Ka'au Crater Boys

Kaʻau Crater Boys were a Hawaiian Contemporary musical duo composed of Ernie Cruz, Jr. (vocals, guitar, bass), Troy Fernandez (ukulele, vocals). They recorded and released four popular Hawaiian Contemporary albums along with a "best of" compilation: Tropical Hawaiian Day (1991) Valley Style (1993) On Fire (1995) Making Waves (1996) The Best Of Ka'au Crater Boys (1998) Their work garnered them three Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, (Nā Hōkū Hanohano means "The Distinguished/Glorious Stars", Hawaii's version of the Grammy Awards) from the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts. The Kaʻau Crater Boys were formed in the early 1990s by Ernie Cruz Jr. (the son of Ernie Cruz Sr. and brother of Guy and John Cruz who are also local entertainers) and Troy Fernandez. Their first album, “Tropical Hawaiian Day,” released in 1991, marked the official beginning of Troy and Ernie’s 7-year partnership as one of the most successful groups in contemporary island music. Cruz played bass, acoustic guitar and handled main vocals for the majority of songs they recorded. Fernandez also played bass, contributed to vocals (mainly as a backing vocalist), but was mostly renowned for his musicianship with the ukulele. The creation of the Kaʻau Crater Boys also coincided with the resurgence in local Hawaiian customs and tradition, as well as promoting the renaissance of Hawaiian culture, especially among the local youth. As part of a collective of artists from the Palolo Housing area of Oahu, Hawaii Cruz and Fernandez earned a steady gig at the Elks Lodge which also opened the door for Troy and Ernie to tour Japan for 6 months. A last minute appearance a few years later at Moose McGillycuddy’s Pub became a regular gig - this time as “E.T.,” “Ernie/Troy” (a play on names after the popular film, “ET – The Extra-Terrestrial”). Ernie Cruz died in September 2016. The name Kaʻau Crater Boys refers to Kaʻau Crater, an extinct volcano above the Palolo Valley of Oahu, near to the Palolo housing community in which Cruz and Fernandez were raised. --------------- From the vibrantly produced debut album, Tropical Hawaiian Day, to the magical sounds of their fourth release, "Making Waves", the Ka'au Crater Boys have become one of Hawaii's hottest duos in contemporary Hawaiian music. The Ka'au Crater Boys distinctive and appealing sound reflects their love of Hawaii and of their favorite non-musical activity, surfing -- creating a new breed of Hawaiian music. They've formed a fresh blend of guitar and ukulele completely different from other contemporary local artists, sparking a new artistic style where the original material is insightful and more reflective of the Hawaiian lifestyle. Cruz's powerful easy rhythms and Fernandez' distinctive ukulele technique, make for a truly magical sound. Their songs are a mixture of Hawaiian standards, country oldies, pop, reggae and their own originals. Their debut album, Tropical Hawaiian Day, garnered a strong local following. Their second album, Valley Style, served notice that Cruz and Fernandez were outstanding artists as they were honored with the 1994 Hoku for Contemporary Album of the Year (Hawaii's Grammy equivalent). Fernandez' "Surf" was a highlight on this album and is still a favorite among their fans. Their third album, On Fire!, won them the Contemporary Album Hoku for the second year in a row. Their recording of "Opihi Man" a catchy ode to challenging and sometimes life-threatening work of the opihi pickers, earned Big Island composer Craig Kamahele "Song of the Year" honors as well. Their fourth release, Making Waves brings their two loves together, music and surfing. It offers two renditions of "Makaha", one representing the Ka'au sound, while the other hints of rock that could be called Hawaiian Rock. Skilled at playing bass and acoustic guitar, Cruz is the son of famous Hawaiian musician Ernie Cruz, Sr. and brother to popular solo entertainer, John Cruz. Fernandez, a master on his ukulele and bass, performs with wizardry and vitality. He has become a key figure in the resurgence of interest in the ukulele, causing such a stir among young kids that like the old days way back when, it's not uncommon to see kids playing ukulele as they stroll down the street or make their way between classes at school. Raised in the verdant valley of Palolo on Oahu, the Ka'au Crater Boys began their musical roots in Palolo Housing. The Boys are an inspiration to local kids hanging out with idle time and uncertain futures. The Boys drive home the lesson that an inexpensive guitar or ukulele can be the key to a positive and productive life. A new generation of aspiring musicians now turn up at Ka'au Crater Boys concerts to watch and learn from them. "Most of our songs, anybody can do 'em" We tell the kids that," says Fernandez. Cruz emphasizes simplicity: "People like simple things if they're done right." Ka'au Crater Boys . . . local boys who love music, surfing and Hawaii. A simple combination, done right! Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.