“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.”
— Diane V.
“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 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.”
— Leslie W.
“Cali, I wanted you to know directly that I find your current CD a wonderful pleasure to hear. My enjoyment began with the first bar of “Are You Having Fun!” Yes!
— Ernie S.
We just got your CD in the mail! What a wonderful production, and you are as good as they get!! Thank you SO much for sending it to us… We’ll do some more listening, but so far our favourite is “Maui Nights.”
— Bosko and Honey
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
“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]
— Jim Beloff, Flea Market Music
Cali Rose shows her versatility with this CD. She strums, picks, and sings her way into your heart with a combination of fun little ditties, love songs, and a few classics. I love “True Love,” “Beautiful, Beautiful Hanalei,” and “Soup Du Jour.” Those three songs were just wonderful. Kudos to Jim Beloff and Herb Ohta for “Soup Du Jour.” That was the highlight of the album. I do want to acknowledge Cali Rose’s “Home Is Where I Set My Tushie Down.” It is a tune with cute lyrics and a meaning that is inspirational. This CD was a very nice mix of tunes and styles. If you like upbeat, positive, happy songs, this CD is for you. Read the entire review (in PDF) from Ukulele Player Magazine, Issue 7, August 2009
— Ukulele Player, Aug 2009
“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’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.