In 1973,
childhood friends, David John (DJ) Pratt and Carl James Malani
Bilyeu, auditioned at the Rainbow Villa for the newest popular
duo, Cecilio & Kapono. Cecilio & Kapono encouraged them to put a
band together. Malani was performing solo at the Oar House in
Hawaii Kai and DJ was downstairs at Chuck's in Sunlight with
Kirk Thompson. They got together in DJ's grandfather's garage
with Bryant Mackey Feary, who was another solo act, at the Oar
House. They wrote a few songs, rehearsed, and there was a
discussion about the meaning of Kalapana. The literal
translation is "sprouting money". Kirk said the meaning was
"beat of the music", but he wanted "Dove" anyway. DJ thought it
meant "Black Sand", and after a couple of shakes of the head and
a few smiles it was agreed, and they emerged as Kalapana,
playing their first gig at Chuck's in Hawaii Kai.
The
popularity of Kalapana grew and with farsighted management, they
moved on to be the regular band at a new club called, "The Toppe
Ada Shoppe" (the current location of Wahlgreen). Within years
time, they opened concerts for Earth, Wind & Fire, Batdorf &
Rodney, The Moody Blues, Sly & The Family Stone, and Cecilio &
Kapono, released their first self-titled album, Kalapana which
included, as sidemen: Michael Paulo on sax and flute; and Alvin
Fejerang on drums.
The adept and
flexible talents of these six musicians set a high standard for
the future. The preceding events and the events to follow had
such an impact on the Hawaiian music scene, topping all local
record charts & having Billboard magazine do a review of their
work, inspiring musicians and groups then and to the present
day.
The
overwhelming success they experienced held through to a three
concert event, at the Waikiki Shell, on June 25-27, 1976, where
a record 25,000 attended.
In 1977, they
took part in selecting the entrants for the "Home Grown" album
project which showcased Hawaiian talent.
The next big
achievement was to win several Nani Awards, the predecessor to
the present day Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. They were nominated for
four categories and received "Best Performance by a duo or
group", and "Best Male Vocalist" for Mackey, who had split from
the group and joined up with Billy Kaui (Country Comfort).
By this time,
the group reorganized to include Randy Aloya, replacing Mackey,
( who, was pursuing a solo career and released two albums: "The
Mackey Feary Band" & "From The Heart"), DJ, Malani, Kirk,
Michael & Alvin.This re-organized group, now including Kimo
Cornwell, formerly with the group Beowolf (and currently with
Hiroshima) on keyboards, toured in Japan and released "Kalapana
Live In Japan" (Sun Plaza), "Northbound" and "Kalapana Alive at
Yokohama". DJ, as Kalapana, also released "Hold On" and a solo
LP "Branded".
In Hawaii,
Mackey & Malani regrouped and recorded "Kalapana Live Reunion"
from concert at the Waikiki Shell. The group members
interchanged over the next few years while each pursued solo and
duo efforts.
Malani
released a solo album "Islands" which contained the tune
"Molokai Sweet Home", that has become his signature.
The current
configurations of the group consists of: Mackey; Malani; DJ;
Kenji Sano, a brilliant bass player from Kobe, Japan & L.A. who
is a well respected record producer and studio musician and is
responsible for the success of many mainland and Japanese rock
groups. His driving bass lines compliment Kalapana's sound
providing a distinct rhythmic edge to the groove; and Gaylord
Holomalia who is the keyboard wizard who provides the technical
know how reflected in all the current Kalapana releases. As a
producer/ recording engineer/ musician, he has worked with some
of the best, including Cecilio & Kapono, Olomana, Country
Comfort, Marvin Gaye and Japan's, RC Succession. He's also
received gold and platinum RIAA awards for his work on Crosby,
Stills & Nash's "Daylight Again" LP for Atlantic Records.
This grouping
has proved to be the most innovative and prolific. The chemistry
evolving from these five musicians "retains the best of the old
with the tidy, sensible sound of today" (Wayne Harada/Honolulu
Advertiser 1986).
