Thursday, July 3, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Pali. When I was first asked to do this review, I thought to myself, okay, with the name Pali, this has GOT to be a strong group. When I think of the "Pali" (Lookout, and in terms of history, etc.) vivid images of majestic sharp-as-a-knife mountain-valleyed greenery come to mind, and also all the mystic beauty that surround the Pali's magnificence. The Pali is unlike anywhere else in the world in its scenery, but it is also unique in the sense of its power, quiet beauty, and memorable imagery. All of that was on my mind when the word "Pali" came to mind, and after reviewing the latest Pali CD, I think that my impressions of how memorable this Pali is to me, are probably echoed for all listeners of their tracks. Unique, with a soft and unspoken beauty all its own.
Pali at a KHNL News 8 Morning News shoot, left to right: Producer Kata Maduli, Dwayne Keomaka, Marvin Buenconsejo (who also helped with the artist interviews for TRIBUTE, and plays a mean percussion/drum), Pali Ka`aihue, Angela Keen, Davey G., Mark Kawakami, Joey Mokulehua
It took me a brief second, after asking about the CD, to realize that this group, Pali, had taken on a huge task. You see, this album, entitled "Tribute," is, hence the name, a tribute to past contemporary Hawaiian and Hawaiian groups, such as Kalapana, C&K, and Country Comfort, and with a collection of popular hits that people familiar with this genre of music, cannot forget. Not only was it a risk, in my mind, to take this huge venture, but also possibly instant suicide for a group, to emulate long-time favorites, for Hawaiians old and new. Growing up with these groups as my family's music selections, I was already familiar with most of the tracks on the CD. However, the twist and unique, yet smooth sound which Pali reverberates, was pleasing to the ear, and as you'll be able to hear for yourself, fresh.
Waiting at the Royal Hawaiian Band performance at First Hawaiian Bank courtyard, left to right: Dwayne, Pali, Mark, Joey
I caught up with the group, Pali, and got to learn a little more about the band. Here are a little more about its members:
Pali founder and member Pali Ka`aihue
Pali Tuan W. Ka`aihue: Pali, hence, the namesake Pali, as you probably already guessed, was born and raised here in Honolulu. In his sophomore year of high school at Maryknoll High School, his love of music blossomed, and although some may consider that to be late in nature, the intensity of his love of music blossomed from the piano, to the drums, bass, and eventually, the guitar. "I was given an ultimatum in high school; either the drums can stay, or I can," says Ka`aihue. He jokes, "I wonder how all drummers can get away with drumming under their parents' roof." Ka`aihue then began to focus on composition of music and his guitar. He self-describes his singing skills as "I couldn't even hum in key." He credits his drastic improvements in sound, to his dear friend, Susan Jaworoski, who provided Ka`aihue with what he called, "much needed voice lessons." So on to writing more music and recording! When he is not recording, composing or performing, Ka`aihue is busy as the President and CEO of LavaNet, a local Internet Solutions Provider.
Pali band member Mark Kawakami, in the studio
Mark Kawakami: Described as the group's virtuoso on harmonica (check out 'Railway Station' off of TRIBUTE); this Pali member plays percussions, guitar and keyboards. He's a former life guard and avid skater. Kawakami loves all types of music ranging from blues, jazz, Hawaiian, metal, reggae to country. He is also the band's sound engineer and go to guy whenever the group needs to switch vocal harmony parts. Talk about versatile!
Pali member Dwayne Keomaka in the studio
Dwayne Keomaka: Now this member has a very interesting background! As a former Hawai`i Stars contestant, Keomaka has over 25 years of stage performance under his belt. He's a natural performer and keeps the groups rhythm guitar groove going. On his free time outside of working with the group, he loves surfing and body boarding, and can be found taking on whatever Sandy Beach is dishing out.
Pali bassist, Joey Mokulehua, having fun
Joey Mokulehua: This is the group's bass player, who comes from a very musical, and reknown `ohana. He is the son of 'Aunty' Lawaina Mokulehua-Gonsalves and 'Uncle' Billy Gonsalves of the Paradise Serenaders. Formerly a member of the group Hawai`i Loa, Joey has recorded a number of albums and has toured internationally.
Pali at the Royal Hawaiian Band Christmas CD In-store appearance at Waikele: left to right, Mark, Joey, Pali, Dwayne
So now that you know who makes up the group, lets talk about their music and everything else in between. They have been told that the sound of their group is similar to the "Eagles." A "Hawai`i version of The Eagles," as they've been told. This release, Tribute, will be the group's third release, and certainly different than anything else they have ever done. They have also been featured on the Royal Hawaiian Band's Christmas CD (released earlier this year). Their first CD, self-titled "Pali," was a mix of some slack key, Hawaiian, English, and `ukulele driven songs, according to Ka`aihue. "In Harmony," which was released next, was more of a contemporary Hawaiian feel, and featured guest artists Aunty Genoa Keawe, Jay Kauka, and John Keawe. Ka`aihue touts this release as their "unplugged" album. Then comes "Tribute." As mentioned earlier, this was a huge task, in my eyes, to take on. According ot Ka`aihue, "Tribute is a compilation and dedication to some of the groups that made up the 'Golden Age' of contemporary songwriting and performances. The arrangements, harmonies, and overall groove of each song needed to be very respectful of its original counterpart, yet given a fresh reinterpretation." In my opinion, job VERY well done. You'll get a chance to listen to a few sample tracks below.
