Leave it to the Japanese to have (and know) all the good stuff—here's a surprise that woke me up to the warm sounds of Summer's sophomore release.
Recorded and released only in Japan, Weekends on Malibu is, in my opinion, an even greater classic than their first effort, In Malibu. Bandmates Ron Yuen and Tim Hurley drew from a variety of influences—experiences they didn't have when they first recorded In Malibu—to craft a timeless work of mellow AOR music.
Coming soon: an interview with Summer's Ron Yuen
After their debut, Summer head to Shima, Japan, for an exclusive project with Tokyo-based Trio Records. For the next month, Ron and Tim and their fellow musicians and producers created what has become to many US listeners a "lost" album, never released on American soils, let alone Hawaii.
Weekends on Malibu presents Summer embracing an even more sophisticated style, thanks to the help of super-producer Ira Newborn. Turns out Ira helped Ron and Tim push their musical talents to new heights. If something wasn't good enough for Ira's keen ears, it was thrown out, and the two had to come up with a new solution.
The Summer duo crafted a classic AOR album that combines elements from mellow pop, disco, rock—and of course, sounds of the islands.
Even if they were jamming 3,800 miles away from home.
Summer Reunion Show
Saturday, June 23, 2012
8:00 PM
Terry's Place, Honolulu, Hawaii
$10 in advance, $20 at the door
(More info on Facebook)
Summer is:
Ron Yuen : Guitar & Lead vocals
Tim Hurley : Bass & Background vocals
Additional Musicians:
Malani Bilyeu: Background vocals on "I've Been There Too", "Morning" & "I Can't Stop Thinking About 'Cha"
Alvin Fejarang: Drums
Ira Newborn: Guitar
Kimo Cornwell: Keyboards
Richard Johnston: Synthesizer
Melvin Webb: Percussion
Jay Leach: Steel Guitar on "Morning"
Horns & Strings Conducted by Ray Jackson
Read about Summer's first reunion in 2011.
Don't forget to check out their Hana Hou performance on Saturday, June 23, 2012!
Interview with Ron Yuen coming very soon!