1986 marked
the start of a wave of album releases starting with "Hurricane",
that exemplifies the new Kalapana style - a hybrid of using pop,
folk, country and heady Hawaiian jazz with the latest colorful,
contemporary music technology.
They
presented the album at a gala album release party at Rascal
Discotheque in Waikiki. The invitaions were sent out with
singles from the album and roses and T-Shirts at the door. The
community had never witnessed such a celebration to release an
album before. The event, however, echoed what Kalapana had done
almost a decade earlier: leasing the Roxy in LA, sending out
invites with pineapples and giving out leis, orchids, and
T-Shirts at the door.
The
"Hurricane" concert, at the Waikiki Shell, presented them in
colorful, stylish suits and new garb from Local Motion. A
nostalgic number "Living Without You", brought them out in
white, zoot suit, dinner jackets with large, red velvet bow
ties. Kenji, Mackey and Malani danced to new choreography and,
even DJ danced....with his guitar, on his famous outstanding
solos.
They released
"Lava Rock" in 1987, performed with Hiroshima (a LA based fusion
band that Kimo had joined), and Anri (of Japan), played at the
grand opening of the Hard Rock Cafe in Honolulu, performed in
the Philippines to a crowd of 10,000 per night, at two sold-out
concerts, toured Japan, the West Coast US, Tahiti, Samoa, Guam,
Saipan, and outer islands and taped their first feature length
video of the Lava Rock Concert, at the Waikiki Shell. They
concerted and toured Japan with Michael Paulo, who was currently
with Al Jarreau's band and Tris Imboden, the drummer for
Chicago. This tour sky- rocketed their popularity in Japan,
securing a five album deal with Pony Canyon Records.
They are
currently spending a lot of time touring and recording in Japan
and the West Coast. The releases, to date,on Pony Canyon are:
"Back In Your Heart Again"; "Kalapana Sings Southern All-Stars";
and "Walk Upon the Water". The fourth LP, "Full Moon Tonight",
was released at the time of the royal wedding in Japan, in the
month of June 1995, included a new version of "Hawaiian Wedding
Song" done in a finger-snapping R & B groove. Their latest album
on Pony Canyon Records, "Captain Santa Island Music", consists
of songs written for a clothing line in Japan. Each of the
albums contain new arrangements of Kalapana classics, hosts an
array of guest talent and has lots of new songs.
Over the
years Kalapana has shared the stage, written and recorded with
such personalities (not previously mentioned) as: Kenny Rankin,
Pauline Wilson & Larry Williams of Seawind, Kiyotaka Sugiyama,
Brother Noland, Cecilio & Kapono, Summer, Olomana, Jim Studer,
Mari Iijima, Alex Acuna, Jim Thompson, Jay Graydon, Jerry Davis,
Off-World, Richie Gajate-Garcia, Peter Gallway, Carlos Vega,
Arno Lucas, Tom Rotella, Harold Payne, Maurice Bega, George
Tavy, Rick Keefer, Les Gantan, Greg Bissionette, and the list
goes on......
Recently
Kalapana released the Hawaii version of "Captain Santa Island
Music" with liner notes by International radio DJ, Kamasami
Kong. More recently Kalapana released in Japan a new CD titled
"The Very Best Of Kalapana", which includes 20 of their hit
songs. Kalapana will going on tour this summer to the Mainland
as well as Japan. Kalapana has been seen on Japan television
stations in commercials for "Captain Santa" clothing line the
last two years.
In February
1999, Kalapana lost one of their founding members, as Mackey
Feary passed away. His presence was missed by his fellow band
members and fans thru out the world. His music will live on thru
Kalapana and many other groups and singers who loved his music.
With their decision to carry on the legacy of, one of Hawaii's
most popular and enduring bands, Kalapana will continue to share
his songs with their fans.
