| Olomana Taking the name of the beautiful windward O'ahu mountain so much a part of family and childhood memories, Olomana blends contemporary and traditional musical styles to create a unique sound that is deeply rooted in the land, people and culture of Hawai'i.
In 1973 Jerry Santos and Robert Beaumont joined forces to introduce an exciting new sound to the Hawaiian music scene. They brought their distinctive harmony and versatility to many of Hawai'i's nightclub and concert stages. In 1976 their first recording "Like A Seabird In The Wind" was received enthusiastically and songs like Santos' "Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u" and Beaumont's "Home" became instant favorites. Two more albums followed. "And So We Are" in 1978 helped to focus a generation of Hawaiians on the concept of "aloha 'aina" -love for the land- with Uncle Harry Mitchell's "Mele o Kaho'olawe". Influenced by the aloha of friend and counselor Emma Defries , "Come To Me Gently" in 1981 would acknowledge the rewards of the sharing between generations. The latter was honored with six Na Hoku Hanohano awards by the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts including a Song of the Year composer's award for Jerry Santos' title cut "Come to me Gently" and a Haku Mele (Hawaiian language) composer's award for Auntie Emma Defries' "E Ku'u Sweet Lei Poina 'ole. By this time the group had expanded to include Wally Suenaga on bass and Willy Paikuli on drums and assorted Hawaiian and standard percussion instruments. 1982 was a year of change and growth for Olomana marking the passing of Robert Beaumont and the addition of Haunani Apoliona to the Olomana family . As the group continued to perform live, an anthology album "Through The Years" was released to acknowledge Beaumont's contributions to the music and spirit of Olomana. It contained a new song written especially for Beaumont entitled "The Lovelight In Your Eyes". The next few years found the group working hard at finding a new balance and cohesiveness amongst the members. During this time two solo projects would emerge. In 1987 Haunani Apoliona released "Na Lei Hulu Makua, Na Wahine Hawai'i" which was an affectionate tribute to the quiet dignity of the women of Hawai'i. The album garnered six Na Hoku Hanohano awards including Female Vocalist of the year, Traditional Hawaiian Album and the "Haku Mele" composer's award for her song "Kukui'ohiwai". Jerry Santos' solo effort "Expecting Friends" was completed in 1989. An acknowledgement of new beginnings and the stabilizing joy of old friends, the album reflected Jerry's love of country life. It was the recipient of two Na Hoku Hanohano awards for Male Vocalist of the year and Contemporary Hawaiian album of the year. Olomana's fans were delighted when in early 1992 the group released "E Mau Ana Ka Ha'aheo- Enduring Pride" a collection of music that celebrates the group's love for the people, land and steadfast spirit of the Hawaiian culture. Once again the music community recognized their efforts with three Na Hoku Hanohano awards including the Traditional Hawaiian Album of the year. For more than 30 years, Olomana has shared it's unique perspective and love for Hawai'i with people throughout the islands, continental U.S.A., Canada, Japan and the Pacific. Whether performing with the Honolulu Symphony, in one of their many television appearances, on a concert stage, in a nightclub or at a backyard lu'au, Olomana makes music with Aloha. |
| Through The Years
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