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{{Short description|Hawaiian music group}}
{{More footnotes|date = July 2010}}
{{More footnotes|date = July 2010}}
:''For a chief of the Big Island, see "[[Kalapana of Hawaiʻi]]".''
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Kalapana
| name = Kalapana
| image =
| image =
| caption = The founding members of the band Kalapana<br /><small>(From Left to Right)</small><br />Kirk Thompson, Bryant "Mackey" Feary, Jr., Carl James "Malani" Bilyeu, and David John (DJ) Pratt
| caption =
| origin = [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]], U.S.
| origin = [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]], U.S.
| genre = [[Rock and roll]], [[folk rock]], [[soft rock]]
| genre = [[Rock and roll]], [[folk rock]], [[soft rock]]
Line 11: Line 11:
| associated_acts = [[Mackey Feary]]
| associated_acts = [[Mackey Feary]]
| website =
| website =
| current_members = Gaylord Holomalia<br/><small>(co-founder)</small><br/>Kenji Sano
| current_members = Gaylord Holomalia<br/>Kenji Sano
| past_members = {{unbulleted list|Kirk Thompson
| past_members = David John "DJ" Pratt<br/><small>(co-founder/deceased)</small><br />Carl James "Malani" Bilyeu<br/><small>(co-founder/deceased)</small><br />Bryant "Mackey" Feary, Jr.<br/><small>(co-founder/deceased)</small><br/>Kirk Thompson<br /><small>(co-founder)<br />Maurice Bega<br />Randy Aloya<br />Michael Paulo<br />Kimo Cornwell<br />Alvin Fejarang <small>(deceased)</small> <br />
|David John "DJ" Pratt

|Carl James "Malani" Bilyeu
|[[Mackey Feary]]
|Kimo Cornwell
|Maurice Bega
|[[Michael Paulo]]
|Randy Aloya
|Alvin Fejarang
}}
}}
}}
'''Kalapana''' is an American pop band from [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]]. They are known for their songs "Naturally" and "The Hurt".
'''Kalapana''' is an American pop-rock band from [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]]. They are known for their songs “Naturally” and “The Hurt”.


==History==
==History==
===Early history (1973 - 1986)===
===Early history (1973 – 1986)===
In 1973, childhood friends DJ Pratt and Malani Bilyeu auditioned at the Rainbow Villa for [[Cecilio & Kapono]]. Malani was soloing at the Oar House in [[Hawaii Kai, Hawaii|Hawaii Kai]] and DJ was downstairs at Chuck's in Sunlight with Kirk Thompson. They got together in DJ's grandfather's garage with Mackey Feary, another solo act, playing at the Oar House. They wrote songs, rehearsed, and at one point discussed the meaning of Kalapana. The literal translation of the word "Kalapana" is "sprouting money". Kirk said the meaning was "beat of the music", but he wanted "Dove" anyway. DJ thought it meant "Black Sand". Regardless, they named themselves Kalapana, playing their first gig at Chuck's in Hawaii Kai.
In 1973, childhood friends DJ Pratt and Malani Bilyeu auditioned at the Rainbow Villa for [[Cecilio & Kapono]]. Bilyeu was a solo performer at the Oar House in [[Hawaii Kai, Hawaii|Hawaii Kai]] while Pratt was downstairs at Chuck’s in Sunlight with Kirk Thompson. They got together in Pratt’s grandfather’s garage with [[Mackey Feary]], another solo act at the Oar House. They wrote songs, rehearsed, and at one point discussed the meaning of Kalapana. The literal translation of the word “Kalapana” is “sprouting money”. Thompson said the meaning was “beat of the music”, but he preferred the name “Dove” for the band. Pratt thought it meant “black sand”. Regardless, they named themselves Kalapana, playing their first gig at Chuck’s in Hawaii Kai.


They became a regular band at a club called "The Toppe Ada Shoppe". They opened concerts for [[Earth, Wind & Fire]], [[Batdorf & Rodney]], [[The Moody Blues]], [[Sly & The Family Stone]], and Cecilio & Kapono. They released their first, self-titled album, ''Kalapana'', which included Jackie Kelso on sax and flute, Bill Perry on bass and Larry Brown on drums.
Kalapana became a regular band at a Honolulu club called The Toppe Ada Shoppe. They opened concerts for [[Earth, Wind & Fire]], [[Batdorf & Rodney]], [[The Moody Blues]], [[Sly & The Family Stone]], and [[Cecilio & Kapono]].


