CD CATALOG
Hawaii's acoustic guitar trio performing live in Honolulu at the rRed Elephant. This is Kohala's only live album, and it features songs their fans have requested during their last 10 years of touring Japan and the US. Songs include: Highway in the Sun, Juliette, Purdy's Ride, Deeper Blue, You, Kohala Summer, Tres Amigos, Mango Cooler, Follow your Road, Samba del Sol, and Life's Different Now.
Na Mele Hula - Island Artists (Digital Release Only)
A collection of 18 hula songs recorded on the Big Island and performed by 16 prominent Big Island artists and families, most of whom are HOKU Award recipients. Produced by GRAMMY Award winning producer Charles Michael Brotman. Recorded at Lava Tracks Recording Studio (www.lavatracks.com)
Slack Key Christmas - Island Artists
A beautiful collection of 12 Christmas songs arranged for slack key guitar, featuring solo performances by: Sonny Lim, Jeff Peterson, Charles Michael Brotman, Randy Lorenzo, Wailau Ryder, James Kimo West, Dwight Tokumoto and Ben Kaili. Songs include: I'll be home for Christmas, White Christmas, O Holy Night, Silver Bells, The First Noel, Little Drummer Boy, Melekalikimaka, Away in a Manager, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells, Santa Claus in Coming to Town, Winter Wonderland. "Phenomenal and absolutely amazing. A magical and completely unique collection of Christmas music that sounds as if you are hearing it for the very first time." Joel Berliner, Guest Travel Writer - Washington Times
Slack Key Guitar - The Artistry of Jeff Peterson
Hoku Award Finalist
JEFF PETERSON has emerged as a leader among a new generation of slack key guitarists ; his signature slack key style combines his innovative technique with traditional slack key guitar. Jeff was featured on Hawaii's first GRAMMY Award-winning CD (Slack Key Guitar Volume 2, Palm Records), and "The Artistry of Jeff Peterson" illustrates Jeff's diverse musical influences, from his paniolo roots as a child on Maui to the modern guitar techniques he has mastered.
Deeper Blue - Kohala
DEEPER BLUE shows Kohala’s evolution while influences of folk, jazz, and life in Hawaii continue to serve as a foundation and musical inspiration for the three members of this Big Island acoustic guitar trio: GRAMMY Award-winning Charles Michael Brotman, Charlie Recaido, and new member Rupert Tripp, Jr. "Our take: Kohala has the master's touch." Wayne Harada - Honolulu Advertiser
Slack Key Guitar - The Artistry of Sonny Lim
48th GRAMMY® Nominee
A member of the famous musical Lim family in Hawaii, Sonny Lim grew up playing ki ho’alu (slack key guitar) in the Kohala region of the Big Island where the style originated. As in his performances on Hawaii’s first GRAMMY® CD, “Slack Key Guitar Volume 2”, Sonny’s playing combines traditional roots with his own musical style. This is pure Sonny Lim, playing unaccompanied solo slack key. "Grammy Award-winning record producer Charles Michael Brotman takes a significant step forward with this perfect showcase of Elmer "Sonny" Lim Jr. talents. Brotman captures Lim's musical magic with 11 exquisite solo recordings." John Berger, The Honolulu Star Bulletin 10/01/05
Slack Key Guitar Volume 2 - Various Artists
GRAMMY® Award for Best Hawaiian Music Album
Recorded in the heart of ‘Paniolo’ (Hawaiian cowboy) country where the slack key guitar style originated. Presenting 10 solo guitarists - John Cruz, John Keawe, Sonny Lim, Randy Lorenzo, Keoki Kahumoku, Jeff Peterson, Ken Emerson, Charlie Recaido, Charles Michael Brotman and Bryan Kessler. Each artist has his own tuning and slack key style ranging from traditional to contemporary showing the evolution of this art form.
Hula! - Big Island Style - Various Artists
Hoku Award Winner
Hula is a beautiful art form that expresses many aspects of Hawaiian culture. Historically, the Big Island has been the heart of Hawaiian civilization. This recording features Big Island artists performing some of their favorite songs for hula. Artists: Kainani Kahaunaele, Loeka, The Lim Family, Randy Lorenzo, Rupert Tripp, Jr., Keoki Kahumoku, Rodgers (Lena) Naipo, Nephi Brown, Kevin Teves, Charlie Recaido.
Cool Breeze - Kohala
Top 10 on the National New Age Radio Chart
All of the music on Cool Breeze was composed by members of the trio, except for three pieces: “I Will”, from the Beatles; “Sunlight, Moonlight”, a popular song in Hawaii during the 70’s, and “Manatsuno Kajitsu”, a special request by Tokyo FM. The music reflects many influences found in the islands: Hawaiian, Latin, Japanese, Pacific Rim, and jazz. For the first time Kohala has recorded some tracks with percussion. "...some of the most beautiful acoustic instrumental tunes I’ve heard...this music is fantastic!" Wind and Wire
Kohala - Kohala
Take a musical journey through the islands with gentle jazz arrangements for acoustic, classical, and slack key guitars. Kohala performs popular Island songs from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, with a fresh musical style that reflects the beauty of the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. "Call this Exquisite" John Berger, Honolulu Star-Bulletin "The most soothing CD we’ve heard in a long time..." Honolulu Magazine
Island Treasures - Kohala
United Airlines’ Pick for In-Flight Entertainment
Relax to nostalgic island favorites with soothing instrumental arrangements for acoustic and classical guitars. Kohala’s fresh musical interpretation of these traditional island melodies reflects the exotic pristine beauty of a tropical paradise. "Kohala... for simply beautiful guitar instrumentals..." Islands Magazine
Flying - Kohala
HOKU AWARD FINALIST
Here in classic Kohala style you’ll find gentle jazz instrumental arrangements for 3 acoustic guitars. "The beauty & charms that constitute Hawaii" Wayne Harada, Honolulu Advertiser
Back to Kohala - Kohala
8 of the 11 songs on “Back to Kohala” were composed by the 3 members of the acoustic guitar trio. The music is open, spacious, organic and warm — a musical interpretation of the landscape and environment of the beautiful Kohala region on the Big Island. "KOHALA... THEY SCORE AGAIN. I can’t pick a favorite [track], they are ALL that good! If you’re looking for the perfect ‘kick back album’ or some ‘elegant dinner party’ music - Back to Kohala should be your choice" Aloha Joe
Slack Key Guitar - Various Artists
HOKU AWARD FINALIST
This showcase of island artists features the authentic sound of the slack key style acoustic guitar with traditional and contemporary arrangements by Sonny Lim, Ken Emerson, Bryan Kessler, Randy Lorenzo, John Keawe, Kevin Teves and Charles Michael Brotman. The tranquil sounds of these unusual harmonies are as beautiful as the Islands from which slack key or “kiho‘alu” originates.
