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“EKLECTIC”
Stuart Hollinger (Baby Boy Productions)
Oahu born and raised, now living in rural Kauai, Stuart Hollinger is a two-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner in the rock album category for his first two albums — “Dangerous Crossing” in 2014 and “Endangered Species” in 2016. This is his third album.
Hollinger draws on a variety of genres. Individual songs are reminiscent of the Police, Steely Dan and Crosby Stills & Nash, but nothing sounds borrowed from other artists. As a writer he covers a wide range of subjects.
“Not Once” is a catchy warning against experimenting with meth or crack; the Department of Health should be using it as the theme song of an anti-drug campaign. Hollinger ponders the mysteries of relationships with a mid-tempo rocker titled “Wish I Knew,” and speaks passionately for the broken-hearted everywhere amid the frantic rock rhythms of “Please Don’t Go.”
Visit stuarthollinger.com.
“COLLABORATIONS VOL. 1”
Rendezvous (Cool Sound)
Rendezvous is the songwriting duo of Lance Jyo and Toshi Nakada. The album is a collaboration with a lengthy list of vocalists, musicians and studio technicians. The record label has a Tokyo address, but the project includes tracks recorded in Australia, Canada and the United States as well several from various Japanese studios.
The unifying sound of the album harks back to the mainstream electric keyboard pop that emerged in the 1980s, in hit tracks such as “Somewhere Out There,” “The Closer I Get To You” and “Tonight I Celebrate My Love.” Vocals are contributed by a selection of guest vocalists, with a different guest on almost every song.
Japanese vocalist Rina Nishibe gets the spotlight on “Soulmate,” a stirring power ballad that sounds perfect for play on mainstream AOR (Adult Oriented Rock) radio.
Maurice Bega, remembered in Hawaii for his work with Mackey Feary & Nitelife, gets two showcase numbers. “Power to Believe – Kenji’s Song” delivers an uplifting inspirational message (“You are the reason for all that you achieve”) with a soaring guitar-rich arrangement. Bega’s second song, “Christmas Gift,” brings to mind the classic sound of Barry Manilow.
“Hikari 501,” featuring the instrumental duo michiyo & Mumon, sounds like what you’d get if Kenny G sat in with Hiroshima.
Nishibe closes the album with the Japanese language version of “Soulmate.” It’s a thoughtful nod to Japanese audiences
Liner notes in English and Japanese complete the project with production credits and the stories behind the songs.
Visit lancejyo.com
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