In 1975, the band released their debut self-titled album ''Kalapana'', featuring Jackie Kelso on sax and flute, Bill Perry on bass, and Larry Brown on drums. The album was a big success in Hawaii and Japan.
⚫
Kalapana performed a three&ndash;concert event at the [[Waikiki Shell]] during the span of June 25–27, 1976, where 25,000 people attended. In 1977, they helped select the entrants for the "Home Grown" album project.


⚫
Their second album ''Kalapana II'' was released in late 1976. The band performed a three-concert event at the [[Waikiki Shell]] during the span of June 25–27, 1976, where 25,000 people attended.
⚫
Kalapana won several Nani Awards, the predecessor to the [[Na Hoku Hanohano Awards]]. They were nominated for four categories and received "Best Performance by a duo or group", and "Best Male Vocalist" for Mackey, who had split from the group and joined Billy Kaui (Country Comfort).


⚫
Kalapana won two Nani Awards, the predecessor to the [[Na Hoku Hanohano Awards]]. They were nominated for four categories and received Best Performance by a Duo or Group, and Best Male Vocalist (for Feary), who by year's end had split from the group for a solo career.
The group reorganized to include Randy Aloya, replacing Mackey, who was pursuing a solo career, DJ, Malani, Kirk, Michael, and Alvin. The reorganized group included Kimo Cornwell (formerly with Beowolf and later with Hiroshima) on keyboards, toured in [[Japan]] and released "Kalapana Live In Japan" (Sun Plaza), "Northbound", and "Kalapana Alive at Yokohama". DJ, as Kalapana, also released "Hold On" and a solo LP "Branded".


With Pratt, Bilyeu, and Thompson remaining, the group added bassist and vocalist Randy Aloya (replacing the departed Feary), sax and woodwinds player [[Michael Paulo]], and drummer Alvin Fejarang. The band’s third album ''Kalapana'' ''III'' was released in late 1977. Earlier that year, Kalapana helped select the entrants for the "Home Grown" album project.
⚫
In 1983 Bilyeu, Feary, Thompson, Fejarang, Paulo, and Aloya played a one-night "Kalapana Live Reunion" concert at the Waikiki with Hawaii guitarist John Rapoza standing in for Pratt. Kalapana then went dormant for several years while the various members pursued separate projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Kalapana-Kalapana-Reunion/release/6322509|title=Kalapana – Kalapana Reunion (1983)}} discogs.com.</ref>

Kalapana’s fourth album ''Many Classic Moments'', primarily a soundtrack to the Gary Capo-helmed surf film of the same name, was released in 1978. The domestic version of the album contained eight Kalapana tracks while the Japanese version was a two-record set with 22 tracks total, featuring additional orchestral music composed by David Wheatley.

With Kalapana’s popularity in [[Japan]] going strong, the band toured there regularly, adding keyboardist and guitarist Kimo Cornwell (formerly of Beowolf and later with [[Hiroshima (band)|Hiroshima]]). The 1978 live album ''In Concert'' was released only in Japan. After the album’s release, Kirk Thompson left the band to pursue a solo career as a producer. His first project as writer, arranger, and producer, the self-titled (and only) album by new Hawaii band Lemuria, was released in 1979.

Kalapana continued as a six-piece with the 1979 album ''Northbound.'' Randy Aloya left the group soon after the album’s release, with Malani Bilyeu and [[Michael Paulo]] also exiting after the album’s tour had ended.

In 1980, DJ Pratt and Alvin Fejarang continued as Kalapana and released ''Hold On'' and the live album ''Japan Jam Live'', both Japan-only releases. The band would then go on hiatus.

⚫
On December 26, 1982, Bilyeu, Feary, Thompson, Fejarang, Paulo, and Aloya played a one-night "Kalapana Live Reunion" concert at the Waikiki Shell with Hawaii guitarist John Rapoza standing in for Pratt. Kalapana then went dormant for several years while the various members pursued separate projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Kalapana-Kalapana-Reunion/release/6322509|title=Kalapana – Kalapana Reunion (1983)|website=[[Discogs]]}} discogs.com.</ref>


===Hurricane and Pony Canyon (1986 - 1999)===
===Hurricane and Pony Canyon (1986 - 1999)===
In 1986, Kalapana reunited as a quintet—Bilyeu, Feary, and Pratt plus Gaylord Holomalia (keyboards) and Kenji Sano (electric bass) -- and recorded a successful "come back" album, ''Hurricane''. Kalapana presented the album at a release party at Rascal Discothèque in [[Waikiki]]. The invitations were sent out with singles from the album; roses and T-shirts were given away at the venue.
In 1986, Kalapana reunited as a quintet—Bilyeu, Feary, and Pratt plus Gaylord Holomalia (keyboards) and Kenji Sano (electric bass) – and recorded a successful comeback album, ''Hurricane''. Kalapana presented the album at a release party at Rascals discothèque in [[Waikiki]]. The invitations were sent out with singles from the album; roses and T-shirts were given away at the venue.


