Born in Hawaii, Daniel Ho now makes his home in Los Angeles, California in the bustling neighborhood that borders the UCLA campus and the ritzy hills of Bel Air. But his new location hasn’t caused the five time GRAMMY award-winning artist to neglect his vast knowledge of the classic Hawaiian music learned during his residency on the lush tropical island.
Ho, a multi-talented musician who plays several instruments, is widely known for his mastery of the slack-key guitar and the ‘ukulele. In addition to those talents, Ho’s skills as an ethnomusicologist, author, and songwriter, help him to ensure the accessibility of Hawaiian music, which is gaining popularity due to the GRAMMY award-winning recordings produced by Daniel Ho Creations.
Ho’s collaborations include such famous artists as Tia Carrere, Amy Ku’uleialoha Stillman, Kulia i ka Punawai, Jake Shimabukuro, and others who share his kindred spirit and affinity for Hawaiian language songs. Daniel Ho Creations has released several new recordings this year including Huana Ke Aloha by Tia Carrere and Polani and ‘Ukulele Classics & Originals on which Daniel plays the ‘ukulele, piano, and guitar.
Huana Ke Aloha
Tia Carrere
European classical repertoire coupled with lovely Hawaiian melodies featuring arrangements by Daniel Ho are what the listener will enjoy on this latest release by the stunning singer Tia Carrere. Huana Ke Aloha is a beautiful recording from the GRAMMY award-winning songwriting team of Daniel Ho and Amy Stillman who culled this collection from several of your favorite traditional lullabies then re-imagined masterworks by Beethoven, Brahms, Puccini, Schumann and Satie with new arrangements.
Ms. Carrere, who is also a GRAMMY award-winning songwriter, interprets 11 songs in a lovey, inspired voice that is sure to relax, unwind and lull you into a state of serenity. “Brahms’ Lullaby,” Beethoven’s “Pathétique Sonata” and Schumann’s “Album for the Young, No. 3” are but a few of the more recognizable European classical compositions. However “Hush Little Baby,” “Rock-a-bye Baby” and “Greensleeves” are certain to bring back treasured childhood memories. Her emotional tones and uncomplicated phrasings make these songs comforting and sweet.
The original lyrics penned for such songs as “Kia’i Mai” (with its source in “Gymnopédie No. 3” by Satie) and “Huana Ke Aloha” (with its source in “O Mio Babbino Caro” by Puccini) share both the passion and complexity of the arrangements which add layers of counterpoint to the direct simplicity of the expressive texts. Daniel Ho also plays piano and bass.
‘Ukulele Classics & Originals
Daniel Ho
This recording presents an eclectic collection of jazz, classical, original, Celtic and Latin music brought together by one versatile, little instrument, the ‘ukulele. Daniel Ho plays ‘ukulele, piano and guitar while Dean Taba plays the bass on 12 songs that are sure to entertain you as well as bring forth fond thoughts of the innovative arrangements of Johann Sebastian Bach and Dave Brubeck. Daniel Ho continues to display his prolific knowledge of this classic instrument as well as his strong songwriting skills. He wrote 7 of the twelve songs and also duets with fellow ‘ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro on “Between Friends.”
Of particular note are Ho’s new arrangements of Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,”“Invention XIII” and “Invention VIII.” Giving new credence to the slogan, “Back to Bach” Ho, not only pays a dear tribute to the author of The Well-Tempered Clavier, but brings Bach’s works into the 21st century with charming melodic reinterpretations. For more information about Hawaiian music and Daniel Ho Creations, please visit his website at Daniel Ho Creations.
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