During the
summer of 1999, Kalapana released "Love Under the Sun" , the
title song for FM Nagoya's compilation CD, which was used for FM
Nagoya's Summer Campaign. Also, they recorded the theme song for
the Asahi Super Cup, a series of sailboat races held off the
coast of Oahu. Both recordings were done at Tetsuya Komuro's new
world class recording studios in Hawaii, TK Disc Studios.
November 5,
2002 - release of new CD. The blue album contains new songs,
including two songs featuring Maurice Bega on vocals. Guest
artists included the group Chant singing background vocals on
"Ten Years After", which was written by mega Japanese recording
artist/producer Tetsuya Komuro, Tris Imboden from the band
Chicago on "Another Lonely Night", Michael Paulo on sax, Pauline
Wilson and Garin Poliahu on drums. James Studer, our Kailua
bruddah, appears throughout the CD with his arrangements and
keyboard work.
Kalapana
continues to be the symbol of inspiration and positive direction
for Contemporary Hawaiian music and musicians today.
Kalapana
-
Kalapana
"Debut from
Kalapana"
The Tracks are:
Going Going Gone,
Nightbird, What Do I Do, When The Morning Comes, Naturally, All
I Want, Kona Daze, You Make It Hard & Everything Is Love.
Musicians on the
Kalapana album: To be updated.
Available from
Abbatoir Records/Original release year: 1975
Kalapana
-
Kalapana II
"2nd album"
The Tracks are:
Love'em, Freedom
I'd Chase A Rainbow, Way That I Want It To Be, Dorothy Louise,
Play It Sing It, Moon And Stars, Black Sand, Lost Again,
Wandering Stranger, Juliet & Nathen's Lament.
Musicians on the
II album: To be updated.
Available from
Abbatoir Records/Original release year: 1976
Kalapana
-
Kalapana III
"3rd album"
The Tracks are: Alisa
Lovely, Another Time, Dilemma, Girl, Inarajan (The Village),
Mana, Seasons, Songbird, Thoughts Of You & Up To You.
Musicians on the
III album: To be updated.
Available from
Abbatoir Records/Original release year: 1977
Kalapana
-
In Concert
"Kalapana live"
The Tracks are: When The Morning Comes, Songbird,
Thoughts Of You, Black Sand, Seasons, Naturally, Mana, IŽd Chase
A Rainbow, Dorothy Louise, Another Time, Alisa Lovely, Can You
See Him, Down By The Sea, Inarajan, Girl, NathanŽs Lament
& The Ultimate.
Musicians on the
In Concert album: To be updated.
Available from
Abbatoir Records/Original release year: 1978
Kalapana
-
Many Classic Moments
"Enjoy
the moments"
The Tracks are: Many
Classic Moments, Ultimate, Water Song, Down By The Sea, Uptown
Country, Sunny Days, Naturally & Can You See Him.
Musicians on the
Many Classic Moments album: To be updated.
Available from
Abbatoir Records/Original release year: 1978
Kalapana
-
Northbound
"Going north"
The Tracks are: Visions,
Northbound, Got To Find You Girl, Hanalei Boogie, Boston Blues,
Rainy Day, Asian Woman, A Letter Home, Rock On You, Hard Times &
Merry Go Round.
Musicians on the
Northbound album: To be updated.
Available from
Abbatoir Records/Original release year: 1979
Kalapana
-
Hold On
"Japanese release"
The Tracks are: Hold On, YouŽve Got To Live, I Need
Your Love, RunninŽ Hot In The Streets, How Does It Feel, , Love
You, Run And Hide, I Need A Good Friend, Give Me Your Love &
Tropical Typhoon.
Musicians on the
Hold On album: David John Pratt, Alvin Fejarang, Hiroshi Upshur,
Wilton Gite, John J. Tartol and others.
Available from
Trio Records, Japan/Original release year: 1979
Kalapana
-
Alive
"Live recording"
The Tracks are: YouŽve Got To Live, Night Rider, Got To
Find Your Girl, Northbound, Love You, Hold On, Sweet Lady Love,
Run And Hide & How Does It Feel.
Musicians on the
Alive album: To be updated.