For the "Hurricane" concert, the band wore suits. For the song "Living Without You", the band was brought out wearing white [[zoot suit]] [[dinner jacket]]s with red velvet [[bow tie]]s. Kenji, Mackey, Malani, and DJ performed choreography during the concert while Gaylord anchored the group on keyboards.
For the "Hurricane" concert, the band wore suits. For the song "Living Without You", the band was brought out wearing white [[zoot suit]] [[dinner jacket]]s with red velvet [[bow tie]]s. Kenji, Mackey, Malani, and DJ performed choreography during the concert while Gaylord anchored the group on keyboards.


Kalapana released "Lava Rock" in 1987, and performed with Hiroshima, a Japanese-American group from southern [[California]], and Anri, musicians from Japan; Kalapana played at the grand opening of the [[Hard Rock Cafe]] in [[Honolulu]]. They performed in the [[Philippines]] for crowds of 10,000 people at two sold-out concerts, toured Japan, the West Coast US, [[Tahiti]], [[Samoa]], [[Guam]], [[Saipan]], and outer islands; their first feature-length video of the Lava Rock Concert was taped at the Waikiki Shell. Kalapana toured Japan with Michael Paulo, who was then with [[Al Jarreau]]'s band, and [[Tris Imboden]], the drummer for [[Chicago (band)|Chicago]]. Following, Kalapana had a five-album deal with [[Pony Canyon]] Records.
Kalapana released ''Lava Rock'' in 1987, and performed with [[Hiroshima (band)|Hiroshima]] and Anri, musicians from Japan. Kalapana played at the grand opening of the [[Hard Rock Cafe]] in [[Honolulu]]. They performed in the [[Philippines]] for crowds of 10,000 people at two sold-out concerts, toured Japan, the west coast of the contiguous US, [[Tahiti]], [[Samoa]], [[Guam]], [[Saipan]], and outer islands; their first feature-length video of the Lava Rock Concert was taped at the Waikiki Shell. Kalapana toured Japan with [[Michael Paulo]], who was then with [[Al Jarreau]]'s band, and [[Tris Imboden]], the drummer for [[Chicago (band)|Chicago]]. Following, Kalapana signed a five-album deal with [[Pony Canyon]] Records.


In 1997, Kalapana released the Hawaii version of "Captain Santa Island Music" with liner notes by international radio [[Disc jockey|DJ]] [[Kamasami Kong]]. More recently, Kalapana released in Japan another CD titled "The Very Best of Kalapana", which is a compilation of 20 of their songs.
In 1997, Kalapana released the Hawaii version of ''Captain Santa Island Music'' with liner notes by international radio [[Disc jockey|DJ]] [[Kamasami Kong]]. More recently, Kalapana released, in Japan, another CD titled ''The Very Best of Kalapana'', a compilation of twenty songs.


After battling drugs, drug treatment programs, and relapses, Mackey Feary was sentenced to prison. On February 20, 1999, Feary hanged himself in his jail cell. Feary's problems, and eventual suicide, called attention to the patterns of drug addiction and mental health and treatment needs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/1999/03/06/news/story1.html|title=Mackey Feary laid to rest|author=Altonn, Helen|publisher=starbulletin.com|date=1999-03-06|accessdate=2012-03-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.november.org/thewall/cases/feary-m/feary-m.html|title=Volcanic Ash: How To Save a Mackey Feary|author=Shapiro, David|date=2004-02-11|accessdate=2012-03-21}} november.org.</ref>
After battling drugs, drug treatment programs, and relapses, Mackey Feary was sentenced to prison. On February 20, 1999, Feary hanged himself in his jail cell. Feary's problems and eventual suicide called attention to the patterns of drug addiction and mental health and treatment needs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/1999/03/06/news/story1.html|title=Mackey Feary laid to rest|author=Altonn, Helen|publisher=starbulletin.com|date=1999-03-06|accessdate=2012-03-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.november.org/thewall/cases/feary-m/feary-m.html|title=Volcanic Ash: How To Save a Mackey Feary|author=Shapiro, David|date=2004-02-11|accessdate=2012-03-21}} november.org.</ref>


