One of the islands' hottest musical acts from the 1970s is back with two new faces and a fresh sound.
The Krush's new lineup still has founder and original member Edwin Ramones, a Waipahu resident, at its helm. But whereas the band previously had upward of eight or nine bandmembers, the group's current lineup is built around a trio featuring Amado Cacho and Elias Parker, also of Waipahu.
As a group once known solely for its contemporary island sound, the new Krush hopes to produce a local style of music that the band failed to achieve during its heyday a quarter of a century ago.
"I want this entity to go back to the roots of Hawaii and perform and compose Hawaiian songs for recording," Ramones said. "Elias speaks fluent Hawaiian and has great knowledge in Hawaiiana. So, I wanted The Krush to go in that direction and explore that side of music."
The Krush performed at the Great Aloha Run on Feb. 18 and Hickam Federal Credit Union's 71st annual membership celebration on March 1 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. They also plan to perform regularly at Wailana Coffee House to gradually work their way back into the local music scene.
When deciding to resurrect the band, Ramones selected Cacho, a former broadway star, and Parker, an all-around musician, because they not only had the talent, but also had the heart. And one example of their commitment is displayed by their ability to balance full-time day jobs: Cacho is a real estate agent, and Parker is an ordained minister.
"For all of us, it's our second time around to get back and play music," Parker said. "And the beautiful thing is that we all have different priorities, and because of these priorities, our drive to achieve is greater."
The Krush dates back to 1978, the year Ramones formed a band with three of his Waialua High School friends — Bucci Canencia, Macky Galbiso and Wade Kuroiwa. At the time, the group only performed at military clubs, private parties and weddings in the community, at least until the members were noticed by a local agent who wasted no time in booking them at various Waikiki venues. Named The New Experience, the group was known as "the funkiest band in town," because it played everything from the Commodores to Earth, Wind and Fire, Ramones said.
The voices of The KRUSH in 1979 were: Edwin Ramones, Jesse Gamiao, Lucky Salvador, Richard Natto, Darryl Anguay, William Daquioag and Tino Ibach. Skillfully managed by Yemun Chung, booked by Tihate, and recorded by Tom Moffatt and Frank Day, The KRUSH has retained a strength of presence unsurpassed by most musical ensembles in Hawai'i.
The following year, Ramones and the band changed their name to The Fabulous Krush, which was later shortened.
"We dropped the 'Fabulous' eventually because it was self-proclaimed. The Krush was shorter and easier to remember," Ramones explained. Also during that time, the group released its first self-titled album, which featured the hit song, "Waialua Sky."
The disco look of 1983
Entertainment writer John Berg has called The KRUSH "charismatic, dynamic and superbly talented" with "every moment devoted to good clean fun and happy wholesome entertainment."
The new Unplugged album is contemporary Hawaiian. On stage, The KRUSH shows off a wide range of skills. Its members can be comedians or balladeers. They sing rock, easy listening and Hawaiian. The blending of their voices is amazing and entertaining, wherever they present their show.
While the number of band members fluctuated over the years, The Krush continued to produce hit songs such as "Regrets" and "My Hawaii" (1981), for which the members won a Na Hoku Hanohano Award for "Most Promising Artist," and "More and More" (1983), which won the Na Hoku award for "Song of the Year."
The 1997 lineup: William Daquioag, Jesse Gamiao, Tino Ibach, Richard Natto, Darryl Anguay, Lucky Salvador, and Edwin Ramones, leader.
The KRUSH is "the Duracell in Waikiki with batteries that just don't quit." Entertainment writer Wayne Harada's words ring true as The KRUSH sensation celebrated its twentieth year performing for visitors and kama'aina's in 1997After first tasting success 30 years ago, the new Krush is hoping that lightning strikes twice.
"We hope to reintroduce The Krush and either be discovered or rediscovered again by Hawaii's audience," Ramones said. "It's good to be back performing. It's in our blood, and that's why we do it. This time around, we plan to make it fun for ourselves and at this point in our lives, to just enjoy music."
