Artist: Keoki Kahumoku

It was in 1995 that Keoki Kahumoku contacted Herb Ohta, Jr. to judge the Annual Youth 'Ukulele Contest. Who better to spot young talent than Ohta, son of the legendary 'ukulele virtuoso Ohta-San. The two became instant friends, and with no real game plan in place, they began performing together at private and public functions. They attracted a loyal following and whenever they would play, people would ask if there were a recording in the works. Five years later, Keoki and Herb have come together in studio to share this remarkable partnership with us all. The time has been well spent. Rarely has a recording of Hawaiian music sounded so natural. On "Hawaiian from the Heart" the renaissance that's been taking place in Hawaii over the past decade comes to fruition. Keoki on slack key guitar and vocals and Herb on ukulele eloquently connect us to the heart and soul of Hawaiian music. From the new arrangement of James Kahele's "Wahine U'i" to a hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Hawai'i Aloha", they embrace and pay tribute to the spirit and great heritage that is Hawaiian. To the perfect blend that's been achieved, this current effort mixes in Bobby Ingano on steel guitar, Ocean Kaowili on bass, and Owana Salazar's vocals and slack key guitar on the song, "Po Mahina". The result is a group of musicians that sounds like it plays from a single heart. Keoki Kahumoku grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii surrounded by music. His father, noted slack-key guitarist George Kahumoku, Jr. and his uncle Moses Kahumoku had him on stage at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel by 1991. Influenced by of a generation of musicians and inspired by the talented youth of Hawaii, Keoki has found himself at the focal point of a resurgence in Hawaiian music. These days he's finding himself increasingly in demand as a performer, but Keoki still finds time to fulfill his other great love - teaching. From private lessons in his home to workshops on the mainland, he is committed to bringing traditional Hawaiian music to young people. The summer of 2000 marks the 7th Annual Youth 'Ukulele Contest - an event Keoki started to gather young players from Maui. At the tender age of three, Herb Ohta, Jr. learned his first song, "Happy Birthday", on the 'ukulele from his grandmother. His father, the 'ukulele legend known as Ohta-San, continued his early 'ukulele instruction, and sent Herb to study at the University High School. The son developed a style that, while reminiscent of his father's, is distinct and recognizable as his very own. Inspired by the Makaha Sons, Eddie Kamae, Ledward Kaapana and other local giants, he devoted himself to Hawaiian music. Like Keoki, Herb is a born teacher. He began teaching at the age of eleven for his father's 'ukulele school and in 1992, started his own school. Together, Keoki and Herb have found in their hearts a deeper appreciation and love of the spirit and legacy of Hawaiian music. Through this collection of 12 songs, so can the rest of us.