Stories
Interview: ʻĀina's Howard Shapiro Leads Us to "Your Light", Spirituality, and Life In Hawaii
"There is only one world and one race upon this earth. We all are children of the light knowing within our hearts that love will bring us all together again. To all of you who are sharing with us and seeking the light, I send you all the love in my heart and spirit." This is an excerpt of Howard Shapiro's introduction to the liner notes printed on the inner sleeve of the 1980 LP, Lead Me To The Garden, by the group known as ʻĀina. "Aloha ʻĀina, love the land Aloha ʻĀina, your fellow man Aloha ʻĀina, share as...
Interview: The Story of Aura, with Beverly Orbello and Vince Mendoza
Aura has for a long time remained a mystery to me. I first heard their music on the oft-referenced "Hawaiian Breaks" mix that DJ Muro released in 2009. At that time I had no idea who the band was. Thankfully, with the help of a handful of dedicated individuals, I was able to identify the mix's complete tracklist and learn for the first time the name of this incredible band. But I still had much to learn about Aura. After identifying the mix's tracklist, I linked up with local music collector and blogger Kym Miller, who's been living in the...
Soul Time In Waikiki
When the opportunity arose to work with The Surfjack, we realized we could bring Soul Time to the one place on Oahu that's been needing it for some time. That's why we're launching Soul Time In Waikiki.
A Modern Day Must-Have: Alika Lyman's Leis of Jazz, Volume 2
Alika isn't looking to blow minds with deliciously innovative tracks that would push jazz music to new horizons. Instead he offers the end user a laid back listening experience that from start to finish transports you to an intimate jazz club on the dreamy shores of Hawaii.
Aura: Familial Music with Familiar Connections
There's no question that Aura's sole album needs to be heard once again. It's an undeniably potent blend of jazz and funk highlighted by the Mendoza family's signature sound: an unstoppable horn section with two sisters as lead vocalists.