Stories

Here's a nice jam. "Terrie & Me" grew from the local music scene in the 1970s, a time when acoustic guitars and harmonizing vocalists could be found in almost every contemporary Hawaiian band. Country Comfort, Cecilio & Kapono, Olomana—these were Hawaii's big-name-bands of the era, often influenced by mainland acts such as America, The Eagles, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Wofford-Keat are Phil Keat and Steve Wofford. They recorded their debut LP, Road To Home, at Sounds of Hawaii with the help of producer Irv Pinensky. Road To Home is a looked-over gem that deserves more attention from contemporary...

Like a turntable's tonearm guiding the needle to the record, Lance Jyo has helped Toshi Nakada find the groove he was looking for. Hawaii-based musician Lance Jyo was instrumental in helping Toshi Nakada reissue Hawaiian AOR albums on his Japanese record label, Cool Sound.

Surrounding yourself with musicians is a great way to stay inspired. Living with them in a huge house by the beach? Even better. Ron Yuen of the Hawaii band Summer recalls living with the members of Kalapana—including Mackey Feary, DJ Pratt, Malani Bilyeu, Alvin Fejarang—at a house in Malibu. Here's part 2 of my interview with Ron Yuen.

As I mentioned earlier, the Hawaii Record Fair was a complete success. Music collectors from all over the island gathered to dig up long-time wants and new discoveries. Hell, some of the attendants didn't even own a turntable, but they still showed up to buy some vinyl! (This is 100% true, trust me.) One of the highlights of the event was the Aloha Got Soul door prize giveaway. Emcee Hector Elpe drew a raffle ticket at random and selected a lucky number. The winner? A guy decked in a Fitted cap, what a coincidence! Jason Smith won a set of...

The Hawaii Record Fair blew my expectations away. People of all ages packed the McKinley High School cafeteria. Record diggers filled every space possible at each vendor table. "I had to make a couple circles just to hit every table, cause it's hard to find a spot at each vendor!" someone said.