Search - Pilioha :: Pilioha

This is the much anticipated debut album of Pilioha, 2006 winners of Ka Himeni Ana. First cousins Glenn Mayeda Jr., bass, and Gary ?Kalehua? Krug Jr., rhythm guitar, along with Kamuela Kimokeo, lead guitar, are Pilioha, which means ?a family relationship.#&8221; The name Pilioha is not only a fitting description of the trio, but is a reminder of how important their relationship is with one another, as well as with their families. This understanding and support of one another, their families, and friends is reflected in the balance and harmony of their music.
Glenn, a certified D.O.E. teacher, and Kalehua, a specialist at UH Manoa, and former starting UH Football Offensive Guard, grew up together in Kalihi, hailing from small families. They shared a bond that was more akin to brothers than to cousins. As they grew older, their common interest in music developed. They would soon find themselves playing together at parties and small venues. Kamuela (2006 Bill Murata Memorial Scholarship recipient) later met Glenn in a Polynesian music class at Castle High School. Kamuela s musical skill and maturity quickly became apparent. After returning from his LDS mission, Kamuela was brought into the trio, laying down the foundation for Pilioha to produce the brand of Hawaiian music they have become known for.
While Kamuela is just on the verge of completing his teaching degree, the group blends so well together due to their common interests of teaching, Hawaiian culture and music. To try to describe a genre of Hawaiian music that Pilioha perpetuates would be hard to do due to their wide range of repertoire. Each of these gentlemen possesses lead vocal qualities, both in Hawaiian falsetto and in regular voices. Instrumentally, all are versatile. Some have labeled their music to be much like the music of the Hui Ohana, one of Hawaii s all time favorite groups. It is no surprise, as Ledward Kaapana, the guitar virtuoso of the Hui Ohana, has helped each member. This in turn has helped the trio to bond with each other making them an important commodity of today s and tomorrows Hawaiian music. The theme of this debut album is Family. Each selection has been chosen to give the listener a holistic view of Pilioha from immediate family members, distant relatives, to mentors and other Kupuna throughout the Hawaiian community. Almost half of this release are original compositions by the trio, showcasing not only their musicianship but also their language, and composition skills. From the welcoming chant Aloha E Nu umealani, at the beginning of the album to the last original composition in tribute to Kalehua s mom entitled Everything, this album opens a large window into who these three gentlemen are and what they stand for. Other notable selections include Keolaokalani (Penei No)/ Na Ka Makua and Aina Moloka i, in which the trio performed at this past Ka Himeni Ana. Look for Pi i Ka Ula to switch genres quickly into a hula-based classic, and lastly the aggressive guitar playing of Kamuela on Riders In The Sky gives this album variety and playfulness.
You can find the trio at various public events throughout the islands, but more regularly at The Aku Bone Lounge and Grill on Wednesday evenings, and the Charthouse Honolulu every other Friday evening.