===Post-Feary era (1999 onward)===
===Post-Feary era (1999 and onward)===
During the summer of 1999, Kalapana released "Love Under the Sun", the title song for FM Nagoya's [[Compilation album|compilation]] CD, which was used for FM Nagoya's Summer Campaign. Also, they recorded the theme song for the Asahi Super Cup, a series of [[Sailboat racing|sailboat races]] held off the coast of [[Oahu]]. Both recordings were done at TK Disc Studios, which are Japanese recording artist/producer [[Tetsuya Komuro]]'s recording studios in Hawaii.
During the summer of 1999, Kalapana released "Love Under the Sun", the title song for FM Nagoya's [[Compilation album|compilation]] CD, which was used for FM Nagoya's Summer Campaign. Also, they recorded the theme song for the Asahi Super Cup, a series of [[Sailboat racing|sailboat races]] held off the coast of [[Oahu]]. Both recordings were done at TK Disc Studios, which are Japanese recording artist/producer [[Tetsuya Komuro]]'s recording studios in Hawaii.


In November 2002, the group released the studio album the ''Blue Album''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Kalapana-Blue-Album/release/15290795/|title=Kalapana - Blue Album (2002)}} discogs.com.</ref>. Two songs off of the said album feature Maurice Bega on vocals. Guest artists included the group Chant singing background vocals on "Ten Years After" (written by Komuro), Tris Imboden from the band Chicago on "Another Lonely Night", Michael Paulo on saxophone, and Pauline Wilson and Garin Poliahu on drums. James Studer appears throughout the CD with arrangements and keyboards.
In November 2002, the group released the studio album the ''Blue Album''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Kalapana-Blue-Album/release/15290795/|title=Kalapana - Blue Album (2002)|website=[[Discogs]]}} discogs.com.</ref> Two songs off of the said album feature Maurice Bega on vocals. Guest artists included the group Chant singing background vocals on "Ten Years After" (written by Komuro), Tris Imboden from the band Chicago on "Another Lonely Night", [[Michael Paulo]] on saxophone, and Pauline Wilson and Garin Poliahu on drums. James Studer appears throughout the CD with arrangements and keyboards.


Kalapana continues to tour and record in Japan and the West Coast. The releases, to date, on Pony Canyon are: "Back In Your Heart Again", "Kalapana Sings Southern All-Stars", and "Walk Upon the Water". The fourth LP, "Full Moon Tonight", was released at the time of the royal wedding in Japan in June 1995, and included a new version of "Hawaiian Wedding Song" done [[R & B]] style. Their latest album on Pony Canyon Records, "Captain Santa Island Music", consists of songs written for a clothing line in Japan. Each album contains new arrangements of Kalapana classics and newly written songs.
Kalapana continues to tour and record in Japan and the West Coast. The releases, to date, on Pony Canyon are: "Back In Your Heart Again", "Kalapana Sings Southern All-Stars", and "Walk Upon the Water". The fourth LP, "Full Moon Tonight", was released at the time of the royal wedding in Japan in June 1995, and included a new version of "Hawaiian Wedding Song" done [[R & B]] style. Their latest album on Pony Canyon Records, "Captain Santa Island Music", consists of songs written for a clothing line in Japan. Each album contains new arrangements of Kalapana classics and newly written songs.


Kalapana received the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. The recipients were Bilyeu, Feary (posthumously), Pratt, Thompson, Fejarang, Paulo, Aloya, Holomalia, and Sano.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.staradvertiser.com/2011/05/29/features/the-2011-na-hoku-hanohano-lifetime-achievement-awards/|title=The 2011 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Awards}} staradvertiser.com.</ref>
Kalapana received the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. The recipients were Bilyeu, Feary (posthumously), Pratt, Thompson, Fejarang, Paulo, Aloya, Holomalia, and Sano.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.staradvertiser.com/2011/05/29/features/the-2011-na-hoku-hanohano-lifetime-achievement-awards/|title=The 2011 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Awards|date=29 May 2011}} staradvertiser.com.</ref>


On Sunday, November 20, 2016, Kalapana, performed in Honolulu with the Honolulu Youth Symphony with a line-up of Bilyeu, Pratt, Holomalia, Aloya (bass guitar), John Valentine (guitar), Garin Poliahu drums, and Todd Yukumoto (sax).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/hawaiiyouthsymphony/docs/hys_na_mele_gala_2016|title=He Makana O Na Mele: HYS & Kalapana (2016)}} issuu.com/hawaiiyouthsymphony.</ref>
On Sunday, November 20, 2016, Kalapana, performed in Honolulu with the Honolulu Youth Symphony with a line-up of Bilyeu, Pratt, Holomalia, Aloya (bass guitar), John Valentine (guitar), Garin Poliahu drums, and Todd Yukumoto (sax).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/hawaiiyouthsymphony/docs/hys_na_mele_gala_2016|title=He Makana O Na Mele: HYS & Kalapana (2016)}} issuu.com/hawaiiyouthsymphony.</ref>