Romantic Ballads for Solo Piano - Tom Kellock
Instrumentalist on GRAMMY® Award Winning CD
Northwest pianist Tom Kellock’s soothing elegant style and unique arrangements for solo piano unveil the classic beauty of popular melodies such as I Can’t Make You Love Me, When I Fall in Love, Candle in the Wind, Think of Me, The Rose, Beauty and The Beast, A Whole New World, Have I Told You Lately, and two originals. Kellock has performed and recorded with Al Jarreau, Gato Barbieri, Manhattan Transfer, Richard Elliot, Heart, Melissa Manchester and GRAMMY® winners Tingstad & Rumble.
Island Style - Various Artists
A compilation of some of our favorite Hawaiian songs sung by favorite island singers - One Day Soon by Ernie Cruz, Jr.; Drop Baby Drop by Mana‘o Company; Language of the Heart by Bryan Kessler; Forever Mine by Randy Lorenzo; Shine On by John Cruz; Mokihana Lullaby by Lorna Lim; At Manele by Pomai; Coconut Culture by Allan Thomas; Hawaii Calls to Me by RJ Kaneao; When Pueo Flies by Robi Kahakalau; and E¯ o Pa¯lolo, a debut by Desirée Cruz. These are all vocal tracks except for Smuggler’s Inn by guitarist Charles Michael Brotman.
Lullaby - Kohala and Friends
HOKU AWARD FINALIST
Hawaii’s acoustic guitar trio, Kohala, and the following special guest artists present a collection of Hawaiian lullabies: Robi Kahakalau, Pauline Wilson, Jake Shimabukuro, Brian Kessler, Lorna Lim, Malani Bilyeu, Brother Noland and Betsy Curtis. Kohala’s only CD with vocals. For adults and children. "[KOHALA’s] ‘friends’ possess some of Hawaii’s sweetest voices. Each song is a guaranteed stress reliever" John Berger, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Mango Cooler - Charles Michael Brotman
This is a re-issue originally recorded on Global Pacific in 1990 when it reached #3 on New Adult Contemporary Radio. Guest artists include Tom Walsh (drums), Steve Reid (percussion), David Inamine (bass), and Jerry Martini (saxophone). "Mango Cooler is a splendid refreshment. It is a classy production through and through." The Honolulu Advertiser "A cross between the gently laid-back style of Earl Klugh and the magic of Russ Freeman, with a certain tropicality about it. Airplay cuts: Heart of Gold, Kam Hiway, Mango Cooler, Marisa’s Song ... near all of ’em!" Contemporary Jazz Review
Pacific Rendezvous - Charles Michael Brotman
Charted Top Ten on New Adult Contemporary Radio
Contemporary instrumental jazz with a tropical flair, featuring the classical style guitar of Charles Michael Brotman and special guests Daniel Ho and Kilauea. A re-issue originally recorded on BrainChild Records in 1993.
Island Images - Ensemble Pacific
Relax and renew with a tapestry of music accented by nature sounds from the Hawaiian Islands. Ensemble Pacific’s blend of traditional, modern, and ethnic instruments includes piano, classical guitar, flute, nose flute, choir, oboe, cello, violin, slack key guitar, harp, vocalise, keyboards, kalimba, udu, and ipu. Songs include Nu‘uanu Mist, Coral Cathedrals, Lost Galleon, Return of the Whales, Sacred Pools, Island Dawn, Valley’s End and Oasis. Total time: 51:40
Sea of Dreams - Ensemble Pacific
Relax and dream with Ensemble Pacific’s ethereal blend of traditional, modern, and ethnic instruments including piano, classical guitar, flute, nose flute, oboe, French horn, cello, violin, slack key guitar, harp, choir, keyboards, kalimba, ipu, udu, ili ili, and kala‘au. Songs include Ancient Trail, Secret Window, Poet’s Thirst, Soul Walk, Twilight, Oceans of Time and Clouds. Total time: 54:00
Refresh - Ensemble Pacific
Uplifting arrangements performed by Ensemble Pacific with their unique blend of instruments including piano, classical guitar, flute, slack key guitar, French horn, nose flute, oboe, cello, violin, choir, harp, keyboards, kalimba, ipu, udu, and ocarina. Songs include Sunbeam, Majesty, Trillion Stars, Ascent, Moon’s Promise, Day Break, Spinnakers and Lasting Moment. Total time: 47:15
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