The month of love ... aah. Valentine's Day. I hope that by the time you are reading this, you've made your arrangements for this month's annual day of love, because if not, you're in trouble! All joking aside, I hope that you have/will have/did have a wonderful Valentine's Day whether you're 10 or 99, single, divorced, alone, married, or otherwise not interested. Love comes in all forms ... and this month, I'll focus on one of the definite loves of Hawaii-beautiful Hawaiian music, and one of the groups who have proliferated Hawaiian music and set an industry standard, Hapa. Profiling the two members whom make up Hapa, as well as a review of their most recent work, you'll find you LOVE what you'll read and hear, as below, there are audio clips of some of my favorites.
Hapa. The definition of this word in the pidgin Hawaiian language, is half; most times, referring to a mixed race, or "half" English. Many of us already know this definition. However, how much do we actually know about one of Hawaii's favorite Hawaiian music groups, "Hapa?" I got the chance to spend some time getting to know this famous duo recently, and realized, the only thing "half" about these guys is their name. Between jet-setting and putting their heart and soul into their music (which is very obvious, just by listening to their tunes), this duo is busier, and happier, than ever.
We start with Barry Flanagan. Born in New York City, and raised in New Jersey, this "haole" boy from the East coast, was one of those people to truly fall in love with Hawaii; not just the food, or the culture, but everything; from the people, the music, the feel, the entirety of Polynesia, including slack-key music. They say you either love Hawaii, or you hate it. Well, after hearing Gabby Pahinui, world renown slack-key musician, Flanagan was inspired to follow his heart and his heart led him here.
Barry with his pet-love, Hina
Now, almost 25 years later, Hapa, the music group which he founded, has evolved, and has remained one of Hawaii's favorites. This "haole" boy who is currently a Manoa native ("the more mist, the better," says Flanagan), has now earned the right of being named one of Hawaii's talented and respected musicians.
As a fan, and now, colleague, I ask many entertainers, including the members of Hapa, of their inspiration; the forces whom help to shape who they have become, and who they charge their motivation towards. Flanagan had several, in several areas of not only music, but roles in the world. He named NBA star Dwayne Wade, not only for his accomplishments in the NBA Finals, and making MVP, but his response on the question "How does it feel to be the MVP and win a championship?" Wade's response, which Flanagan has a deep respect for is, " ... this is the second best feeling in the world, the first one being with my wife and family."
Amongst Flanagan's other inspirations are Al Gore, Bono, Jack Johnson, Opetaia Foai, Alvina Klosek, and locally, "Aunty" Genoa Keawe, "Uncle" Eddie Kamai, Chai Chaowarsaree and Ari'ihere Brault. Even close to Flanagan's heart are his personal role models; those who influence his daily life; his mother, his fiancée, Leslie, band mate Nathan Awear, and friend Bill Maeda. He credits them as being "my biggest inspirations ... they are all amazing human beings."
Nathan, Kenny Loggins, Peter Fonda & Barry
2007 brings great promise for Flanagan, but moreso changes and wonderful new beginnings for Flanagan, as Flanagan plans a wedding with his soon-to-be-wife, Leslie, and he also hopes to spend more time with his mom who still lives on the East Coast. "Between Hapa tours, inter-island responsibilities, and quality time with mom, I will probably hit 100 flights this year!" exclaims Flanagan.
He is also currently finishing up a short story with a "South Pacific" theme that should be out later on this year. In speaking with he and Leslie, they emanated such a closeness, and appreciation for everything around them. Flanagan's heartfelt appreciation for anything "Polynesian," simply amazed me. I know people who are 100% Hawaiian/Samoan/Tongan/ etc., who do not speak nor know as much as Flanagan does of their own cultures. Throughout our numerous phone conversations he not only impressed me with his knowledge of the South Pacific and Pacific Islanders, but of his respect for those outside his own culture. It was truly a lesson, in many different ways, to myself. He summed it all up perfectly, when asked how he fits everything into his life - music, family, culture, education - by responding, " ... everything else just seems to flow in the right direction when your priorities are aligned."
Nathan and Barry on-stage
Throughout the years, Hapa, as a group, has changed, but the consistent factor has been Flanagan, who has kept a flurry of writing, producing, and performing award winning music that has its own flair; I know within a few seconds or the intro or outro of a song, if it's a Hapa original, or a Hapa remake. Their distinct guitar sound as well as vocals embellish a typical normal melody. Their harmonies are simplistic, yet rich and full.
