“My favorite song on your new CD is the waltz that describes your first car. I play it over and over being reminded of the VW bug that was my first college car.”

“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.”

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

“‘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.”

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.

“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.)

“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!” 

“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!”

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

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

“This is one of the best CD’s I have ever heard.  I love it!!! Great voice…great production…great arrangements…great originals…great choice on the cover tunes.. great musicianship…great graphics, CD cover and photos.  Great things in store for this CD and Cali Rose!!!”

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

“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]

 

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

“Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Cali Rose, has produced a delightful and eclectic brew of fun, playfulness, intelligence and wit. Her piano and guitar playing is also excellent and she is joined by many talented musicians on this CD. She may be goofy, but she sure is good!”

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

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. 

“Cali Rose has contributed her CD “Are You Having Any Fun?” as a door prize. If you aren’t having any fun, you will be when you listen to her sing and play the ukulele. Funny, ironic and too cool to conga! This is what the uke is all about, thanks Cali!”

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.

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

“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.”

Your album is terrific!  Indeed, it IS AMAZING what 4 strings will do !  Especially in your hands! Your energy and talent just blasts out of the speakers. Yes, you INDEED “got rhythm.”  The album very definitely celebrates the simple things-  like Smiling- like grabbing a little sunshine- like JUST WAKING UP !!!  How important is the message in THAT tune?  I listened to the whole thing with a smile on my face. Your performances as musician, singer and songwriter were captured expertly in this “live-sounding” CD.  You should be very proud of this album and I wish you the best –  it’s great !