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

“Hi young lady – I wear a size 10 shoe, and I have forever – big feet give us a good foundation and able to deal with life with all its good and bad surprises.”

“Cali, it is so fine.  The arrangements, the mixing, the production level, not to mention your gorgeous vocal sound and the ukulele playing.  Just excellent.  All the work you did month after month — it’s all there.  What I like more is that you deliver what you promised.  All the songs make one smile; they tickle and tease.  This is what you wanted to do.  Make us smile.”

“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!”

“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.”

“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.”

“Cali is a witty, charming songwriter with a great sense of humor. Her keen sense of the obvious is truly a gift, seriously. All the simple things right under our noses that we may overlook in a particular situation, Cali sees them and hand it back to us in a delightful and enchanting musical display. There are no “fluff” words here. She calls them as she sees them and make no mistake, although the content makes us laugh, Cali Rose is an exceptional artist with a serious love for music.”

“…thank you so much for sending me your CD. I love the music and it makes me smile to hear your voice. You are a very gifted siger/musician/entertainer. I’m glad your carrer is moving along. Thank you for all the happiess your music has brought me over the years…

Your latest CD is still my favorite and I always queue it up on the IPod first when we get airborne – puts me in the right mood and calms me down…not that the pre-departure cocktail wasn’t kicking in by then, but you are much purer sense of peace and calm. Maybe I shouldn’t say purer…I mean, Whoa!, check out the clam shells on Cali in Hawaii!! Regardless your voice is incredible.”

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

“Very funny and on the money! This whole album is a gem.” — KAOS Radio

“…the consistency I’ve heard in the songs are in the ‘spirit’ you successfully impart to your music.  Music is rightfully comprised of several facets much beyond notes, chords and arrangements and I especially enjoy how I feel when I listen to your music.” [Kimo Hussey]

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

“It’s delightful and very much a reflection of who you are.”

I just wanted to let you know that your two albums I bought are helping me reach my new fitness goal. I am in the process of getting my health and physique back to when I started to be a flight attendant almost 30 years ago. I listen to those lovely quirky fun songs and your beautiful voice and uke playing and my workout is so much more fun! I already lost 15 lbs…

“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!”

“I play your CD in the car and it gets me through our beach traffic!”

“Congratulations on your success. You are putting smiles on people’s faces far and wide. What pleasure–and humor. I tell you, my tush is happier for having listened.”

“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 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.”

“When describing Cali Rose, the words “wacky” and “zany” come to mind…unexpectedly good music backing up the jokes…”

“Here is a Monday morning story. I have my copy of Smile, Smile, Smile and put it in my C.D. player as I pull out of the driveway. Wow, such a good time is going on around my ears! I get on to the 405 Freeway and see the forest of brake lights ahead of me. Normally this would anger and exhaust me. With Cali’s tunes coming out of my speakers, I can’t help but feel good, smile and the drive seemed to just seemed to fly by. I think that this C.D. should be standard equipment for anyone who has to make a horrible daily commute. Thank you Cali.”

“I’ve been loving listening to it in my car as I jaunt down the street, singing along with it. It is just a superb CD!  The production is splendid with everything clear, precise and balanced.  Especially, the slower songs reveal the nuances of your voice (e.g., Maui Nights, Beautiful Dreamer, Sweetheart, True Love).  Your uke playing is just wonderful!  Really neat arrangements, and skillful precise playing.  Every note, high and low, is in tune and perfectly rendered.  You do some amazing ukelizations.  Your singing is also wonderful. You are really versatile and with great presentation and arrangements.  Nice back up singing too.  What a pro you are.  Cali, dear, this is just a marvelously enthralling and professional recording showing off your best stuff, and I’m enjoying it immensely.”

“Chris and I wanted to pass along a thank you!  We have been playing your CD in the office this week and everyone here thoroughly enjoyed the tunes.  Being on the front end of “tings,” it’s always nice to see and hear the finished product.  It is especially nice when the music is as good as “Are you having any fun?”!  Very serene. Thanks again for sharing.” [Disc Makers]