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.
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