,
Nathan Aweau, HAPA
