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| Song List
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| Reviews
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"Rise & Shine" by Keoki Kahumoku; Daniel Ho Creations Genre: Traditional Hawaiian, ki ho'alu. Distinguishing notes: Keoki Kahumoku, who sings and plays guitar with equal eloquence and ease, already has established his ki ho'alu artistry in Grammy Award-winning releases. His latest, recorded shortly after his work was rewarded in the second (last year's) Hawaiian Grammy nod, reflects a stirring, emotional link with the 'aina he loves. Many of the tunes have had previous lives in other capable hands; Kahumoku's fingerings on his guitar, and his earnest, uncluttered vocals bring new resonance and expression to "Manu 'O'o," "Green Rose Hula," "Hi'ilawe," "Ka'a Ahi Kahului," "Wai'alae" and "E Aloha Mai." Further, Kahumoku interprets two of his father's (George Kahumoku Jr.) originals, "Hale Ohu" and "He Pumehana I Ku'u Poli," reinforcing his roots, his heritage, his 'ohana and ultimately his 'aina. But he also shares an original in the title tune, a rhapsodic it's-a-new-dawn kind of instrumental ditty. Throughout this CD, there's an obvious bond to the land that he adores and old-school ethics — of projecting a very personal posture in defining his musicscape. Our take: Kahumoku raises the bar and glows anew with "Rise & Shine."
Rise & Shine Keoki Kahumoku (Daniel Ho Creations DHC 80047) Kahumoku, son of Grammy Award-winning record producer George Kahumoku Jr., takes another big step closer toward being a "legend" or "master" of slack key with his work. Kahumoku distinguishes himself as a vocalist as well, with a fine assortment of Hawaiian standards and recently written material. The title song is an original, and two others were written by his father. "Ka'a Ahi Kahului" is one of several selections with ties to the island of Maui. "Green Rose Hula" and "Wai'alae" add to the traditionalist feel. "Hi'ilawe," a risky and daring choice, puts his version out there for comparison with those of Gabby Pahinui and other members of the Pahinui ohana. Kahumoku's back-porch arrangement of "Taro Patch Twist" is a pleasant surprise. The original version by Na Leo Pilimehana sounded uncomfortably close to "Uwehe, 'Ami and Slide," the Hoku Award-winning song of the year for 1988, but his version removes the problematic similarities. Kahumoku completed this beautiful solo album shortly before he injured his right hand while skinning a pig. All going well this won't be his last. |
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| Keoki's Notes
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| Kahumoku in Hawaiian means “Priest of the Island.” It must be in my blood, as it has always been my passion to farm, hunt and care for the ‘aina, or land. Music has also been an important part of the Kahumoku family, passed on to me by my grandparents, parents, uncles, aunties, and cousins. I’ve always been thankful for these gifts, but never so thankful as I am today. As the ‘aina has nourished my ‘ohana with “ono grindz” and “good fun,” music has nourished my soul and supported our family. Until recently, I treated music like a hobby. I was never really sure how to make a living out of it. Then the signs came. I wasn’t part of just one Grammy-winning Hawaiian Music CD, but TWO! This should have been a big hint to concentrate more on the music, but I didn’t do much about it. The most humbling experience, though, happened one night as I was doing my part in tending to the ‘aina. As I was skinning a pua‘a (pig) I caught earlier that week, I slit my right hand and severed most of my fingers. It scared everyone, including me! Would I still be able to use my hand? Would I fully recover? Months have passed and the movement and feeling in my middle three fingers is slowly returning. It puts things into perspective when I think about how close I came to losing my fingers completely. I recorded this album with Daniel right after we won Hawai‘i’s second Grammy. It was before my pig-skinning accident, and I played the songs with a renewed determination to make music a priority. As my hand continues to heal, I can only hope that I will be able to play guitar the way that I used to--and better. The ‘aina will always be mine to malama, or care for. But most important is the music, for which I am now so eternally grateful. aloha, Keoki “Liko” Kahumoku |
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| Credits
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