Stories
A Sincere Feeling: Interview with Trombonist Ira Nepus
Sincerity breeds positive feelings in the people around you. Just ask Ira Nepus, a trombone player from Hawaii by way of Los Angeles, California. At the age of 65, Ira Nepus has focused his efforts for the past 26 years on one of his greatest passions: music.
Loyal Garner "If This Was Your Last Song"
"If This Was Your Last Song" by Loyal Garner Loyal Garner was one of Hawaii's most beloved singers. She embodied the spirit of aloha and soul of Hawaii. Her nickname was "Lady of Love". "If This Was Your Last Song" is a ballad from Loyal's self-titled album Loyal Garner, released on Paradise Records (SLP 814), circa 1984-1985. The LP is sometimes referred to as the S/T white album and features several great tracks, including "Destiny" and "Love Me Slowly". Loyal's first hit was "Blind Man in the Bleachers." She was also part of the group Local Divas, which includes Nohelani...
It Starts with an Idea: Interview with drummer Scott Kohler
Social media is a marvelous thing. Case in point: I tweeted about Babadu a few months ago and @itsscottyk retweeted. Turns out it was drummer Scott Koher, who played on Babadu's album and a number of other Hawaiian soul, jazz, and funk recordings.
E Komo Mai! Cozy Hawaiian Grooves Mixtape + an Interview on Brazil's coletivoACTION
Aloha Got Soul just got more fans in South America, thanks to the Brazilian black music blog known as coletivoACTION, which features rare groove music from around the world. Check out the mixtape "E komo mai! The cozy grooves of Hawaii" plus an interview with yours truly.
Brandon Bray & Brown Spice "Polynesian Girl" on Homegrown
"Polynesian Girl" by Brandon Bray & Brown Spice You all know Nohelani Cypriano's "Lihue" hit from the Homegrown II compilation. But did you ever check out the Brandon Bray track on the LP? Wait—don't go to the turntable just yet. Why? Because you can watch Brandon Bray & Brown Spice on the Homegrown TV show. Flash back to 1974 Hawaii and turn on the television. (*edit, July 2020 — I lost the link to the video mentioned. If anyone finds it, please send an email.) You'll see Honolulu radio broadcaster Ron Jacobs in living color as the host of his...