 This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we’re hosting a CD release party for Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Eric Lee. The special guests are all Nā Hōkū winners as well: Kenneth Makuakane (with a possible appearance by Lehua Heine of Na Leo), and Kūpaoa!
You may remember that Eric, founding member of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning group Nā Kama, released his debut solo recording “Crossroads” in May. He was among the first musicians in Hawai‘i to release his recording directly to digital download format. Until now, the recording was available exclusively on iTunes and Amazon.com. It is now being made available in CD format as well – and the CD includes three bonus tracks previously not available.
As a former member of the group “Nā Kama,” Lee was primarily known for his expertise in writing and performing contemporary Hawaiian music – something his fans will find on this recording as well. However, “Crossroads” also showcases his versatile playing and vocal styles and the influence rock, blues, country, folk, jazz and other genres have had on him. With its blend of Hawaiian and contemporary music, “Crossroads” invites you to see a side of Lee’s music many have never before experienced.
Lee performs all vocals and most of the instrumentation (acoustic and electric guitar, ‘ukulele, electric and upright bass) on the album, but several guest musicians are featured on individual tracks, including John Koko of the Mākaha Sons on upright acoustic bass, Bruce Shimabukuro on ‘ukulele, Kit Ebersbach on piano, and more.
Reviews of “Crossroads,” Lee’s debut solo effort, have been uniformly positive:
“An assortment of Hawaiian, hapa-haole and pop tunes presented in clean contemporary Hawaiian arrangements. Fans of Nā Kama can count on liking Lee as a solo artist.” – John Berger, Honolulu Star Bulletin, Hawai‘i
“An outstanding first solo effort!” – Don Bradway, KFOK FM, California
“All the songs just pull you into them… you can tell the hard work and thought that went into them. The vocals are fantastic, the instrumentals flawless… wonderful pacing and tempo... The quality of the music just forces you to listen to it, and pay attention to what you are hearing.” – Kaukini Norm, KAPU FM, California
Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6-8 p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). It’s free (no cover/no minimum), all ages are welcome, and free parking is available next door at . Drinks are available for purchase.
You may also watch live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/
Those in Japan can watch at: http://www.j-wave.co.jp/
You may email the show at pakele @ lava.net – mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!
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Eric Lee CD Release Party!
Posted - 09/23/2009 : 7:50:12 PM