Nathan Aweau, the other "half" of Hapa, has been a part of the Hawaiian music scene for as long as I can recall, but surprising to me, not only part of Hawaiian music. Many would not know that this musician's favorite and once most played instrument, was the saxophone. Growing up with musicians as parents, Aweau learned the piano, guitar, and ukulele. Then, after formal lessons and college band performances, Aweau realized that the electric bass was his true love, and this became a part of his musical regimen.
Nathan Aweau
His first "real" job was "as a Loss Prevention Officer' at McInerny's ... that's a big word for security guard," says Aweau. Then, as his talent grew, so did his resume. Accompanying such well known names as Don Ho (for 15 years), Henry Kapono, Nohelani Cypriano, and Gabe Baltazar, even as young as his college days, Aweau was also a part of two Hoku award winning groups, Ka`eo, and The Ali`is.
Aweau's experience goes on, extending even to instruction in the formal education system, as he brought his musical talents to the classroom, teaching in various schools within the state of Hawai`i. Individually, this musician has also won awards for his solo projects, which makes him all the more valuable and irreplaceable as the other "half" of Hapa.
He is a true comedian, as in my interview, no ONE response was answered straight. I laughed at almost every reply, and although I know how seasoned this father, husband, and all-around good guy is, I couldn't help but laugh at his comedic timing. For instance, this self-proclaimed OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) individual says that he's always playing, even while sleeping. "Practicing my instruments is more of a hobby than work. I try to practice my bass a couple of hours a day, and I touch my guitar and other instruments at least once a day ... I think I'm O.C.D. I always feel the need to be playing one of my instruments ... whether I'm watching TV or even on the toilet ... " says Aweau. I paused a bit before realizing what came next. Of course, out of Aweau, was a humorous, "Too much information yeah? I said to my wife that, ‘when I'm sleeping I always hear music.' She said that she knows, because while I'm sleeping I'm actually tapping my foot or hands and that I sometimes hum." Now we all know how he gets so good ... he literally eats, sleeps, and dreams music!
Well, in addition to humorously taking ribs at his daughter, whom he plays tennis with, Aweau loves to play golf. "When I have the time I love to golf. My daughter is on her high school tennis team, and on the off season we would play tennis a few times a week ... she's very competitive like her dad, if she screws up she would throw down her racket, like her dad, she would make grunting sounds, like her dad, and cries, like her dad," states a not-so-serious Aweau.
Then, on a serious note, role models are distinct and specific for this musician. Aweau's thoughts on his inspirations and why:
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Chick Correa - "I admire his writing and playing skills on the piano. I've always been a huge fan of his, from the 70's with his ground-breaking group, ‘Return to Forever,' to today's group, ‘Electric Band.' He's always setting standards on contemporary progressive jazz."
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Christina McBride, Brian Bromberg, and Victor Wooten - "The techniques on their respective instruments are just mind-blowing."
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Aweau's father, his first "music teacher": "At an early age I was introduced to Classical, Jazz, Pop and Latin music. He was a music teacher with the Department of Education in Hawaii for over 30 years, and my mom was a piano player. Besides being an accomplished vocalist, he was very efficient in various instruments... he taught me about not being ‘one dimensional'... learning how to play various instruments or at least understanding how instruments work (from there range, timbre, sweet spot and purpose), being able to write and arrange, and most importantly, being able to appreciate various styles and genres of music... this was his attitude that he instilled in me.
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Benny Chong - "He's the world's best jazz ukulele player. For over 20 years he's been a good friend as well as a mentor. He is one of a handful of musicians in Hawaii that is true to his craft."
Together, this dynamic duo perform all over the world. After winning numerous musical awards with their album "Hapa" even being dubbed as the "number one selling recording by a group or duo in the history of recorded Hawaiian music," they continue to write, produce, and record beautiful music that has started its trek around the world. They perform in sold-out concerts from Tokyo to New York to other parts of the North America and Asia, and as we speak, are touring the East and West coasts, through March. Plans are in the making for an "all hula" album which I cannot wait for.
