Kainani Kahaunaele
Na'u 'Oe
3 time Na Hoku Hanohano (Hawai'i version of Grammys) winner: Female Vocalist of the Year, Most Promising Artist, Hawaiian Lang. Performance. Traditional Hawaiian poetry and music with jazz and contemporary influences. Sultry & dynamic vocals.
Kainani Kahaunaele's debut solo cd, "Na'u 'Oe" ("You Belong To Me"), is a collection of original and traditional compositions by a remarkable new talent from Anahola, Kaua'i.
Kainani reinvigorates the tradition of "haku mele" or Hawaiian composition bringing to mind the richly layered and tightly structured songs of such Hawaiian musical legends as Johnny Almeida, Helen Desha Beamer, and even Queen Lili'uokalani. Kainani draws on a diverse and accomplished background: crewmember aboard the Makali'i sailing canoe, university Hawaiian language instructor, curriculum developer, and musician with the group Kahikina of Hilo and Kauha'a of O'ahu.
At the core of her talent is a family musical tradition passed down from her great-great grandmother, Makaleka Na'e'a, great grandmother Rev. Margaret Kaluahine Panui, grandmother Kanani Kahaunaele and mother, Ipo Kahaunaele. Raised in the beauty of Anahola on Kaua'i's northeast coast, Kainani's love for music was nurtured by a strong family and vibrant, living Hawaiian culture.
Featuring Kainani's rich voice, "Na'u 'Oe" offers classic Hawaiian arrangements textured with jazz and contemporary flavors backed by some of Hawai'i's best vocal and musical talent including: Pancho Graham; Darryl Gonzales; Manu Boyd; Byron Yasui; Jaohn Baricuatro Jr.; and Kiliona "Moku" Young.
'Aha Punana Leo is proud to produce this collection of songs deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. The songs speak of that which we treasure: love of language, love of knowledge, love of akua (spirituality), love of family, and love of the land. E ola ka 'olelo Hawai'i - The Hawaiian language shall live!
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Mar/17/il/il02a.html
http://archives.starbulletin.com/2003/03/14/features/records.html
http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/k/kahaunaelekainani-nauoe.shtml
http://www.myspace.com/kainanikahaunaele
http://www.facebook.com/kainani
New cd release coming up this winter! Stay tuned!
World: Hawaiian