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:
- Classiness
- Grace
- Musicianship
- Poise
- Talent
- Positive Attitude
- Beauty
- Craig (Cali’s husband)
…in no particular order
— Anon
“…a sweet and simple joy to listen to. What an uplifting array of music and lyric. I am so impressed with your originals, your poetry, singing, and with your ukulele playing! It’s a first class production, and I wish you all the success that you have merited in the sales and distribution.”
— Emerson P.
“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.”
— David B.
“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.”
— Carol F.
“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.”
— Stephen F.
“…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.”
— Mickey Maguire of Uke Player Magazine
“Excellent playing and also very professional recording. Great job. I hope the recording and your career go well.” [Ko’olau Ukulele Company]
— John Kitakis
“I absolutely love it! The song selection, vocals and musicianship are nothing less than stellar.”
— Bruce B.
“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]
— Chris Bailey and Brian Jones of Disc Makers.
“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.”
— Kevin F.