Posted on: Monday, February 14, 2005

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

As my co-worker Derek Paiva and I worked on the Hawai'i Grammy nomination profiles last week we decided to ask one question of each finalist:

"Who else should have been nominated, and why?"

As they rattled off their answers, it served as a strong reminder that while awards and recognition are nice, the process isn't always fair. Or complete.

This is not to take away from the very deserving accomplishments of The Brothers Cazimero, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom and Willie K, Ho'okena, Keali'i Reichel, and slack-key guitarist Charles Michael Brotman and his coterie of ki ho'alu artists.

All are more than worthy of the recognition and hopefully enhanced fame the Grammy brings.

But what separates them from the likes of the Makaha Sons, Jake Shimabukuro, or Na Palapalai?

Timing, material, and subjective decisions.

The Grammys' Hawaiian music division, dubbed Category 69, was open to both vocals and instrumentals. The preliminary roster of potential finalists was whittled to a mere 23, with Na Palapalai's "Ke'ala Beauty" among the contenders.

Though the Hawaiian ensemble, a previous winner in the annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, wasn't named a finalist, at least it was in contention because its CD was released in the qualifying time frame between Oct. 1, 2003 and Sept. 30, 2004.

The span disqualified the Makaha Sons, 'Ale'a and perennial favorite Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Guidelines also disqualified 'ukulele sensation Jake Shimabukuro, and Na Leo Pilimehana.

While the timing of their CD releases — and voters' choices — prevented some from earning a nomination, others just weren't a musical fit for the Hawaiian Grammy. Some CDs simply weren't Hawaiian enough.

"A lot of worthy product just missed the deadline — either too early or too late — and some people didn't know the nomination timetable," said Alan

Yamamoto, president of the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts, which produces and presents the Hoku event. "But musical content was a big factor."

HARA assisted in bringing a regional music to a national stage, sending a long list of potential candidates to movers and shakers in the Grammy organization.

"I would imagine acts will now be more aware of content for consideration in the Grammy Award," said Lea Uehara, the Tropical Music honcho who produces such acts as the Makaha Sons and 'Ale'a. "For HARA, a Hawaiian music nominee must do 75 percent Hawaiian material to qualify; for the Grammy, it's less — and the award is a big deal."

Big enough for the Makaha Sons to put the Grammy on its radar for future recordings.

"I'm just really happy that the Grammys finally have a Hawaiian category," said Makaha Sons member John Koko. "Maybe there will be a recording boom in traditional Hawaiian CDs next year?"

Yamamoto said the Grammys' attention will help the local music industry. He expects the wider exposure to benefit the Hoku awards and perhaps trigger more participation in traditional Island music.

The issue is how to define Hawaiian music. Is it Don Ho, singing "Tiny Bubbles"? Elvis Presley, doing "The Hawaiian Wedding Song"?

Is it Bruddah Iz, chiming merrily on "Over the Rainbow"? Jay Larrin, waxing eloquent about "The Snows of Mauna Kea"?

Nope.

Hawaiian music is rooted in language and culture.

Thus, songs from the likes of Uluwehi Guerrero, Kekuhi Kanahele, Eddie Kamae and Darlene Ahuna about Island ways and spirit define the Hawaiian Grammy.

Ditto for 'ukulele, slack-key, steel guitar and Hawaiian chants evoking visions of the 'aina and of people. Falsetto singing, too.

Hawaiian music is music by younger acts, such as Raiatea Helm, and by cherished veterans, such as Auntie Genoa Keawe. And everyone in between.

Jawaiian jammers need not apply.

Nor would Jasmine Trias or Camile Velasco fit in the category.

So yes, even though other Hawaiian works could have been nominated along with the five worthy acts chosen, this first-ever Grammy award is national and worldwide recognition for Hawaiian musicians overall.

They all win today.

The entire Hawaiian music industry has reason to celebrate.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.