Slack Key Master - Brother NolandMusic
is the thread that has always run through and held Brother
Noland's life together. It doesn't matter what else he may be
focused on at any particular moment. Music is the means by which he
expresses who he is and what his life is about. While he is a man of
many passions, music is the consuming passion of his life.
Brother Noland is an impact player in Hawaii's music scene. He is always out in front, changing and pushing the music to unexpected places. The term innovator fits Noland well. But like all true innovators, Noland cannot be pigeon holed. He loves the Jawaiian feel, but he can't restrict himself to only one kind of music. With "Hawaiian Man," he returns to traditional Hawaiian music because music makes him feel good and good music, no matter the genre makes him feel better. Noland was born and raised in Kalihi-Palama, one of Hawaii's economically poorest neighborhoods. He found his way out through his art and culture and now helps at risk youth define their choices and make a quality connection to the community. His music always carries a message of positive reflection, even though they are rooted in the reality we live in today. His work with at-risk kids has given him far more than he ever expected or could have imagined. The one on one connection that exists when he is able to teach them guitar, ukulele and composition is overwhelmingly positive. He's set up arts programs in the public parks where they can discover their individual talents and has shown many that there is a good life; one very different than the one they believed they were destined to live. Music is but one facet of what it means to be and connect with being Hawaiian. Noland is able to incorporate many of the tools that his ancestors into his 21st century life. Another aspect of Noland's life is his involvement with The Tracking Project. Founded as a non-profit organization in 1986 by John Stokes, The Tracking Project (TTP), has worked with community educators and Native elders from around the world to design a series of teachings which connect individuals directly to the natural world. Discovering and identifying this part of his life has awakened parts of his spirit that again enhance his musical creativity.  Brother Noland also is a steward of the land. Hawaii is deep within Noland's soul and so he cares for acreage on Molokai, preserving Hawaiian customs, indigenous plants and animal species. This work allows Noland to maintain his connection with being Hawaiian and this connection feeds his inner being and, in turn, allows him to work on his music with an understanding of its relationship to his soul. As important as all of his interests are, Brother Noland credits his children for feeding his inspiration. They give me the opportunity and require that I teach the wisdom that I have been blessed to learn from others. At the same time they bring him the innocence that allows for creative growth and self discovery. As Brother Noland continues on his journey he continues to leave his mark as one of Hawaii's musical icons and visionary leaders. He proudly carries with him the values of aloha through his music and his life. Whether composing a song, plucking an ukulele, strumming a guitar or sharing the gift of aloha with those who may have lost their way, he does so as a Hawaiian in the Hawaiian way. Brother Noland lives aloha and you can hear it in every note he plays. In March 2009, Noland released "Hawaiian Man" (Mountain Apple Company) adding to a discography of previously released recordings that go back to the 1980s. Look for Brother Noland's Next Appearance on the Slack Key Show
|
Maui’s Grammy Winning Show
|
