Trax Kaiholu Enos, Henry “Hanalē” Kaʻanapu, Albert Rowland, Jr., and Nathaniel Mahealani Stillman, collectively known as “Kaiholu,” released their eagerly-anticipated debut album Swaying Sea on November 25, 2013. With the exception of one song (“Ku'uipo/Moonlight Swim,” performed by guest vocalist Mailani), the album is sung completely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) and features guest artists who comprise a who’s who of Hawaiian music. It contains a blend of familiar songs by composers such as Dennis Kamakahi (“Wahine ʻIlikea”), Johnny Almeida (“Panini Pua Kea”), and Edith Kanaka'ole (“Ka ʻUluwehi O Ke Kai”) as well as two originals by group member Nate Stillman (“Keaiwa,” with additional lyrics by multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kaumakaiwa Kanakaʻole - who also performs on the song – and “Nani Wai'anae,” which took first place at the 2006 Ho'ike'ike 'O Wai'anae song composition competition). In addition, Nā Hōkū winner Kellen Paik composed “Kai Holu” as a gift to the group, and he and his wife Lihau Hannahs Paik (who together make up the award-winning group Kūpaoa) gifted them with their original song, “ʻO Kilauea.”
As the 2009 winners of the prestigious Ka Himeni Ana competition - which features traditional Hawaiian music groups performing in vocal harmony and supported by unamplified acoustic instruments - Kaiholu aptly demonstrates with this release both the reason for their win and their ever-growing popularity with fans. Their vibrant sound and rich harmonies are reminiscent of the Sons of Hawai’i, and their creative and often unique arrangements establish them as a force to be reckoned with.
Multiple Grammy® Award winner Dr. Amy Kuʻuleialoha Stillman writes: “Kaiholu – a blending of voices and instruments ... of harmonies that sway from minor to major ... of nimble voicings in sparkling new arrangements ... of grooves that drift from ear to ear, from place to place, from island to island ... bringing old classics and newly minted gems to listeners ... inviting you to sit for awhile and take it all in . . .”
Swaying Sea was produced and arranged by Henry Kaʻanapu. Guest artists include: Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Kaumakaiwa Kanakaʻole, Mailani Makainai, Casey Olsen, Jeff Peterson, Silvina Samuel, and Tracey Terada.
Digital copies of Swaying Sea are available now at iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and many other locations. The CD is available at Me Ke Aloha.
As the 2009 winners of the prestigious Ka Himeni Ana competition - which features traditional Hawaiian music groups performing in vocal harmony and supported by unamplified acoustic instruments - Kaiholu aptly demonstrates with this release both the reason for their win and their ever-growing popularity with fans. Their vibrant sound and rich harmonies are reminiscent of the Sons of Hawai’i, and their creative and often unique arrangements establish them as a force to be reckoned with.
Multiple Grammy® Award winner Dr. Amy Kuʻuleialoha Stillman writes: “Kaiholu – a blending of voices and instruments ... of harmonies that sway from minor to major ... of nimble voicings in sparkling new arrangements ... of grooves that drift from ear to ear, from place to place, from island to island ... bringing old classics and newly minted gems to listeners ... inviting you to sit for awhile and take it all in . . .”
Swaying Sea was produced and arranged by Henry Kaʻanapu. Guest artists include: Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Kaumakaiwa Kanakaʻole, Mailani Makainai, Casey Olsen, Jeff Peterson, Silvina Samuel, and Tracey Terada.
Digital copies of Swaying Sea are available now at iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and many other locations. The CD is available at Me Ke Aloha.
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