Nathan, Charles & Barry
The diversity and richness of the music that Hapa continues to make has made me eager to see what else this group will bring the islands and the rest of the world. Locally, Flanagan hopes one day, for what he calls a "real record company in Hawaii." He says that distribution companies are not the same as record companies, and he would love to see a true record company that looked out for all of their artists. Aweau touches upon the "behind the scenes" heart of what he feels towards the future of Hawaiian/Slack key music in the music industry as a whole. "For me, it's not a crusade of mine to have everyone appreciate slack key and Hawaiian music ... my approach and focus is all about making sure that I give a 110%. It's about giving your heart and being truthful to the music, because the audience/listener knows if you're honest or not. The appreciation from the audience/listener comes in response of what we as artists present ... you can't force feed anyone. The appreciation comes because the listener knows that the artists has a true passion of his/her craft ... thus making them interested in what you are feeling," says Aweau.
Now my reviews for their latest releases, "Maui," and "It's a Slack Key World," below:
Maui: Maui, as a collection, was very impressive. The eclectic mix I found while going from track to track, over and over again (I like to listen to new CD's more than once to grasp things I missed the first time around, and find my self-proclaimed "favorites"), took me by surprise. This entire CD switches from genre to genre, and each track presents a different "face" of Hapa. It shows the backgrounds of both members, in its entirety. If you're like me, I tend to make a collection of mixed songs on my CD's, of my favorite music from various artists. This collection, sounds like a variety of different artists, but its just one; one group. That's what amazed me most when listening to "Maui." There was even a Bob Marley track, one of my personal favorites, "Redemption Song." It took me aback (and I won't give it ALL away) because it has a Hawaiian twist. My favorite track on the CD is definitely Lei Manoa. It is soothing, beautiful, elegant, and romantic all in one track. After reading the linear notes I realized that it was by and for love, that this song was written. So fitting, for this month of love. Barry wrote it for his fiancée, Leslie. (Awww!) Powerful, yet sweet, Lei Manoa simply took my breath away. What I really liked about the CD was its abundance of Tahitian, dispersed here and there, and everywhere, that gave it a unique twist, and also made me forget, once and again, who I was listening to each time I got caught up in the melodic verbiage. Add the almost perfect guitar blend and this is the ultimate CD for your easy listening/jazz/reggae/Hawaiian/Tahitian/ contemporary Hawaiian collection. I could go on and on listing all the genres that this CD compilation could fall under, but I would continue on all day. I highly suggest this CD, not only to those of you who are already Hapa fans, but to those of you reading this, that may be new to Hapa's music. You'll listen to this CD and then to Hapa's older recordings and although the signature voice (Flanagan) and guitar style may be reminiscent of one another, the sound of past Hapa CDs until "Maui," is definitely worlds apart.
It's a Slack Key World: Then, there's "It's a Slack Key World" presented by Hapa World Music. WOW. Growing up with a father as a musician, I never KNEW that slack key could sound like this. Although the norm to me, was "Uncle Pops" Gabby Pahinui, and some other old-time Hawaii favorites, the creative ways in which musicians from around Hawaii and the world have adapted this to their own styles and favorite pieces, give me not only this prideful smirk on my face, because of our own distinct style of playing an instrument that is known worldwide, but the fact that you can only find it ... HERE. I listened to this CD and instantly envisioned beautiful and lively places in my mind, or simply relaxing in a dreamy spa setting, overlooking lush greens and/or a breathtaking waterfall. Yes, this CD did that for me. THEN, after listening the FIRST time, I went back, and saw the credits on this CD, it could be the red carpet at the Hoku Awards. Imua Garza (Opihi Pickers), Ernie Cruz Jr., Shawn Ishimoto, Gaylord Holomalia (Kalapana), Orama Brault, and even Pat Simmons and Pat Simmons Jr. I was taken on a relaxing, but lively journey on a CD that gives me the most comfortable, and familiar, nostalgic feel. Of particular "pull" to me, was "Kaua`i Beauty," featuring Imua Garza, and Kamalani O Keaukaha, featuring Shawn Ishimoto. Both tracks were truly mesmerizing, and emotional in such a way that you could tell the heart and soul of the performers. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire album, and recommend it for anyone who craves slack-key at its best.
What does the future hold for Hapa? A new, all-hula album in the works, with promises by both Flanagan and Aweau of original, no-repeat, Hapa music that fans are already looking forward to. "You have to keep it fresh and take a few chances with each project...as Al Pacino said ‘You are only as good as the chances you take,'" says Flanagan.
So "Hapa," as it is, means half. If I were to redefine the word based on the music and vision, and talent that this duo has, I would say this - becoming a successful musician who can produce, write and perform, with a sound all your own - is difficult, and rare in this day in age. Having two of these rarities in one group? Look no further, than Hapa.
