“I have to say again how very much I enjoy your CDs. It feels like you singing just for me when I listen. Maybe it’s because I know you or perhaps it’s because I have seen you perform live, I don’t know. Your music feels personal to me. I am just as happy for you and you furthering your career. If I owned an airline, you’d have you own audio channel. Then again, I know how you feel about flying…”

“I just wanted to write how much I enjoy “Are You Havin’ Any Fun.” I hope this doesn’t sound like an odd type of compliment, but it is of the highest order. If my mom were to sing to me it should be in your voice. And one more compliment, the Hawaiian songs you did – they are done as if you were a local.”

“I have officially worn out your new CD! I have played it at home, in the car, in other people’s cars, on the computer….you name it. I love it! Every song has its own personality and unique vibe. What truly makes it special is the fact that it puts one in a good mood immediately and makes even the worst of days seem not so blue. I don’t have a favorite because they are ALL my favorites! Thank you!”

“‘It’s a P.M.S. Kind of Day,’ ‘The Doggie-Doo Blues,’ ‘Pooey, Pooey, Pooey, It’s Christmas,’ and other humorous songs about life in the 90’s fill this sparkling collection, entertaining written and sung and beautifully produced.”

Lookin’ for some smiles in your day? Cali Rose’s new album Smile, Smile, Smile lives up to its name. All original tunes backed by mad uke skills… this is the kind of music that’ll turn your day around, guaranteed. If you have an appetite for tunes with a sense of humor, Cali is yer “go to” gal.

“I listened to your CD on the way to work this morning and also as I was out doing errands at lunch.  It’s great – I was smiling the whole time I was listening.  It’s got great compositions, great singing, great musicianship and it’s very well produced.  Unfortunately, it’s had a huge psychological impact on me.  My letter of resignation has been submitted and I will be in Maui until further notice.”

“Your song ‘Happy Ever After, No Such Ting’ and ‘Home is Where I Sit My Tushie Down’ really made me smile and I loved the ‘Beautiful Beautiful Hanalei’ and ‘Maui Nights.’  You have a marvelous gift.”

“Just played your CD twice and loved it each time. Is the story of your VW bug true to life? The songs you write always amaze me. So creative.”
(Says Cali: Yes, everything in the song really happened. To my first car AND me.)

“I listened to “Are You Having Any Fun?” and I truly had fun listening.  I laughed and nearly cried.  Your music Cali gives so much, a whole philosophy, your personality, as well as pleasure.  I so enjoyed.”

“I really liked your CD. My 2 favorites were by you; Set Your Tushie Down and Maui Nights.”

“Had no idea you play the uke! Loved the Oo-Koo-Lay-Lay song!!! You have a wonderful touch – the intro on “The Fishing Hole” is just gorgeous!”

“A most sincere thank you for the SMILES, your CD makes me happy, great production, you sound fantastic and the songs are a kick – “true classic Cali Rose !!!” with her uka uka uka uka LELE.”

“On the 15 songs here Cali showcases her solid uke chops (both strumming and picking) and her warm and friendly vocals.  A clutch of standards share the CD with some well-crafted and hummable originals.  Highlights include the title song, Cole Porter’s ‘True Love,’ ‘On Green Dolphin Street,’ ‘Soup Du Jour,’ ‘Enjoy Yourself’ and a swingin’ version of the Andy Griffith TV Theme songs with her uke licks standing in for the famous whistle.  Other top tracks are her songs ‘Happy Ever After? No Such Ting’ and ‘Maui Nights.’  Expertly produced by Rick Cunha with a supporting cast of fine studio musicians, this CD is a gem.” [Flea Market Music]

 

“Got your CD and played it going to work today. It is wonderful!!!!!! Does put a big smile on my face.”

“We fully appreciate your lovely renditions, plus you really transfer your unique touch to the instrument as it sings along with your vocals!”

Note:  This album was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album in the 2009 Hawaii Music Awards. It didn’t win and some folks were a little upset about that, like Ric Douglas, who wrote me the message below…

8 things That Can’t Be Robbed From Cali Are:

1. Classiness
2. Grace
3. Musicianship
4. Poise
5. Talent
6. Positive Attitude
7. Beauty
8. Craig (Cali’s husband)

…in no particular order

“Sunny new release from Southern California-based Cali Rose. This time around fully 12 of the 13 tracks are by Ms. Rose with the only non-original (a nifty uke instrumental of Ode To Joy) by Mr. Beethoven. Lots of upbeat songs here like the opener “This Morning Something Wonderful Happened To Me (I Woke Up)” as well as fun songs about “Big Feet”, “My First Car” and even “It’s Easy To Play The Ukulele.” Smilex3 is a great sounding disk featuring Calis fine uke chops and her warm vocals joined by other studio pros on bass, drums, vibes, steel guitar and clarinet. Cali’s Ukulele Ohana group also sings with her on a couple of the tracks! A perfect summer disk!” 

“By the way, your tunes are very danceable – we’ve tried and they work well!”

“…it’s the players like you and Craig that make the world of ukulele what it is.  Put a guitar in someone’s hands and they want to be a rock start.  Put a Hawaiian ukulele in someone’s hands and they just want to play music and smile.”

“Congratulations to you on your joyous, funny, uplifting CD! I especially like ‘I woke up’ and Happy Birthday. And related so well to the saga of the VW (my ’67 red bug remains my favorite car of all
time, it ran like it thought it was a Porsche.) Great singing and playing and arrangements, what a wonderful gift you have bestowed on your fans. I wish you many sales, that the fun may spread to the furthest reaches of your mandala and beyond.”

I LISTENED TO ALL OF THE SONGS. BEYOND SPECTACULAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU COULD DO GREAT THINGS WITH THIS CD!!!

“So we have listened to this 3 times: before dinner over appetizers, during dinner, and now after. It is sooooo wonderful. We are toe tapping now as before. Sooooooo positive and re-affirming. Rudy the Cat listened intently as well. Honestly it is really quite an awesome accomplishment. It is indeed an “Ode to Joy.” How we must all remember our first cars with such fondness. Lore’s first was a little blue truck with a stick shift. I learned how to sorta drive a stick shift in that truck. I could do everything but play the clutch on a hill. I settled for an automatic sedan, but seem to arrive safely most times. Loved all of it, but “We Got Rhythm” and “It’s Easy to Play the Ukulele,” of course, resonated with me. I will try to believe that we all got rhythm 🙂 Wow! Really such a special artistic achievement! Yay!”