This is the much anticipated debut album of Pilioha, 2006 winners of Ka Hīmeni ‘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”. 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 and Kalehua 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 later met Glenn, a teacher in the D.O.E., 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.
The theme of this album is Family. You will see portraits of Pilioha’s family throughout the CD booklet, just as you might see on a wall in a family’s house. As seen on the front cover, Pilioha is leaning on a stone foundation or kahua, much like the foundation that each of their families has built for them to lean on throughout their life.
Listening to Pilioha often takes us back to a time when the foundation of contemporary Hawaiian music was evident and in it’s glory. The vocals and instrumentals are reminiscent of earlier pioneers in Hawaiian music such as The Hawaiian Isles Serenaders, with Kekua Fernandes and Darrell Lupenui, The Mākaha Serenaders, led by Auntie Agnes Malabey Weisbarth, Bill Ka‘iwa, The Kahauanu Lake Trio, and the Hui ‘Ohana. With their many original compositions and the understanding of their music’s origin (set through the aforementioned musicians and other nostalgic groups), Pilioha guides us to the future, standing firmly on this kahua, hi‘ikua, hi‘ialo.
No laila, e ho‘onānea a e ho‘olohe kākou i kēia mau mele nahenahe, me he manu lā ka lele ‘ana o kēia pāleo i o ‘oukou ala, eia ka hui mele, ka hui kanaka, ‘o Pilioha.
