Kealii Blaisdell
Encyclopedia
Kealii Blaisdell multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Finalist (Hawaiian Academy of Recording Arts) for Most Promising Artist and Hawaiian Language Performance, Hawaiian slack key guitarist, recording artist, and music composer. A prolific composer of the Native Hawaiian music genre with over 130 original Traditional Hawaiian Songs and a Native Hawaiian Activist.
and was taught by his Grandfather, Issac "Boy" Aken of Nanakuli. At the age of 8, he started to play guitar
and was taught by his father Woody Aken. At the age of 23, his cousin Cyril Pahinui taught him the art of slack key guitar
. His father Woody Aken is an accomplished slack key, guitar
player and musician.
Kealii's family, the Kaleo family, are lineal descendants of the High Priest of Liloa
, Laeanuikaumanamana
. The very first Kaleo to have appeared was the son of Laeanuikaumanamana
and Kuhiaokalani, was Kaleoolaeanuikaumanamana (b.1710 Ka'u
, Hawai'i). He is the Grandson of Issac "Boy" Aken and Genevieve Kaleo; Great Grandson of Hawaiian Author Joseph ChunFat and Lillian Blaisdell (mothers side), who the Blaisdell family is the fifth largest family in the United States
.
His Blaisdell family hails from Lancashire, England where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor in the year 1550 when John Bleasedale had estates in Lancashire. The Blaisdell name is believed to be descended from St. Blais, a patron saint of wool combers. The addition of the "dell" or "dale" in Blaisdell/Bleasdale is possessive and typical of many Chesire, Lancashire and Cumberland family names.
, his 3rd cousin the late Dennis Pavao
, his aunt and uncle Hoaonalani and Pearl Namomilaniokai Kaohelaulii and the late Judy "Nani Kauai" Keaomoai of Niihau.
Over the years, Keali'i's passion in perpetuating Traditional Hawaiian music thru originality has caught the attention and respect of one of Hawaii's most well-known and prolific Traditional Hawaiian songwriters of all time, Rev. Dennis Kamakahi
. Dennis has said that Keali'i is the next generation of "haku mele" songwriters, and totally supports Keali'i's views that the only way to perpetuate the Traditional Hawaiian music is to introduce something new, which of course Keali'i is still learning, and often collaborates with Dennis. Keali'i has also earned the respect and attention of artists such as: Ledward Ka'apana, Roland Cazimero, Darlene Ahuna, Ku'uipo Kumukahi, Nohelani Cypriano, Sean Na'auao, and the late Dennis Pavao
and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
, and his uncle, the legendary Grammy Award winning Cyril Pahinui. Cyril Pahinui, who is featured with Keali'i on his second album, has classified Keali'i as one of Hawaii's most gifted and talented artists because of his ability of playing Ki Ho'alu, singing and his ability of writing original "haku mele's." He has written songs for Baba B (Come With Me / Track 11), Preston / A Sons Plea from the "Best of Fat Katz" CD just to name a few. Keali'i only performs and sings either any original compositions that he has written or original songs from his mentors Dr. Kuualoha Meyer-Hoomanawanui and Kumu J.R. Kahai Topolinski.
However, in late 2006 after the release of his second CD, Kealii had suffered from a stroke
. Since then, from early 2007 to current Kealii had regained about 98% with only some long term memory issues and minor speech issues.
in Ukumehame, Maui in perpetuity. He is also credited with the discovery of stunning violations committed by MECO (Maui Electric Co.) of desecration of a heiau, along side his cousins Waylen Kahaialii, Wilmont Kahaialii and Willie K, which made headlines throughout the State of Hawaii.
ACCREDITED ALBUMS
NA HOKU HANOHANO
SOME ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS
History
E.M. Kealii Blaisdell is the middle child of Elwood "Woody" Aken and A. Leinaala Pollick, and was born on July 16, 1972 in Honolulu, Hawai'i. At age 18, he legally changed his name from "Aken" to his Great-grandmother's last name "Blaisdell". At the age of 5, he started to play the ukuleleUkulele
The ukulele, ; from ; it is a subset of the guitar family of instruments, generally with four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings....
and was taught by his Grandfather, Issac "Boy" Aken of Nanakuli. At the age of 8, he started to play guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
and was taught by his father Woody Aken. At the age of 23, his cousin Cyril Pahinui taught him the art of slack key guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
. His father Woody Aken is an accomplished slack key, guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
player and musician.
Kealii's family, the Kaleo family, are lineal descendants of the High Priest of Liloa
Liloa
Liloa ruled as the 12th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii from 1465 to 1495. He was sovereign king or chief of the island of Hawaii.He was the son of King Kihanuilulumoku, 11th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii and Waoilea. He succeeded on the death of his father in 1465. He was a ruling chief, a sacred high chief who...
, Laeanuikaumanamana
Liloa
Liloa ruled as the 12th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii from 1465 to 1495. He was sovereign king or chief of the island of Hawaii.He was the son of King Kihanuilulumoku, 11th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii and Waoilea. He succeeded on the death of his father in 1465. He was a ruling chief, a sacred high chief who...
. The very first Kaleo to have appeared was the son of Laeanuikaumanamana
Liloa
Liloa ruled as the 12th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii from 1465 to 1495. He was sovereign king or chief of the island of Hawaii.He was the son of King Kihanuilulumoku, 11th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii and Waoilea. He succeeded on the death of his father in 1465. He was a ruling chief, a sacred high chief who...
and Kuhiaokalani, was Kaleoolaeanuikaumanamana (b.1710 Ka'u
Kau, Hawaii
thumb|right|300px|The districts of the [[Hawaii |Big Island]]. From Northernmost, clockwise; [[Kohala, Hawaii|Kohala]], [[Hamakua]], [[Hilo, Hawaii|Hilo]], [[Puna, Hawaii|Puna]], Kau , [[Kona District, Hawaii|Kona]]...
