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Olomana
Taking the
name of the beautiful windward O'ahu mountain so
much a part of family and childhood memories, Olomana
blends contemporary and traditional musical styles to create a unique sound
that is deeply rooted in the land, people and culture of Hawai'i.
In
1973 Jerry Santos and Robert Beaumont joined forces to introduce an
exciting new sound to the Hawaiian music scene. They brought their
distinctive harmony and versatility to many of Hawai'i's nightclub and
concert stages. In 1976 their first recording "Like A Seabird In The
Wind" was received enthusiastically and songs like Santos' "Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u"
and Beaumont's "Home" became instant favorites. Two more albums
followed. "And So We Are" in 1978 helped to focus a generation of
Hawaiians on the concept of "aloha 'aina"
-love for the land- with Uncle Harry Mitchell's "Mele
o Kaho'olawe". Influenced by the aloha of
friend and counselor Emma Defries , "Come To Me Gently" in 1981 would
acknowledge the rewards of the sharing between generations. The latter was
honored with six Na Hoku Hanohano
awards by the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts including a Song of the
Year composer's award for Jerry Santos' title cut "Come to me
Gently" and a Haku Mele
(Hawaiian language) composer's award for Auntie Emma Defries'
"E Ku'u Sweet Lei Poina
'ole. By this time the group had expanded to include Wally Suenaga on bass and Willy Paikuli
on drums and assorted Hawaiian and standard percussion instruments.
1982
was a year of change and growth for Olomana
marking the passing of Robert Beaumont and the addition of Haunani Apoliona to the Olomana family . As the group
continued to perform live, an anthology album "Through The Years"
was released to acknowledge Beaumont's contributions to the music and
spirit of Olomana. It contained a new song
written especially for Beaumont entitled "The Lovelight
In Your Eyes".
The
next few years found the group working hard at finding a new balance and
cohesiveness amongst the members. During this time two solo projects would
emerge. In 1987 Haunani Apoliona
released "Na Lei Hulu Makua, Na Wahine
Hawai'i" which was an affectionate tribute to the quiet dignity of the
women of Hawai'i. The album garnered six Na Hoku Hanohano awards including Female Vocalist of the year,
Traditional Hawaiian Album and the "Haku Mele" composer's award for her song "Kukui'ohiwai".
Jerry
Santos' solo effort "Expecting Friends" was completed in 1989. An
acknowledgement of new beginnings and the stabilizing joy of old friends,
the album reflected Jerry's love of country life. It was the recipient of
two Na Hoku Hanohano
awards for Male Vocalist of the year and Contemporary Hawaiian album of the
year.
Olomana's
fans were delighted when in early 1992 the group released "E Mau Ana Ka Ha'aheo- Enduring
Pride" a collection of music that celebrates the group's love for the
people, land and steadfast spirit of the Hawaiian culture. Once again the
music community recognized their efforts with three Na Hoku
Hanohano awards including the Traditional
Hawaiian Album of the year.
For
more than 30 years, Olomana has shared it's unique perspective and love for Hawai'i with people
throughout the islands, continental U.S.A., Canada, Japan and the Pacific.
Whether performing with the Honolulu Symphony, in one of their many
television appearances, on a concert stage, in a nightclub or at a backyard
lu'au, Olomana makes
music with Aloha.
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