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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, December 16, 2002

DVD REVIEW
Cazimeros concert now a keepsake

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Trivia buffs of the future will find plenty to challenge their memories in the just-out "The Brothers Cazimero: 25th annual May Day Concert 2002" (The Mountain Apple Co.).

It would be fun to reflect on this cultural milestone 25, or even 10 years from now.

Questions worth pondering:

  • What was the last song sung by Robert and Roland Cazimero? Answer: "In This Life," the Bette Midler melody popularized locally by the late Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
  • Who sang, played bass and piano, chanted, and performed hula? Answer: Robert Cazimero.
  • Which female singer joined an otherwise all-male Grand Man Hawaiian Band jam? Answer: Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom.
  • Who was the focus of three generations of hula stylists performing together? Answer: Leina'ala Kalama Heine (whose daughter and granddaughter also danced).
  • What island goddess was saluted in an entire segment of music, and who was its composer? Answers: Pele, the volcano goddess, and Roland Cazimero, who created a suite of songs.
  • Who was affectionately remembered before the performance of "He'eia"? Answer: Gabby "Pops" Pahinui.

Because The Brothers Cazimero aren't doing a mammoth Christmas production this year, Lei Day comes closest in terms of linking the Hawaiian act to a community-wide cultural celebration.

The concert, a memorable one, puts the viewer in the director's chair, because the images of hula dancers, guest artists and The Caz are depicted from various perches: off stage, aerially, from stage left and/or right, up close and personal front-and-center, with the magnification amplifying the listening and viewing pleasures.

Happily, the DVD also documents the diverse artistry of the Grand Man Hawaiian Band + 1, an all-star assembly tapping the Makaha Sons' Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, John Koko and Jerome Koko; Ho'okena's Manu Boyd and Glenn Smith; the aforementioned Gilliom; Kaipo Hale; Olomana's Jerry Santos; Na Palapalai's Keao Costa; Ken Makuakane; Henry Kapono; Tony Conjugacion; and Sean Na'auao.

Their show-closing collection of tunes together is a valid reflection of the wide range of vocal styles thriving in the Hawaiian community.

Yes, there's even a crowd-singing "May Day Is Lei Day in Hawai'i," and some of The Caz's catalogue faves, preserved visually: Heine dancing to the brothers' "Pua Hone," such voice-testing triumphs as "Ka'ena" and "Pua Lili'a."

And the best moment? The hula that accents "Pua Lililehua," an homage to the late Auntie Maiki Aiu, with Halau Na Kamalei and Na Pualei O Likolehua providing chicken-skin dances in unison, clearly demonstrating that her legacy is alive and well.

If there are any surprises, it's this: the otherwise mundane Waikiki Shell setting looks like a grand performance hall, particularly with Jon de Mello's eye for simplicity and flair for innovation.

The city ought to use a portion of this document to "sell" the Shell; the joint has never looked so ravishingly attractive, so brilliantly alive with performing artistry.

If there's a downside, it's this: the "extras" are few; you can scan segments of the music, but it would have been a true gem if the visit with The Caz included backstage shenanigans, interviews and interplay of all that talent present, and some cool and fun stuff the audience up front can't see.

Still, it's a magical portrait of major island event, finally available for hana hou viewing at home.