“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.”
— Victor B.
“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.
“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!!!”
— Jamie S.
“I absolutely love it! The song selection, vocals and musicianship are nothing less than stellar.”
— Bruce B.
“…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]
— Ukulele master Kimo Hussey
“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.
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
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