On December 27, 2018, Malani Bilyeu died of a heart attack on Kaua'i, at the age of 69.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2018/12/28/malani-bilyeu-founding-member-iconic-hawaiian-band-kalapana-dies/|title=Malani Bilyeu Founding Member of Iconic Hawaiian Band Kalapana}} hawaiinewsnow.com.</ref>
On December 27, 2018, Malani Bilyeu died of a heart attack on Kaua‘i. He was 69. From the beginning, Bilyeu was one of Kalapana’s resident songwriters. His contributions included "Naturally," "You Make It Hard," "Dorothy Louise," "(For You) I’d Chase a Rainbow," "Girl," and "Many Classic Moments."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/12/27/hawaii-news/malani-bilyeu-founding-member-of-kalapana-and-hoku-award-winning-solo-artist-dies/|title=Malani Bilyeu, founding member of Kalapana and Hoku Award-winning solo artist, dies|date=27 December 2018}} staradvertiser.com.</ref>


On September 7, 2021, DJ Pratt was found unresponsive in his home. He was 66.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2021/09/08/david-john-dj-pratt-lead-guitarist-kalapana-dies-66//|title=David John ‘DJ’ Pratt, lead guitarist of Kalapana, dies at 66}} hawaiinewsnow.com.</ref>
On September 7, 2021, DJ Pratt was found unresponsive in his home. He was 67. Pratt received two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for his work as a member of Kalapana. He earned three more for his work as a recording studio engineer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.staradvertiser.com/2021/09/08/breaking-news/dj-pratt-founding-member-of-kalapana-dies-at-66/|title=David John 'DJ' Pratt, founding member of Kalapana, dies at 67|date=8 September 2021}} staradvertiser.com.</ref>

As of 2021, the band members are founding member/keyboardist Gaylord Holomalia and bassist Kenji Sano.


===Legal action against Abattoir Records===
===Legal action against Abattoir Records===


The early recordings of Kalapana were originally released on Abattoir Records, a label based in Los Angeles and owned by Ed Guy. However, Guy never paid any royalties, and the band received nothing from Guy for approximately forty years. In June 2017, the original members of the band (with Feary's son and heir Sebastian Feary) sued Guy in federal court in Los Angeles, for rescission of the mid-1970s agreements. The case was settled quickly, and Guy transferred all of his rights back to the band, including all music publishing rights.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}
The early recordings of Kalapana were originally released on Abattoir Records, a label based in Los Angeles and owned by Ed Guy. However, Guy never paid any royalties, and the band received nothing from Guy for approximately forty years. In June 2017, the original members of the band (with Feary's son and heir Sebastian) sued Guy in federal court in Los Angeles for rescission of the mid-1970s agreements. The case was settled quickly, and Guy transferred all of his rights back to the band, including all music publishing rights.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}


As a result, the band took control of the recordings and all the music publishing and arranged for a "full box set" titled "Kalapana - The Original Album Collection" and a "best of" package titled "Black Sand - The Best of Kalapana." These two collections were released on November 30, 2018, by [[Manifesto Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://manifesto.com/kalapana/|title=Kalapana - Manifesto Records}} manifesto.com.</ref>
As a result, on November 30, 2018, under [[Manifesto Records]], the seven-album, eight-CD box set ''The Original Album Collection'' and the single-CD “best of” package ''Black Sand: The Best of Kalapana'' were released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://manifesto.com/kalapana/|title=Kalapana - Manifesto Records}} manifesto.com.</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
* ''Kalapana'' - 1975
* ''Kalapana'' (1975)
* ''Kalapana II'' - 1976
* ''Kalapana II'' (1976)
* ''Kalapana III'' - 1977
* ''Kalapana III'' (1977)

* ''Many Classic Moments'' - 1978
* ''Many Classic Moments'' (single LP version; 1978)
* ''Northbound'' - 1979, Release in Japan
* ''Hold On'' - 1980, Release in Japan with DJ Pratt as the only original member
* ''Many Classic Moments'' (two-LP version; 1978, Japan only)