Available from
WMOT Records/Original release year: 1981
Kalapana
-
Hurricane
"Full speed ahead"
The Tracks are:
To be updated.
Musicians on the
Hurricane album: To be updated.
Available from
Surfside Records/Original release year: 1986
Kalapana
-
Lava Rock
"Rock the stones"
The Tracks are:
Everyone Knows, Baby I Love
You, Kicking Around, Chasin', Secret Words Of Love, No Light Of
Day, Friends, Woman, In Your Eyes & Love Is All You Need.
Musicians on the
Lava Rock album: To be updated.
Available from
Surfside Records/Original release year: 1987
Kalapana
-
Walk Upon The Water
"Still
going strong"
The Tracks are:
Water Song, Already
Gone, Over The Edge, John's Song, (For You) I'd chase A Rainbow,
Right from The Start, Tonight I'm Thinking Of You, Velzyland,
I'll Always Be With You, Coming Home, Writing On A Fortune &
Walk Upon The Water.
Musicians on the
Walk Upon The Water album: To be updated.
Available from
Abbatoir Records/Original release year: 1989
Kalapana
-
Back In Your Heart Again
"GetŽs
in your heart"
The Tracks are:
Blacksand,
Juliette, Many Classic Moments, Back in Your Heart Again,
Paradise, Hawaiian Nights, Here There and Everywhere, Ocean of
Dreams, Winds of O`ahu, Summer's End, Irna's Melody, Tell Me &
Fireside Blues.
Musicians on the
Back In Your Heart Again album: To be updated.
Available from
Abbatoir Records/Original release year: 1990
Kalapana
-
Sing Southern All Stars
"Japanese
tribute"
The Tracks are:
Sorry To Make You Cry, Unaware, Just A Little Bit, Miss
Brand-New Day, Ya Ya, Melody, Please!, Capricious, Ellie & Big
Wave.
Musicians on the
Sings Southern All Stars album: Malani Bilyeu, Mackey Feary,
D.J. Pratt, Kenji Sano, Gaylord Holomalia, Tris Imboden, James
Studer, Alex Acuna, Michael Paulo and others.
Available from
Pacific Coast Records/Original release year: 1991
Kalapana
-
The Best Of Kalapana, Vol. 1
"A
collection of songs"
The Tracks are:
The Hurt, When The
Morning Comes, Moon and Stars, You Make It Hard, Nightbird, (For
You) I'd Chase A Rainbow, Lost Again, Inarajan, To Be True,
Dorothy Louise, What Do I Do, Alisa Lovely & Naturally.
Musicians on the
Best Of Kalapana, Vol. 1 album: To be updated.
Available from
Punahele Records/Original release year: 1992
Kalapana
-
Reunion
"Back together again"
The Tracks are:
Black Sand,
Naturally, The Hurt, (For You) I'd Chase A Rainbow, Juliette,
Here There And Everywhere, Molokai - Sweet Home, Moon & Stars,
You Make It Hard, Nightbird, Going Going Gone & Many Classic
Moments.
Musicians on the
Reunion album: Malani Bilyeu, Mackey Feary, Michael Paulo, Kirk
Thompson and others.
Available from
Bluewater Records/Original release year: 1994
Kalapana
-
Full Moon Tonight
"New
studio album"
The Tracks are:
You Must Believe Me,
Real Thing, Keanae Breeze, Chablis, Seaside M, Winter of '69,
Surf Sequence, Full Moon Tonight, Paradise Romance, Jody, Dana's
Tune, Hawaiian Wedding Song & Kick It (album version).
Musicians on the
Full Moon Tonight album: To be updated.
Available from
Abbatoir Records/Original release year: 1995
Kalapana
-
Greatest Hits
"Best of
Kalapana"
The Tracks are: The Hurt,
When The Morning Comes, Moon And Starts, You Make It Hard,
Nightbird (For You) IŽd Chase A Rainbow, Lost Again, Inarajan,
To Be True, Dorothy Louise, What Do I Do, Alisa Lovely &
Naturally.
