There are many brothers, sisters, cousins and families from Hawai’i that have formed popular music groups.
During the Hawaiian Renaissance of the late ’60s and ’70s which include artists such as Gabby Pahinui, Keola and Kapono Beamer, Hui ‘Ohana which included Dennis Pavao and the Ka’apana twin brothers Ledward and Nedward. But there were also two others brothers, Robert and Roland Cazimero.
Robert was known for playing bass and Roland on twelve string guitar, but both worked with slack-key guitarist Peter Moon for his band, The Sunday Manoa and their iconic album “Guava Jam”.
Inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2006, the brothers have won 25 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, both individually have won Hoku Awards and even were nominated for a Gramm Award for Best Hawaiian Music Album in 2005. And also earned the HARA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
Both have had a successful career together or as individuals and while some hoped for more music from the brothers, unfortunately Roland passed away in 2017 at the age of 66.
But the music of the Brothers Cazimero lives on.
The brothers released at least 36 recordings, three DVDs and also performed at the Carnegie Hall in 1989.
Back in 1987, a decade after they made their debut, they released their first greatest hits album “The Best of the Brothers Cazimero”. And of course, at that time, they already had 17 albums. So, can you imagine back in 1987, trying to figure out which songs would fit on this album. Not an easy task.
But they decided on 17 songs for their first album and while you can’t please everyone, there have been more compilations released since the release of this album.
The best way to describe this album is “chill” (as in relaxed, calm) because it is just that. Their voices are in harmony and calming, with the brothers also known for their musical work. You are getting a good combination of both.
While the majority of the songs are sung in Hawaiian, there are songs sung in English as well (more of the later tracks on this album).
The most recognizable songs on this album are “Home in the Islands”, “Pupu A’o Ewa” (many people know this song as “Pearly Shells” and the song used in the C&H Sugar Theme Song), a Hawaiian version of “Rainbow Connection”, “Haleakala”, “E Ku’u Lei”, “Pua Hone” and more.
There really is not a bad song on this best album. It was carefully selected songs but there are many songs of course, that could have made it on this album. But you really can’t go wrong with this wonderful collection of music.
The Brothers Cazimero’s “The Best of the Brothers Cazimero, vol. 1” is definitely worth checking out!