Pali at the 2007 NFL ProBowl Block party, left to right: Garin Poliahu (drummer for Kalapana, also guest musician on TRIBUTE, flew in from the Big Island to perform with them), Brad Kawakami, Mark Kawakami, Dave, Joey Mokulehua, (front left to right): Pali Ka`aihue, Dwayne Keomaka
I wanted to know how a group would be so brave as to do an album with untouchable tracks. "Tribute," according to Ka`aihue, was an idea of his after the group performed countless gigs around town. "It was always obvious when you look at the faces of the audience whenever we'd perform a request by any of the groups represented on the CD [Tribute]; people would sing slong, mouth the words, or just smile and light up when singing one of their favorites," says Ka`aihue. My opinion? Its true. I know when I've watched a semi-newer group sing one of my old-time favorites, whether Contemporary Hawaiian, Hawaiian, or a complete different genre of music, I do the same. When I heard that Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam was brazen enough to sing "Hawai`i 78" at their latest concert, and then HEARD the track for itself, I got, as we call in Hawaii, "chicken skin." So I completely agreed with Ka`aihue's interpretation of fan favorites. There was also an element of respect involved, according to Ka`aihue. "On the flip side of that idea, I also wanted to try and ensure that the next generation of listeners remembered how huge of an impact these groups made here in the islands with their songs and performances," said Ka`aihue.
So taking on this huge task, one thing. But when I read the linear notes and listened to the CD, I was tickled to see that many of the original performers of the songs made guest appearances on "Tribute." To name a few: Henry Kapono Ka`aihue, DJ Pratt, Malani Bilyeu, Randy Lorenzo, and Cyril Pahinui. I wanted to know the challenges involved in taking on a tribute album in the "musical footsteps" of such musical legends in Hawaii. According to Ka`aihue, "In addition to changes in the group lineup and health problems with one of our key members, one of the biggest challenges was our own skepticism. 'who in their right mind[s] would attempt to re-record these classics?!' But we all came to the conclusion that our versions [of the previously recorded songs] would have to strike the balance of being true to its original counterpart, while giving it a fresh, updated sound," mentioned Ka`aihue. Continues Ka`aihue, "When you're dealing with these fan favorites, you really, really don't want to mess up!"
Although fairly new to the music industry in comparison with the artists which inspired them for this release, they offer some great advice to up and coming groups who are preparing to venture into their own musical endeavors. Says Ka`aihue, "It depends when starting your music group, what you want to do with it. All you need is to get some songs that appeal to what your target audience will most likely be, get a couple of friends that also jam too, practice, and you're on your way." Recording those songs, though, according to Ka`aihue, is a different story altogether. "If you want to record, then there's obviously a lot more preparation involved. Budget, song selection, obtaining permission/mechanical licenses, marketing, distribution, and advertising are all key things that you have to prepare yourself/your group for," states Ka`aihue. He compares the band relationship, humorously, to marriage. "It's a lot like being married, except you're married to each band member. Obviously there are about 1.725 million things that can disrupt your band marriage, the most common being over-inflated ego and jealousy. Chemistry, honesty, respect for each other's differences, styles, backgrounds, likes and dislikes are all factors that can ensure longevity in a group," states a well-spoken Ka`aihue.
On stage at the 2007 NFL ProBowl Block party, left to right: Joey, Bradley, Dwayne of Pali
In reviewing this release, I was not only nostalgic but also very pleased to hear that just as Ka`aihue described, there was a little of everything, some old and some new, and some unique parts of each song that made it special and worth listening to the entirety of the CD. Its easy listening, but also "feel good" listening where you're brought back to a memory, time place, or even able to create a new one based upon the freshness that Pali brings to your listening palates. I come from a love of music as whole and I tend to compare all the time, without realizing it, and without knowing it. However, there's nothing I could compare this to, except for a little of the original and even more. Ka`aihue wrapped this thought as well as my thought, that the style and sound of Pali, is true, in itself, to Pali's form. "As long as you're fine with what niche crowd your music may or may not appeal to, do what is true to yourself and your style," said Ka`aihue. I completely agree, and feel that they've done a wonderful job to keep this "Tribute" as a complementary, but unique twist on Hawaiian artists of yesterday and today.
Pali (left on lead guitar) and "Marky" on vocals (right) at the 2007 NFL ProBowl Block party
So where can I watch these guys play, is your question, right? You'll normally catch them at the Waikiki Marriott once a month and up and about in different spots in town. Looking at some of their performances this month, they'll be doing a Borders in-store performance at the Ward Store, on March 17th, at 8:00 p.m. Then, the following week, on Friday March 23rd, you can catch Pali playing at the first annual Hawaii Academy of Recording Artists' Golf Tournament. Right after that, on March 24th and 25th you can catch them at the First Annual Hawai`i Folk Life Festival. On Saturday, March 31st, Pali will be at the Waikele Borders for another in-store performance. Visit their website, www.pali.net, for additional performances. Future plans for Pali? Watch out for a possible "Tribute" tour this summer (hopefully with some of the guest artists who appeared on the CD), as well as a possible semi-sequel to their "In Harmony" release as the group hopes to get some studio time later on this year as well.
The group hopes to get back into the studio this year
The group at a recent KITV Island Television Morning News Shoot: left to right: Mahealani Richardson, Joey Mokulehua (back), Ben G.(who also sat in with us live that morning on percussions for 3 songs!), Dave Gonzales (back), Dwayne Keomaka, Pali Ka`aihue (with Bono-like glasses), Producer Kata Maduli (back) and Mark Kawakami
In closing, I asked the group what else they wanted to share with you, my loyal readers and this is what they had to say! "Yes, KIM LEHANO ROCKS!!! So keep reading her awesome articles :) ... aside from that, thank you for reading this. We hope you hear something on TRIBUTE you like, can tap your foot to or sing along with. We'd love to hear from you too! Please free to drop us a line at music@pali.net. Aloha Ke Akua and All the best ..."
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