Musicians on the
Greatest Hits album: To be updated.
Available from
Noteworthy Records/Original release year: 1995
Kalapana
-
Captain Santa Island Music
"West
coast feeling"
The Tracks are:
Midnight Sailing, I
Need Your Love, Hero of Mine, Be There Now, Me & My Shonanbo,
Strolling on the Seashore, Lover of Mine, Santa Island Drive,
Molokai Sweet Home, I Remember You & Santa's Island.
Musicians on the
Captain Santa Island Music Again album: Malani Bilyeu, Mackey
Feary, D.J. Pratt, Kenji Sano, Gaylord Holomalia, James Studer,
Greg Bissonette, Wade Cambern, Sean Naauao, Michael Paulo, Arno
Lucas, Rory Flores & David Inamine.
Available from
Abbatoir Records/Original release year: 1996
Kalapana
-
The Very Best Of
"Japanese
best of collection"
The Tracks are: Many Classic Moments, The Hurt, You
Make It Hard, Me And My Shonanbo, Paradise, Naturally, Way That
I Want It To Be, I Remember You, (For You) IŽd Chase A Rainbow,
Nightbird, Black Sand (Edit Version), Real Thing, Kona Daze,
Moon And Stars, Midnight Sailing, Juliette, Dorothy Louise, When
The Morning Comes, Walk Upon The Water & Molokai Sweet Home.
Musicians on the
Very Best Of album: To be updated.
Available from
Pony Canyon Records/Original release year: 1997
Kalapana
-
Best Live Collection
"Some
live tracks"
The Tracks are:
Black Sand, Naturally, The Hurt, (For
You) I'd Chase A Rainbow, Juliette, Here There And Everywhere, Molokai, Moon &
Stars, You Make It Hard, Nightbird, Going Going Gone & Many Classic
Moment.
Musicians on the
Greatest Hits album: To be updated.
Available from
Vaaan Media/Original release year: 1997
Kalapana
-
Blue Album
"Back in the
studio again"
The Tracks are:
Another Lonely
Night, Lost Love, Ten Years After, Freedom To Live, Keala,
Losing The Will To Love, Coming Home To You, 2 Hearts, Guitar
Man, Manga & You're In Love.
Musicians on the
Blue Album album: Malani Bilyeu, D.J. Pratt, Kenji Sano, Gaylord
Holomalia, Maurice Bega, James Studer, Michael Paulo, Garin
Poliahu, Tris Imboden, Yosh Gibson, Pauline Wilson, Salaam
Tillman, Bobo Guiteres, Chant, Kata Maduli & Lance Motoyama.
Available from
Oceanbeat Records/Original release year: 2002
Kalapana
-
The Best Of Kalapana, Vol. 2
"A
collection of songs"
The Tracks are:
Blacksand, Many Classic Moments, Juliette, Kona Daze, Freedom,
Baby I Love You, Girl, Another Time, Mana, Water Song (Original
Version), Way That I Want It To Be, Spencer St., True Love, No
Light Of Day & Can You See Him.
Musicians on the
Best Of Kalapana, Vol. 2 album: To be updated.
Available from
Aloha Records/Original release year: 2004
Kalapana
-
Many Classics - Kalapana Plays Their Best
"Classic moments from Kalapana"
The Tracks are:
To be updated.
Musicians on the
Many Classics - Kalapana Plays Their Best album: To be updated.
Available from
Tokuma Records/Original release year: 2004
Kalapana
-
Legend
"The music legends"
The Tracks are:
Blacksand,
Molokai Sweet Home/Kona Daze,
The Way That I Want It To Be,
(For You) I'd Chase A Rainbow,
The Water Song,
Juliette, Another Lonely Night,
Keala, Freedom,
Moon And Stars, Coming Home,
Nightbird, Velzyland,
Many Classic Moments,
The Hurt, When
Morning Comes &
Naturally.
Musicians on the
Legend album: To be updated.
Available from
Earth Music Network/Original release year: 2005
