“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.
“I love your CD – full of great music, talent, and such happiness! Thanks!”
— Jill G.
“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
“…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.”
— Mickey Maguire of Uke Player Magazine
“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, 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.
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
“Had no idea you play the uke! Loved the Oo-Koo-Lay-Lay song!!! You have a wonderful touch – the intro on “The Fishing Hole” is just gorgeous!”
— Mahalo, Kelli G.
“I really liked your CD. My 2 favorites were by you; Set Your Tushie Down and Maui Nights.”
— Peggy K.