Pohaku

  I would like to introduce one of my favorite artist produced and recorded at RBM Productions. “Pohaku We’re Comin”. Album provides 10 songs with the primary focus on ragga and reggae. Songs written by Danny Keliikoa and Kaaomae Wilhelm. The two main driving forces behind this album. Musical arrangements done and copyrighted by Pohaku Productions an RBM Production affiliate. Mix and mastered at Studio One and cover design by RBM Productions. The album distributed by Pacific Hawaiian Distribution and published by Robert Sterling Music Group.

Pohaku-Review

I had the firsthand experience watching these two driving forces grow up on the westside of Oahu. Kaao’s dad Dean Wilhelm and I played music together since we were kids up to his passing several years ago. Kaao comes from a large family of musicians. Kaao and Danny met in thier respective neighborhood and hit it off right away. The early years of playing music date back to high school with an a acoustic guitar and ukulele playing Ka’au Crater Boys music. They started a band called Hawaiian Fusion and played around the local circuit and developed some popularity. I still have thier early recordings as part of my Pohaku archives. During this era, Dean and I started a band called Pohaku. In Hawaiian, Pohaku means “rock”. Dean and I were long time favorites of rock and roll and played in several efforts during the 70′s and 80′s in Hawaii’s music scene. As the rock scene practically disappeared, we were not working as much so we decided to incorporate Hawaiian Fusion and change direction of Pohaku’s music to accommodate the current Hawaii music trend. As time went on, and musicians changed, Pohaku eventually took on a different identity. The focus now was reggae music since it had become very popular. Pohaku finally launched their first album titled “Friends Forever” wihich didn’t do too well. Soon after, they followed with “We’re Comin”. This album hit the local radio airwaves upon release with “I Love You”, “Just A Little Love” and “Far Away”. The three songs made the top five on Island 98.5 and KCCN 100.3 on several occasions. The album picked up popularity across the state and even in the mainland with followed up inter-state tours to include California and Las Vegas. Pohaku’s “We’re Comin” sold over 10,000 units in stores across the west coast and online. Far Away and Just A Little Love was also featured in the motion picture “One Kine Day.” Wayne Hirada from the Star Advertiser conducted a music review with favorable results. The band went through several changes all the way to it’s release in 2008. Thier live performances did the product justice and were well received by the public. This album finally put the band on the map with the rest of the Westside established artists. Pohaku finally etched their name in local music history. They were also the runner up nominee next to Rebel Soljahs at the Hoku Hanohano Awards for best reggae album of the year.

Pohaku-Summary

Dean and I were best friends. All we wanted to do is play music and maybe see some of our efforts perpetuate itself and live beyond what we would imagine. When Dean died, I felt like I lost a big part of me. At that time I played bass and he played drums. We were unstoppable! Since his passing I have taken on the drumming responsibility for Pohaku for most of its existence. Ka’ao being my nephew, I got to see him grow into a fine artist. His dad would be proud of him. As for Danny, he later became my son-in-law and gave me my first granddaughter. Though the boys have gone their separate ways, Danny and I still hold up the Pohaku reputation. I have been honored to play with such fine musicians in their own right. If you really think about it, I am the only one left from Pohaku’s original days………

The album tracks are available on itunes. You can actually go to www.rbmproductions.com to get more information on the band and view their videos. If you wish, feel free to comment. All comments are welcomed. Support local music and local musicians and thier work by commenting.

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Until the next time, This is Billy Mousser saying “rock on!”
See you on the inside….