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
“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.”
— Mike S.
“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.”
— David B.
“…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
“Your song ‘Happy Ever After, No Such Ting’ and ‘Home is Where I Sit My Tushie Down’ really made me smile and I loved the ‘Beautiful Beautiful Hanalei’ and ‘Maui Nights.’ You have a marvelous gift.”
— Carol 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.
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.
“…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