Peterson’s Instrumental Tour Of Maui
Friday - December 02, 2009
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There’s no place like home, and for Jeff Peterson, that place is Maui.
His latest album, Maui On My Mind, is an instrumental tour of his home island and the people who make it familiar and pristine.
“Maui is my oasis,” says Peterson. “It’s where I grew up and it hasn’t changed. My family is there, and it’s a way of connecting to my roots. Some of the songs were written when I was home visiting and others when I’m away.”
The album features 17 songs, and 12 are originals.
“All of the songs have a personal connection to Maui where I grew up, either about places, people or things that happened over the years. Many songs are about upcountry, and so a lot of the songs are about where my family is from.”
The slack-key compositions include Maui On My Mind, Paniolo Soul, Hawaiian Skies, The Aloha Tango, Maile Swing, Lilinoe, Charmarita, Keokeo, Na Kupuna O Haleakala, Rainbow Ridge, Pu’u Kukui, In The Mood, Wahine U’i, The Winds of Waikapu, Aurora, Harvest Moon and Olinda Beauty.
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“Lilinoe was written for my niece about the misty rain falling from Haleakala,” says Peterson. “For that song I use a lot of interesting techniques, and it’s playful.”
Another song, Rainbow Ridge, was written about Jimi Hendrix‘s concert in the pasture next to Peterson’s family’s land (on the CD cover).
Paniolo Soul was written for Eddie Wilson, a great Hawaiian cowboy who lived on Maui and was one of Peterson’s first music teachers.
“The songs have strong personal ties,” he says. “I’m really happy with the sound and mastering. I feel it’s my best recording.”
And while Maui remains his rock, the now-Honolulu resident says that traveling the world through his music has been quite a ride.
In October, he and fellow musicians Raiatea Helm, Keola Beamer, Chino Montero and Steve Jones performed in a series of three Hawaii Night at the Shangri La shows in China - Beijing, Shanghai and Fuzhou.
“The hotels we performed at were just amazing, and all the concerts had great turnouts,” says Peterson. “It was exciting. My general impression is that they’re really hungry to know about Hawaii and its vibrant history.”
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Coming up, Peterson is releasing a children’s CD next month with Lea Woods Almanza. Peterson on guitar and Almanza on vocals, the duo is presenting classic songs such as Itsy Bitsy Spider and Rubber Ducky.
“I have lots of nieces and nephews, and Lea just had a baby boy, so this project was perfect,” says Peterson. “It’s a sing-along CD and it has a real natural sound ...
And speaking of Raiatea, the seven-time Na Hoku Hanohano award winner has a different kind of album releasing - her first full-length DVD, Raiatea Live!.
The DVD captures her charm, talent and energy at her sold-out performance in August at Hawaii Theatre, and contains many of her signature renditions such as Kalama’ula, Pua Mae’ole, Kamalani O Keaukaha, Kimo Henderson Hula, Ko’ula: Manowaiopuna and ‘Alika.
The DVD also includes three duet recordings with Hawaiian slack-key guitar legend Keola Beamer.
To purchase a copy or for more information, visit www.mountainapplecompany.com/raiatea ...
Here’s an early Christmas idea for you or a loved one - or both.
Hawaiian Airlines presents Keali’i Reichel in his concert Maluhia Saturday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall. Reichel returns to Honolulu with his band and dancers, featuring Miss Aloha Hula 2009 Henohea Kane, to celebrate the holiday season with old favorites and Christmas classics. Making a special guest appearance is Ho’okena.
“This rare concert event is generously made possible by Hawaiian Airlines,” says Jim Linkner of Punahele Productions. “Keali’i will be headlining an evening of both Hawaiian and Christmas favorites that everyone will enjoy.”
A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales for the concert will help send Reichel’s Halau Ke’alaokamaile to next year’s Merrie Monarch competition.
Ticket prices are $30, $40, $50 and $68 and are on sale at the Blaisdell Box Office and www.Ticketmaster.com ...
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