Now available on digital platforms: Nova's 1980 LP.
Nova, led by singer Checo Tohomaso, was one of several soulful party bands during the golden era of Hawaii's contemporary music scene in the late 1970s and early 80s.
The band’s infectious gospel-funk-disco can be heard on their sole release, a self-titled 1980 LP that feels like one giant joy-loving frenzy recorded live in the studio. (Check out the Marvin Gaye-inspired “I Feel Like Getting Down”).
Nova (as listed on the LP):
Checo Tohomas / Keyboards, Lead and Background Vocals
Lisa Long / Lead and Background Vocals
Sandy L. Wyatt II / Lead and Background Vocals
Skip Johnson / Bass
Marvin Boyd / Guitar and Vocals
Kevin Richardson / Flute, Soprano & Tenor Sax and Vocals
Brian Ibaan / Trumpet
Glenn Powell / Trumpet
Eddie Felipe / drums
Not long after the album’s 1980 release, Checo met Marvin Gaye, who was living on Maui at the time. Shortly after, Marvin invited Checo and his Hawaii counterparts to join him on a European tour. Checo can be seen and heard on percussion, keys, and background vocals on Marvin Gaye's "Live In Montreux 1980" album.
Born in Florida and raised in both Honolulu and Okinawa, Checo now resides in Vancouver, Canada, where he leads the VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir and continues to deliver his signature sound: high energy, positive, “sweet soul” music.
