"The Beginning"

Andrew Molina
(Shadow Uke Music)

The list of island families in which musical talent has passed from one generation to the next continues to grow. There are the Beamers and the Fardens and the Keawe-Aikos, Ohta-san and Herb Ohta Jr., and Dennis and David Kamakahi. There’s Pete "Dr. Doo-Wop" Hernandez and son Bruno Mars, Freddy Von Paraz and daughter Daphne, and now Jay Molina and his son, Andrew.

Hawaii residents of a certain age know Maui resident Jay Molina as a member of Asian Blend, a top Waikiki club band of the ’70s and a founder of Music Magic, a local modern jazz group of the ’80s. Jay’s instrument of choice has always been the electric bass. Andrew plays ukulele. Father and son share credit for the arrangements.

Andrew opens big with the title song, a rocker he plays with his full studio band behind him: his father on bass, plus Mike Kennedy (drums), Alan Villaren (guitar) and Gilbert Emata (keyboards). The selections that follow are a mix. Some are solo performances, and on others he’s working with the band or various combinations of musicians.

On the original "Feels Like Yesterday," it’s Molina’s ukulele and the rhythm section. Emata’s assorted keyboards provide appropriately ominous undercurrents to "Crying Skies."

Molina and his band also rework a song from the pop charts with an instrumental arrangement of "Just the Way You Are" — Bruno Mars’ first chart-topper.

www.andrewmolinaukulele.com

"The Beginning"