Stories
Aura "Magic Lover"
"Magic Lover" by Aura Recognize this one? You might, since it's one of the first tracks on the DJ Muro Hawaiian Breaks mix. Whatever beat the band kicks off, Hawaiian funk group Aura struts its prowess in cutting instant dance floor classics. "Magic Lover" is no exception. I love this track because it showcases what each member of Aura has to offer, from the dirty bass lines to the brassiest horn section in Hawaii. What keeps me fascinated by Aura is local music scene columnist John Berger, who wrote in 2003: "The name change to Aura took place in 1984...
Aura "Let Go It's Over"
"Let Go It's Over" by Aura I don't think there's a Hawaiian funk album as heavy as Aura's—blazing horns, duo female vocalists, the heaviest dance cuts to ever come out of Hawaii. But a funk/soul group is only as good as their love ballads. I mean, if a band like Aura can take listeners to new heights with songs like "Let Me Say Dis About Dat", then you can bet they've got just as much talent when the tempo slows down. Here's proof:
Aura "Let Me Say Dis About Dat"
"Let Me Say Dis About Dat" by Aura If this doesn't move you, I don't know what will! Aura's got something to say, without saying anything at all—"Let Me Say Dis About Dat" is strictly instrumental, and it'll have you getting down to one of the funkiest Hawaiian rare groove tracks you'll ever hear.
Summer in Honolulu: Reunion Show at Terry's Place
Thousands of people swarmed the Chinese Cultural Plaza in Honolulu's Chinatown on the night of the Summer reunion show at Terry's Place. Crowds filled the open space, food stands lined the walkways, strings of flags floated above the courtyard, and on stage was the biggest act of the night.
Phase 7 "Playtime"
"Playtime" by Phase 7 Clap your hands and rejoice in the music of Phase VII, one of the most memorable Hawaiian funk/soul entertainers on the islands. Back then, Phase VII rocked nightclubs in Waikiki almost nightly, with a long run at the Infinity disco at Sheraton Waikiki. Any club-goer is guaranteed a night to remember whenever Phase 7 takes the stage!