One of These Days - John Cruz
Friday - September 21, 2007
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Del.icio.usThe 411
One of These Days
After a smoking hot first album,Acoustic Soul , in 2003, the world has been awaiting the next one by talented local boy John Cruz.
Well, the wait is over and Cruz’s new album, One of These Days, is hitting stores next week, featuring 11 tracks - with five written by John himself.
“I would describe the CD as hopefully good,” says Cruz.“I think it’s an inviting and warm sound. It’s a positive, hopeful CD. I think it’s similar to my first album in the vibe of it, but I recorded it in a different process. The first album I was trying to maintain the acoustic vibe, but this one has more of a live band feel. It feels more exciting.”
To record the album, Cruz opted to take it to the Mainland, basically because it meant fewer distractions and allowed him a more creative space for his music. For the most part, this album has been a work in progress for Cruz. Many of the songs he recorded years ago, but found he wasn’t happy with the end product.
“Those years off gave me time to really listen to the songs, and some of them took on a different characteristic and feel,” says the Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter.
And the final product he describes as “reflective of things in my life.”
Cruz hopes that this album will give him the opportunity to continue to share his music live throughout the world. To start things off, Cruz will be performing throughout Hawaii in November. The dates are: Nov. 9 in Lihue, Nov. 10 at Aloha Tower Marketplace on Oahu, Nov. 16 in Kona, Nov. 17 in Hilo, and Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 on Maui.
“Playing live for people is what is so special,“says Cruz.“It’s something to hear somebody on the CD, but getting out and playing for new people, I love that.”
Cruz has been wowing crowds and fans with his musical talent since the age of 15. He laughs as he says, “music is in the genes, but as my brother Guy says, ‘it’s in the T-shirts.’ “
Following his November Hawaii tour,Cruz will take his music to the Mainland and Europe. And he assures that there will be many more records to come.
For more details, visit www.johncruz.com
Q’nA
John Cruz
Who or what has been your biggest musical influence?
I would say my family.
Of the musical abilities you have, what do you think you are best at?
People say I’m a good kisser.(laughs) Oh, musical abilities? I think I’m good at facilitating, like arranging. I think I’m good at being the glue when there’s various musicians and styles. I think I do that well.
Where can you be spotted on weekends?
Usually on my sofa.I don’t go out that much to like clubs and stuff like that.I like going in on the weekends.
What has been the most memorable place that you’ve performed?
Wow, there’s lots of them. Idaho was nice this past summer. A few months ago I played in Idaho as part of this tour. I didn’t know much about Idaho except potatoes, but we didn’t see a single potato in Idaho when we were there. It was weird.
But it was nice there. Carnegie Hall with Aunty Genoa was a very memorable gig. In Hawaii, of course, I used to love playing at this weekly gig at Hot Lava Cafe down by Varsity Theater. It was my drunken days, but it was a fun gig and a lot of fans who are hard-core fans are those who used to come there to see me play. I also like playing at events like malls, the (Waikiki) Aquarium and stuff like that because people come to those type of shows who normally wouldn’t go out at night, like families who bring kids. It’s kind of nice not having to play at the bars and stuff now. The thing I appreciate most is not always having to play at bars, because there are lots of other people who love music who don’t always go to bars because people are drunk.
How would you describe your personal style?
I would say my personal style is kind of laid back and smooth, but also intense at times when I need to be. I’m pretty easygoing, but of course the ladies have their own opinion - they think I’m sexy, good-looking and stuff like that. (laughs) I’m just joking. But yeah, I’m a T-shirt and shorts kind of guy.
Of all the songs you’ve recorded and play, which is your favorite to perform live?
That’s tough to say because it changes from night to night. I don’t really have a set list of songs when I do a gig. I kind of feel out the crowd and see what’s going to be right for the moment. Sometimes I can misjudge the crowd, and sometimes I can choose the right moment with the right songs and it’s just magical.
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