Nicholas Kaleikini is known throughout Hawaii as the grandson of entertainment icon Danny Kaleikini, but the 27-year-old Punahou School grad is making his own way in the music industry. At Punahou he played classical music on the clarinet; at Hamilton College — while earning a double degree in philosophy and religious studies — he took up the saxophone and immersed himself in jazz, blues and the art of musical improvisation (he also plays piano and ukulele). Back home in Hawaii he recorded a five-song CD, “Aloooha,” with his grandfather and is exploring other opportunities. Kaleikini was preparing for a trip to Japan when we talked at the Pacific Club.
Of all the things you’re doing these days, what means the most to you?
Recording with my grandfather. Ever since I was young he was my idol. The next album that we’re releasing is really special ’cause we actually wrote original music. I don’t think my grandfather ever recorded an original song. It’s always a blessing for me to be able to sit down at the piano and go over some chords. He’ll start singing a melody and then I’ll play the sax, which brings in a jazz element or the blues, and we create something special.
What else are you working on?
I’m fortunate to play with a Japanese MC/rapper named Shing02. We just got back from a two-week tour in Japan — we did 12 shows — and I’ll be going to China with him next month. It’s jazz/hip hop, it’s really fun, a lot of improvising.
Do people have expectations because you’re Danny Kaleikini’s grandson?
My family, no, but from the general public there’s always that expectation. The first thing they ask me is ‘Do you sing?’ (He doesn’t.) There’s judgments and expectations, and that’s OK. You just do what you do and what you enjoy doing. The beautiful part is I get to meet so many cool and interesting people in the music industry.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I prefer to think about what’s happening now, but I’ve started taking real estate classes. It’s unfortunate but we all know that music and the arts isn’t the most financially stable thing, especially when you consider a family — which I hope to have in the future. So I imagine in 10 years I’ll have a nice family, working part-time doing real estate and still touring.
Reach John Berger at jberger@staradvertiser.com
