“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.”

“Just wanted to let you know that I am thoroughly enjoying your music. You have a new fan here in Connecticut… Here’s to smiles and sunshine.”

“Excellent playing and also very professional recording.  Great job.  I hope the recording and your career go well.” [Ko’olau Ukulele Company]

“‘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.”

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

“In her most recent work, multi-talented singer/songwriter Cali Rose offers up an eclectic brew of cute, witty and sarcastic little songs, musings and observations. Delivered in an effective, low-key manner, this comedy/acoustic album interestingly meshes together many of Rose’s various musical influences. From blues, country, jazz, pop and Latin to the overt folk vein, she delivers some truly hilarious, sweet and stabbing mediations on the silliest aspects of life that we often take for granted.”

 

“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.”

I was listening to it at work today, the songs are very clever and your voice is gorgeous! Keep up the good work, and WAKE UP.

LYRICAL PHILOSOPHY (The “Cali Rose Gets Goofy” CD)

1. Thirteen songs about personal love, real emotions, and true life experiences.
2. Clever, down-to-earth uniquely original lyrics combined with perfect common sense feelings and sentiments.
3. Exceptionally worded and sung with pleasing rhythms and tempo – quality music performed by great musicians and a gifted singer.
4. But it’s the authentic, clear and entertaining voice that pulls everything together to bring empathy and understanding to so many common experiences that so many can relate to.
5. A truly great uplifting and fun experience for the listener.
6. Light hearted but packed with true and meaningful everyday thoughts and expressions.
7. The whole CD is very well arranged and composed with especially enjoyable and authentic lyrics which exhibit extraordinary insights into ordinary life.
8. Such a talented singer, song writer and philosophical humorist that brings a smile to the face and warms the heart.

 

“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]

If you are looking for an album that will chase away the blues and bring rainbows and sunshine into your life, this is the album for you!

Sharon is a freelance entertainment journalist, book reviewer and columnist published in the Las Vegas Review Journal and Ventura County Star, among others. 

“…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]

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

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

“I LOVE your CD! It is the best. My new favorite!!The whole package; the songs, the accompaniment, your  lovely voice. Truly, it is such a breath of fresh air!  Can’t wait to get to one of your shows live and in person!!”

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

“…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.”

“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 had your music on and two guests mentioned how beautiful the music was. One guest sat near my blue bottle garden and listened to your entire album.

“I absolutely love it!  The song selection, vocals and musicianship are nothing less than stellar.”

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

“…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 “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.”