The mid–70s through the end of the 80s was the golden age of contemporary music in Hawai‘i. The groups Cecilio and Kapono, Kalapana, Keola and Kapono Beamer, The Peter Moon Band, Country Comfort, and Summer provided the soundtrack of the times. It was a new sound in local music neither in the hapa–haole tradition nor in the grassroots Hawaiian tradition of the Hawaiian Renaissance. These musicians, inspired by folk rock, blues–rock, pop, country, and jazz, wrote of their own local experiences. They in turn inspired a generation of young pop–oriented musicians to compose original music.

Pali members Pali Ka‘aihue, Mark Kawakami, Dwayne Keomaka and Joey Mokulehua all grew up listening to the music of these icons; they bought their records, went to the concerts, and learned their songs. It has long been a dream of theirs to record a tribute to their heroes. What is unique on this recording is that members and former members of these groups turn in stellar guest appearances and the synergy is just wonderful. Performances by Henry Ka‘iahue, Malani Bilyeu, D.J. Pratt, Randy Lorenzo, Charles Recaido, and Cyril Pahinui give the hits a fresh turn that validates great songwriting.

*****

The duo, Pali, debuted with its eponymous album in 2001. Pali grew to a six–member group and released a second CD In Harmony in 2004. In Harmony well described the group now well known for their wonderful harmonies. In Harmony earned three Nä Hökü Hanohano nominations including Contemporary Album, Group of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year Awards.