“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.
“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.
“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.
“…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
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
“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!”
— Cathy of Crossroads Ukulele Festival
“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.
We just got your CD in the mail! What a wonderful production, and you are as good as they get!! Thank you SO much for sending it to us… We’ll do some more listening, but so far our favourite is “Maui Nights.”
— Bosko and Honey
“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.