"Most locals possess an aumakua, or ancestral guardian spirit such as a shark, turtle or lizard. However, Lono, one of Molokai's most celebrated musicians, sings his own tune when it comes to aumakua: instead of an animal spirit, Lono gives reverence to the famed musicians who defined old-style Hawaiian music." - The Molokai Dispatch
Song list:
Pahu Intro
E Ola Moloka'i
Go to Da Pono
Saturday Market
Hanai Boy
Kamiano
Kawela Washa Woman
Iwi Kohola
Dis Aint Da Mainland
E Moloka'i Moloka'i
Po Anuenue Keia
My Tutu Lady
Heaven at 131
Moloka'i O Hina
Pule Hamau
Rain Outro
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Reviews
lonoadmin - Tue, 02/21/2012 - 14:07
lonoadmin - Tue, 02/21/2012 - 14:07
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Lono's latest album shines
By Todd Yamashita
The Molokai Dispatch
Most locals possess an aumakua, or ancestral guardian spirit such as a shark, turtle or lizard. However, Lono, one of Molokai's most celebrated musicians, sings his own tune when it comes to aumakua: instead of an animal spirit, Lono gives reverence to the famed musicians who defined old-style Hawaiian music.
"Our music comes from our aumakua. When we play this music, it's in honor of them," said Lono, who recently discussed the release of his latest album, "Passage to Pono - Old Style V."
Indeed, "Passage to Pono" is Lono's melodic homage to some of the greatest influences of Hawaiian music - Genoa Keawe, the first lady of Hawaiian music; Lena Machado, the songbird; Gabby Pahinui, the renaissance man; Johnny Almeida the dean; and Kindy Sproat, the story teller.
"My aumakua is all these people - the music comes from them," said Lono.
The Journey While the Old Style series started in 2002, Lono's musical journey began during his school years. One of his favorite memories is singing American Pie in the locker room at Molokai High with Walter Naki, Bill and Tommy Caster, Alfred Dudoit, and Wendell Kaupu in 1973. "That's one moment everyone remembers," he said.
A few years later, Lono moved to the west side of Oahu. He was soon performing in the band Ka Home Brew. Though still in high school, the young group played in popular places of the time including the Fog Cutter in Makaha, Chucks Cellar in Waikiki, and Top of the Shop in Ala Moana.
Although Lono went on to play a lot of rock and roll, he never forgot his roots in old-style Hawaiian music. For Lono, the Old Style series of albums has been a journey of self-discovery and careful study of old-style Hawaiian music.
The Album "Passage to Pono" is a fitting continuation of the series, but it also stands on its own as a spiritual, contemplative, and emotionally moving album. Track one fittingly begins with pahu drumming and the sound of wind as we begin down the passage to pono.
The path is soon lightened as the album transitions to E Ola E Molokai, which brings life to this album. The song tells of the glittering of kukui leaves, the reverence and healing of Lanikaula forest... "By the utterance of prayers, rain falls."
The upbeat and snazzy style of "Go to Da Pono,' track three, is certainly the catchiest song here and represents Lono's hang-loose style. If you're not swept up by this one, you probably got beer in da ear.
"Makua Kamiano" (Father Damien) is a testament to Lono's creativity and style shifting talents. Bells toll as this moody and reverent song tells of Damien's legacy in Kalaupapa. With the upcoming canonization of Father Damien, this song itself becomes the legacy of a historic event. Another signature piece of the Pono album, "Iwi Kohola," or whale bones, tells the story of fisherman Poepoe and the dying whale of Mo`omomi. Somber, moving, and pensive, this one simply needs to be heard to be understood.
You'll notice Lono wears a red palaka shirt on the cover of this album - it's a symbol of one's musical prowess in Hawaiian slack key playing. The shirt was popularized by musician Eddie Kamae, who wore it because it represented the hard-working people of his time. Lono has certainly earned the right to wear it, too.
Lono has approached this entire album with a great sense of humility. Pule Mamau completes our journey with a prayer of thanksgiving and forgiveness.
Get It Now
You can get it from Coffees of Hawaii, Molokai Mini-mart, Pu`u O Hoku Ranch, Lonomusic.com, or at the Farmers Market this Saturday. You know how it goes; once it's gone, it's gone - so if you're collecting the Old Style series, don't wait.
Passage to Pono
There are entertainers and there are artists. The difference lies in the artist's dedication to the work. The difference is the art as a way of life. The difference is in the commitment of the artist to a higher purpose. Lono is such an artist. Truly gifted, he is devoted to his music which is so generously shared with the rest of us. Lono's music is his way of life. And most important, Lono's purpose is to perpetuate the Old Style Hawaiian music, stories, and the legends of Molokai.
As our ambassador for Molokai's music, Lono makes us proud to have such a talented member of our ohana so devoted to perpetuating our island heritage. With his Molokai and Old Style Hawaiian musical roots, clearly he plays from his heart. His love and knowledge of Hawaii and his intense interest in preserving the Hawaiian Way is most evident in his music.
The mother of sustainability is self sufficiency. In this age of electronic keyboards - just pushing buttons and getting the sounds of various instruments - here is a pure musician who is doing it all ...himself, with authentic instruments. He produces all of his music on island. He composes all of the music, sings and chants all the vocals, and plays every one of the 18 instruments heard on his latest CD.
Lono thinks of his music as HA - Hawaiian Acoustic "Breath of Life" music. Hawaiian slack key and homage to some of the greatest influences of Hawaiian music embrace his work. Of course basic to his Molokai roots, his music is also very spiritual and emotionally moving.
Lono's newest CD - Passage to Pono - Old Style V - represents Molokai in its most pono form, from his brilliant instrumentals especially Heaven at 131, to his beautiful voice heard on such tracks as E Ola E Molokai, Iwi Kohola, Po Anuenue Keia, Molokai O Hina, and Makua Kamiano. His inspiring words of aloha paying homage to Father Damien, the land, the sea, the people and the creatures of Molokai are especially meaningful. He ends this CD with Pule Hamau His most generous gift is shown here as he shares with us his own pule to God; mihi, noi and ho`omaika`i.
Dear Lord, forgive me, forgive me again.
Forgive me for the hewa I caused.
...for the sadness I brought, the hurt I've done.
My eyes, they see only tears.
Teach me how to love, anuhea ke aloha.
I know that your love can heal me right now.
Down on my knees, begging you please.
Dear Lord, forgive me that I may live.
Bless all the people, bless them with love.
Na Kupuna, Makua, Na Keiki O Ka `Aina.
These blessings I bear with the white of my hair.
This is it, Lord, this is my prayer.
Now I give thanks, 'cause I've felt your love.
I give thanks for the blessings from above.
The path, it is clear, the light, it shines through.
And the waters are flowing again.
Mahalo Nui Loa, Lono.
Everyone on Molokai should have this CD, locals and malihini alike - all who appreciate Hawaiian music and Hawaiian culture.
This CD is the fifth in Lono's Old Style series, all of which have been recorded, mixed and mastered, and produced here on island by Lono - thus a totally Molokai product.
Mahalo to the fine people at the Dispatch and to Todd Yamashita for his excellent review of the CD. Mahalo also to the people and businesses who support the music and heritage of Molokai and the Hawaiian culture.
Respectfully submitted,
A Molokai Auntie