Picking up legacy of 'ukulele heritage
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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| Walter Keale, following in the footsteps of two iconic relatives and legendary 'ukulele players, makes his debut in Sunday's 22nd Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival at Kapi'olani Park Bandstand.
Associated Press 22ND ANNUAL SLACK KEY GUITAR FESTIVAL 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday Kapi'olani Park Bandstand Free 239-4336, 226-2697 Featuring: Walter Keale, Del Beazley, David Kahiapo, Jerry Santos, Jeff Peterson, Michael Kaawa, Raymond Kane, Paul Togioka, Randy Lorenzo, Ray Sowders, Shawn Ishimoto, Maunalua, Walter Keale, Pali, Henry Kapono, Makana, Hapa, Dwight Kanae, Glenn Smith and Ho'okena, Native Hawaiian Band |
It's not easy following in the footsteps of Keale and Bruddah Iz, legendary and iconic troupers.
That's why Walter Keale, 'ukulele player and singer, suppressed and delayed his quest to become an entertainer till late in his life. He's 38, a pastor at The Gathering, and the only 'uke-strumming performer making his first appearance in the 22nd Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Kapi'olani Park Bandstand.
"I bought an 'ukulele after Israel passed away," said Keale. "I had moved back to Hawai'i from Portland, Ore. I just felt I should play; or at least own an 'ukulele. I had always been a guitar player."
He remembers his late relatives, always generating hurrahs, always communicating with fans, through their 'uke performances.
Moe Keale, who died April 15, 2002, was Keale's uncle. Moe's sister, Momi, is Israel's mom. Israel died on June 26, 1997.
"I used to watch Iz, I used to watch Uncle Moe," said Keale, reflecting on two beacons earlier in his life. "From Israel, I learned to sing his songs — from CDs, too.
"From Uncle Moe, I learned stories about songs, stories about Gabby Pahinui when Gabby and Uncle got plastered.
"I heard stories when Israel was with the Makaha Sons, when Uncle Moe was with the Sons of Hawai'i. It was all magic."
Moe Keale helped Walter Keale break in his 'ukulele one night.
"He played it for four hours," Keale recalled. "But he also shared so many stories. All about the music he played. So that's why I always remember the stories that connected the people with the songs. There's so much rich history."
Keale said that things — death, in his telling — happen for a reason. "I would have never played 'ukulele because I didn't want to attempt it, if they were alive," he said of his
inspirations. "Because they died, I taught myself to play. I had seen the impact of a musical lifestyle, though; the drinking, the drugs, the heavy partying. I was not into that scene."
When Israel died, Moe sat next to Keale at Kailua beach, and started singing.
"I started crying," said Keale.
"I had shunned that legacy, because I didn't want to ride anybody's coattails. But then, one of the purposes of music is healing; healing will happen if you put your heart into your music. It's a lesson I learned from both Israel and Uncle Moe. They knew the power of music."
Initially, he lacked confidence. "But I felt Uncle Moe was always there for me, telling me, keep going, keep going, keep going."
Keale recently performed in a slack-key environment on Moloka'i, where he bonded with musician Michael Kaawa.
"Uncle Mike told me the same thing — keep on going — but I think it was the Heineken speaking," said Keale. "He told me a secret of recording (in the studio); that when I get in front of a microphone, think like I'm singing before 10,000 people; to sing with attitude."
He's also come to accept a concert crowd as a friendly congregation.
"But to me, you have to go to the congregation, not expect people come to see me," he said.
"So everywhere I go — like I just got back from Nagasaki, Japan, and played at Roy's Restaurant in Tokyo, and I see what Uncle Moe meant all these years: Live a little aloha. Share the music and the stories, and you live aloha."
Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8067.
