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Gettin' Better
Rob Yamanoha makes sweet music on debut CD
By Kristin Hashimoto
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 8:42 AM HST
Imagine music from a local boy with fresh contemporary riffs that breaks the Jawaiian mold in a funky, bluesy, nostalgic way. Enter Rob Yamanoha and a return to the days of real songwriting -- the days of C&K and Kalapana, when craftsmanship ruled and the homogenized island sound was unheard of.
Better is the vehicle Yamanoha uses to enliven Hawai`i's music scene; it's his debut CD -- a collection of nine original compositions --influenced by John Legend, Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Maroon 5 -- along with "Waialua Sky" his styling of that classic Krush song. In Better the listener finds a mainstream musicality that alters island music in a strange and beautiful way infusing it with a vibe that is familiar and comforting yet refreshingly unique.
You may have seen posters advertising Yamanoha playing acoustic, or jamming with his band at various locations such as Emerald Orchid, Kope Kope and Nichols. On a good day, you may have heard him crooning at the Bayfront bandstand, or entertaining at a private gig like the weddings, parties, and other social events he frequents. Some may also know him from his years with Moemoe`a.
The reason for the original Moemoe`a breakup? "We signed a really bad record deal," said Yamanoha. "Two months after the CD came out, two guys quit." Yamanoha followed suit after a lengthy discovery process on his own about record deals, labels and leadership. "To this day we still don't know who owns our music."
Having survived this hard-knock-filled rite of passage, Yamanoha is grateful. "Every musician needs to know what the biz is about. You gotta educate yourself . . ."
Since the breakup, a wiser Yamanoha is staging an utterly bewitching acoustic solo act and has a solid thing going with his own band. He also started the Red Moon Entertainment label and his own recording studio. The Rob Yamanoha Band includes Spence Ahuna, 22, on electric guitar, Josh Conneran, 25, on percussive instruments and Mati Keating, 34, on bass.
"I like 'em cause they listen," said Yamanoha with a good-natured laugh. His philosophy relies heavily on the need for clear leadership. "I tell my guys, "I have the final decision. All you gotta do is show up to gigs and practice on time and I'll do everything else."
Ahuna has been with Yamanoha since the formation of the band and has co-written some impressive guitar parts for Yamanoha's songs. "He works really hard at his craft . . . he just keeps getting better and better." While Ahuna comes from a standout musical lineage -- Darlene and J.J. -- Spence's talent and creative mind are earning him a reputation that stands alone.
In addition to such strong musical back-up, Yamanoha's "right hand man" Scott Nitura, of Angel7Studio graphic arts, has been instrumental in promoting and fostering the artist's image. Then there's a couple of silent investors and his wife/business partner Karla. According to Yamanoha, fans have her to thank for his final decision to pursue music. His family strongly supports his career. Oftentimes they are in the audience, or selling his CD's.
Those lucky enough to get their hands on the five-song EP Yamanoha put out last year will notice the unforgettable "Valentine" is missing from the full length CD. After five tries at re-arranging the song to get it to flow better with the other tracks, he realized "it was too good to compromise" but assures fans "it will be in the next album."
On Better, Yamanoha goes old school with his cover of Krush's "Waialua Sky" and infuses 70s funk in his original song "Sailin' Around." If you like pop, "Lessons" will have you hitting repeat.
All his songs are autobiographical, as in, "I write what I know." "Beautiful" was written for his two daughters Pi`ilani, 8, and Kehaunani, 2. Yamanoha also has a son named Shawn, 10, and another baby on the way.
Two years in the making, Better is very chill . . . perfect for a beach cruise, barbecue with friends, or that trip to the other side; keep it on replay. You'll find it available for advance purchase at Kope Kope, Pacific Music Connection both in Hilo and Moku Nui-Pacific Ink Tattoo in Kona priced at $14.99.The official release of Better to more retail outlets comes mid-October.
Don't miss Yamanoha's Ho`olaule`a after-party performance 9:30pm-12am Aug. 29 at Emerald Orchid in Hilo.
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