⚫
* ''Reunion (Live Concert)'' - 1983
* ''Hurricane'' - 1986
* ''In Concert'' (1979, Japan only)
* ''Lava Rock'' - 1987
* ''Northbound'' (1979, Japan only)
* ''Hold On'' (1980, Japan only)
⚫
* ''Back in Your Heart Again'' - 1990
* ''Kalapana Sings Southern All*Stars'' - 1991, Release in Japan
* ''Japan Jam Live'' (1980, Japan only)
* ''Walk Upon the Water'' - 1992
* ''Alive'' (1981)
⚫
* ''Reunion'' (Live Concert) (1983)
* ''Full Moon Tonight'' - 1995
* ''Hurricane'' (1986)
⚫
* ''Captain Santa Island Music'' - 1996
* ''Best of Kalapana Vol. 1'' - 1997
* ''Lava Rock'' (1987)
* ''Blue Album'' - 2002
* ''Back In Your Heart Again'' (1990)
* ''Best of Kalapana Vol. 2'' - 2004
* ''Kalapana Sings Southern All Stars'' (1991, Japan only)
* ''Walk Upon the Water'' (1992)
⚫
* ''Many Classic Moments: Kalapana Plays Their Best'' - 2008
* ''The Original Album Collection'' - 2018
* ''Full Moon Tonight'' (1995)
⚫
* ''Captain Santa Island Music'' (1996)
⚫
* ''Black Sand: The Best of Kalapana'' - 2018
* ''Best of Kalapana Vol. 1'' (1997)
* ''Blue Album'' (2002)
* ''Best of Kalapana Vol. 2'' (2004)
⚫
* ''Many Classic Moments: Kalapana Plays Their Best'' (2008)
* ''The Original Album Collection'' (box set; 2018)
⚫
* ''Black Sand: The Best of Kalapana'' (2018)

==Singles==
*Naturally (1975)
*The Hurt (1975)
*When The Morning Comes (1975)
*Nightbird (1975)
*What Do I Do (1975)
*Kona Daze (1975)
*Moon and Stars (1976)
*Lost Again (1976)
*(For You) I'd Chase a Rainbow (1976)
⚫
*Back In Your Heart Again (1990)
*Kalapana Sings Southern All-Stars (1991)
*Walk Upon the Water (1992)


==Notes==
==Notes==

Latest revision as of 05:47, 30 September 2024

Kalapana
OriginHonolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
GenresRock and roll, folk rock, soft rock
Years active1974–present
LabelsAbattoir Records, Bluewater Records, Pony Canyon Records, OTB Records, Manifesto Records
MembersGaylord Holomalia
Kenji Sano
Past members
  • Kirk Thompson
  • David John "DJ" Pratt
  • Carl James "Malani" Bilyeu
  • Mackey Feary
  • Kimo Cornwell
  • Maurice Bega
  • Michael Paulo
  • Randy Aloya
  • Alvin Fejarang

Kalapana is an American pop-rock band from Honolulu, Hawaii. They are known for their songs “Naturally” and “The Hurt”.

History

[edit]

Early history (1973 – 1986)

[edit]

In 1973, childhood friends DJ Pratt and Malani Bilyeu auditioned at the Rainbow Villa for Cecilio & Kapono. Bilyeu was a solo performer at the Oar House in Hawaii Kai while Pratt was downstairs at Chuck’s in Sunlight with Kirk Thompson. They got together in Pratt’s grandfather’s garage with Mackey Feary, another solo act at the Oar House. They wrote songs, rehearsed, and at one point discussed the meaning of Kalapana. The literal translation of the word “Kalapana” is “sprouting money”. Thompson said the meaning was “beat of the music”, but he preferred the name “Dove” for the band. Pratt thought it meant “black sand”. Regardless, they named themselves Kalapana, playing their first gig at Chuck’s in Hawaii Kai.

Kalapana became a regular band at a Honolulu club called The Toppe Ada Shoppe. They opened concerts for Earth, Wind & Fire, Batdorf & Rodney, The Moody Blues, Sly & The Family Stone, and Cecilio & Kapono.

In 1975, the band released their debut self-titled album Kalapana, featuring Jackie Kelso on sax and flute, Bill Perry on bass, and Larry Brown on drums. The album was a big success in Hawaii and Japan.

Their second album Kalapana II was released in late 1976. The band performed a three-concert event at the Waikiki Shell during the span of June 25–27, 1976, where 25,000 people attended.

Kalapana won two Nani Awards, the predecessor to the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. They were nominated for four categories and received Best Performance by a Duo or Group, and Best Male Vocalist (for Feary), who by year's end had split from the group for a solo career.