, Hawai'i). He is the Grandson of Issac "Boy" Aken and Genevieve Kaleo; Great Grandson of Hawaiian Author Joseph ChunFat and Lillian Blaisdell (mothers side), who the Blaisdell family is the fifth largest family in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
His Blaisdell family hails from Lancashire, England where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor in the year 1550 when John Bleasedale had estates in Lancashire. The Blaisdell name is believed to be descended from St. Blais, a patron saint of wool combers. The addition of the "dell" or "dale" in Blaisdell/Bleasdale is possessive and typical of many Chesire, Lancashire and Cumberland family names.
Music Profession
Kealii's passion to perpetuate Traditional Hawaiian Music is also credited to his mentors who taught him everything he knows such as: Dr. Kuualoha Meyer-Hoomanawanui, his cousin Kumu J.R. Kahai Topolinski, Rev. Dennis KamakahiDennis Kamakahi
Dennis David Kahekilimamaoikalanikeha Kamakahi is a Hawaiian slack key guitarist, recording artist, and music composer. He has won multiple Grammy Awards, and in 2009 was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.-Professional music career:...
, his 3rd cousin the late Dennis Pavao
Dennis Pavao
Dennis Pavao , was one of several Hawaiian musicians who, during the 1970s, led a Hawaiian music renaissance, reviving Hawaiian music, especially "ka leo ki'eki'e," or Hawaiian falsetto singing. Along with his cousins, Ledward and Nedward Kaapana, Pavao started the group Hui Ohana. Hui Ohana...
, his aunt and uncle Hoaonalani and Pearl Namomilaniokai Kaohelaulii and the late Judy "Nani Kauai" Keaomoai of Niihau.
Over the years, Keali'i's passion in perpetuating Traditional Hawaiian music thru originality has caught the attention and respect of one of Hawaii's most well-known and prolific Traditional Hawaiian songwriters of all time, Rev. Dennis Kamakahi
Dennis Kamakahi
Dennis David Kahekilimamaoikalanikeha Kamakahi is a Hawaiian slack key guitarist, recording artist, and music composer. He has won multiple Grammy Awards, and in 2009 was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.-Professional music career:...
. Dennis has said that Keali'i is the next generation of "haku mele" songwriters, and totally supports Keali'i's views that the only way to perpetuate the Traditional Hawaiian music is to introduce something new, which of course Keali'i is still learning, and often collaborates with Dennis. Keali'i has also earned the respect and attention of artists such as: Ledward Ka'apana, Roland Cazimero, Darlene Ahuna, Ku'uipo Kumukahi, Nohelani Cypriano, Sean Na'auao, and the late Dennis Pavao
Dennis Pavao
Dennis Pavao , was one of several Hawaiian musicians who, during the 1970s, led a Hawaiian music renaissance, reviving Hawaiian music, especially "ka leo ki'eki'e," or Hawaiian falsetto singing. Along with his cousins, Ledward and Nedward Kaapana, Pavao started the group Hui Ohana. Hui Ohana...
and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Israel "IZ" Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole was a Hawaiian musician.He became famous outside Hawaii when his album Facing Future was released in 1993...
, and his uncle, the legendary Grammy Award winning Cyril Pahinui. Cyril Pahinui, who is featured with Keali'i on his second album, has classified Keali'i as one of Hawaii's most gifted and talented artists because of his ability of playing Ki Ho'alu, singing and his ability of writing original "haku mele's." He has written songs for Baba B (Come With Me / Track 11), Preston / A Sons Plea from the "Best of Fat Katz" CD just to name a few. Keali'i only performs and sings either any original compositions that he has written or original songs from his mentors Dr. Kuualoha Meyer-Hoomanawanui and Kumu J.R. Kahai Topolinski.
However, in late 2006 after the release of his second CD, Kealii had suffered from a stroke
Stroke
A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident , is the rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage , or a hemorrhage...
. Since then, from early 2007 to current Kealii had regained about 98% with only some long term memory issues and minor speech issues.
Hawaiian Activist
Kealii, along with his uncle Robert Armitage Sr. is credited with securing his family Royal Patented Kuleana LandsGreat Mahele
The Great Mahele or just the Mahele was the Hawaiian land redistribution act proposed by King Kamehameha III in the 1830s and enacted in 1848.-Overview:...
in Ukumehame, Maui in perpetuity. He is also credited with the discovery of stunning violations committed by MECO (Maui Electric Co.) of desecration of a heiau, along side his cousins Waylen Kahaialii, Wilmont Kahaialii and Willie K, which made headlines throughout the State of Hawaii.
Albums, Nā Hōkū Hanohano & Some Original Compositions
ALBUMS- Ka Ulu Mae'Ole, Hula Records (1998)
- Island Favorites, Hula Records (1999)
- Keeping It Traditional, Pacific Hawaiian Entertainment(2006)
ACCREDITED ALBUMS
- Akoni and Da Palapalai Patch
- Baba B - Bigboy in Love
- Ehukai
- The Best of FatKatz
- Justin - Soothe You
NA HOKU HANOHANO
- Na Hoku Hanohano Award Finalist Hawaiian Academy of Recording Arts (1999)
- 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Finalist Hawaiian Academy of Recording Arts (2007)
- Hawaii Music Awards finalist for Best Hawaiian Album (2007)
SOME ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS
- E Kuuipo Onaona
- E Maui Aina Kaulana
- E Pali No Ka Pono
- He Mele Hooipoipo
- Hilo
- Ka Lehua O Kilauea
- Kokee Me Kalalau
- Lehua He Nani No Oe
- Maui Nani E
- Nani Hana
- Pakalana