“…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.”

“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.”

“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!!!”

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.

 

“Hey Cali! Absolutely fabulous set… it was an honor to share a stage with you. I swear I’ve listened to your comedy disc a million times. I was singing along to “PMS Kind Of Day”. I hope to play with you again soon =)”

“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]

“Your new CD is awesome! I’ve been listening to it all evening!”

“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

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

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

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 !

“I have officially worn out your new CD! I have played it at home, in the car, in other people’s cars, on the computer….you name it. I love it! Every song has its own personality and unique vibe. What truly makes it special is the fact that it puts one in a good mood immediately and makes even the worst of days seem not so blue. I don’t have a favorite because they are ALL my favorites! Thank you!”

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

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

“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.”

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

“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.”

“…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 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.

“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!” 

“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.”

“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.”