With Pratt, Bilyeu, and Thompson remaining, the group added bassist and vocalist Randy Aloya (replacing the departed Feary), sax and woodwinds player Michael Paulo, and drummer Alvin Fejarang. The band’s third album Kalapana III was released in late 1977. Earlier that year, Kalapana helped select the entrants for the "Home Grown" album project.

Kalapana’s fourth album Many Classic Moments, primarily a soundtrack to the Gary Capo-helmed surf film of the same name, was released in 1978. The domestic version of the album contained eight Kalapana tracks while the Japanese version was a two-record set with 22 tracks total, featuring additional orchestral music composed by David Wheatley.

With Kalapana’s popularity in Japan going strong, the band toured there regularly, adding keyboardist and guitarist Kimo Cornwell (formerly of Beowolf and later with Hiroshima). The 1978 live album In Concert was released only in Japan. After the album’s release, Kirk Thompson left the band to pursue a solo career as a producer. His first project as writer, arranger, and producer, the self-titled (and only) album by new Hawaii band Lemuria, was released in 1979.

Kalapana continued as a six-piece with the 1979 album Northbound. Randy Aloya left the group soon after the album’s release, with Malani Bilyeu and Michael Paulo also exiting after the album’s tour had ended.

In 1980, DJ Pratt and Alvin Fejarang continued as Kalapana and released Hold On and the live album Japan Jam Live, both Japan-only releases. The band would then go on hiatus.

On December 26, 1982, Bilyeu, Feary, Thompson, Fejarang, Paulo, and Aloya played a one-night "Kalapana Live Reunion" concert at the Waikiki Shell with Hawaii guitarist John Rapoza standing in for Pratt. Kalapana then went dormant for several years while the various members pursued separate projects.[1]

Hurricane and Pony Canyon (1986 - 1999)

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In 1986, Kalapana reunited as a quintet—Bilyeu, Feary, and Pratt plus Gaylord Holomalia (keyboards) and Kenji Sano (electric bass) – and recorded a successful comeback album, Hurricane. Kalapana presented the album at a release party at Rascals discothèque in Waikiki. The invitations were sent out with singles from the album; roses and T-shirts were given away at the venue.

For the "Hurricane" concert, the band wore suits. For the song "Living Without You", the band was brought out wearing white zoot suit dinner jackets with red velvet bow ties. Kenji, Mackey, Malani, and DJ performed choreography during the concert while Gaylord anchored the group on keyboards.

Kalapana released Lava Rock in 1987, and performed with Hiroshima and Anri, musicians from Japan. Kalapana played at the grand opening of the Hard Rock Cafe in Honolulu. They performed in the Philippines for crowds of 10,000 people at two sold-out concerts, toured Japan, the west coast of the contiguous US, Tahiti, Samoa, Guam, Saipan, and outer islands; their first feature-length video of the Lava Rock Concert was taped at the Waikiki Shell. Kalapana toured Japan with Michael Paulo, who was then with Al Jarreau's band, and Tris Imboden, the drummer for Chicago. Following, Kalapana signed a five-album deal with Pony Canyon Records.

In 1997, Kalapana released the Hawaii version of Captain Santa Island Music with liner notes by international radio DJ Kamasami Kong. More recently, Kalapana released, in Japan, another CD titled The Very Best of Kalapana, a compilation of twenty songs.

After battling drugs, drug treatment programs, and relapses, Mackey Feary was sentenced to prison. On February 20, 1999, Feary hanged himself in his jail cell. Feary's problems and eventual suicide called attention to the patterns of drug addiction and mental health and treatment needs.[2][3]

Post-Feary era (1999 and onward)

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During the summer of 1999, Kalapana released "Love Under the Sun", the title song for FM Nagoya's compilation CD, which was used for FM Nagoya's Summer Campaign. Also, they recorded the theme song for the Asahi Super Cup, a series of sailboat races held off the coast of Oahu. Both recordings were done at TK Disc Studios, which are Japanese recording artist/producer Tetsuya Komuro's recording studios in Hawaii.

In November 2002, the group released the studio album the Blue Album.[4] Two songs off of the said album feature Maurice Bega on vocals. Guest artists included the group Chant singing background vocals on "Ten Years After" (written by Komuro), Tris Imboden from the band Chicago on "Another Lonely Night", Michael Paulo on saxophone, and Pauline Wilson and Garin Poliahu on drums. James Studer appears throughout the CD with arrangements and keyboards.

Kalapana continues to tour and record in Japan and the West Coast. The releases, to date, on Pony Canyon are: "Back In Your Heart Again", "Kalapana Sings Southern All-Stars", and "Walk Upon the Water". The fourth LP, "Full Moon Tonight", was released at the time of the royal wedding in Japan in June 1995, and included a new version of "Hawaiian Wedding Song" done R & B style. Their latest album on Pony Canyon Records, "Captain Santa Island Music", consists of songs written for a clothing line in Japan. Each album contains new arrangements of Kalapana classics and newly written songs.

Kalapana received the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. The recipients were Bilyeu, Feary (posthumously), Pratt, Thompson, Fejarang, Paulo, Aloya, Holomalia, and Sano.[5]

On Sunday, November 20, 2016, Kalapana, performed in Honolulu with the Honolulu Youth Symphony with a line-up of Bilyeu, Pratt, Holomalia, Aloya (bass guitar), John Valentine (guitar), Garin Poliahu drums, and Todd Yukumoto (sax).[6]

On December 27, 2018, Malani Bilyeu died of a heart attack on Kaua‘i. He was 69. From the beginning, Bilyeu was one of Kalapana’s resident songwriters. His contributions included "Naturally," "You Make It Hard," "Dorothy Louise," "(For You) I’d Chase a Rainbow," "Girl," and "Many Classic Moments."[7]

On September 7, 2021, DJ Pratt was found unresponsive in his home. He was 67. Pratt received two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for his work as a member of Kalapana. He earned three more for his work as a recording studio engineer.[8]

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The early recordings of Kalapana were originally released on Abattoir Records, a label based in Los Angeles and owned by Ed Guy. However, Guy never paid any royalties, and the band received nothing from Guy for approximately forty years. In June 2017, the original members of the band (with Feary's son and heir Sebastian) sued Guy in federal court in Los Angeles for rescission of the mid-1970s agreements. The case was settled quickly, and Guy transferred all of his rights back to the band, including all music publishing rights.[citation needed]

As a result, on November 30, 2018, under Manifesto Records, the seven-album, eight-CD box set The Original Album Collection and the single-CD “best of” package Black Sand: The Best of Kalapana were released.[9]

Discography

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  • Kalapana (1975)
  • Kalapana II (1976)
  • Kalapana III (1977)
  • Many Classic Moments (single LP version; 1978)
  • Many Classic Moments (two-LP version; 1978, Japan only)
  • In Concert (1979, Japan only)
  • Northbound (1979, Japan only)
  • Hold On (1980, Japan only)
  • Japan Jam Live (1980, Japan only)
  • Alive (1981)
  • Reunion (Live Concert) (1983)
  • Hurricane (1986)
  • Lava Rock (1987)
  • Back In Your Heart Again (1990)
  • Kalapana Sings Southern All Stars (1991, Japan only)
  • Walk Upon the Water (1992)
  • Full Moon Tonight (1995)
  • Captain Santa Island Music (1996)
  • Best of Kalapana Vol. 1 (1997)
  • Blue Album (2002)
  • Best of Kalapana Vol. 2 (2004)
  • Many Classic Moments: Kalapana Plays Their Best (2008)
  • The Original Album Collection (box set; 2018)
  • Black Sand: The Best of Kalapana (2018)

Singles

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  • Naturally (1975)
  • The Hurt (1975)
  • When The Morning Comes (1975)
  • Nightbird (1975)
  • What Do I Do (1975)
  • Kona Daze (1975)
  • Moon and Stars (1976)
  • Lost Again (1976)
  • (For You) I'd Chase a Rainbow (1976)
  • Back In Your Heart Again (1990)
  • Kalapana Sings Southern All-Stars (1991)
  • Walk Upon the Water (1992)

Notes

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  1. ^ "Kalapana – Kalapana Reunion (1983)". Discogs. discogs.com.
  2. ^ Altonn, Helen (1999-03-06). "Mackey Feary laid to rest". starbulletin.com. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
  3. ^ Shapiro, David (2004-02-11). "Volcanic Ash: How To Save a Mackey Feary". Retrieved 2012-03-21. november.org.
  4. ^ "Kalapana - Blue Album (2002)". Discogs. discogs.com.
  5. ^ "The 2011 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Awards". 29 May 2011. staradvertiser.com.
  6. ^ "He Makana O Na Mele: HYS & Kalapana (2016)". issuu.com/hawaiiyouthsymphony.
  7. ^ "Malani Bilyeu, founding member of Kalapana and Hoku Award-winning solo artist, dies". 27 December 2018. staradvertiser.com.
  8. ^ "David John 'DJ' Pratt, founding member of Kalapana, dies at 67". 8 September 2021. staradvertiser.com.
  9. ^ "Kalapana - Manifesto Records". manifesto.com.

Further reading

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