Reviews
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Honolulu Advertiser, ISLAND SOUNDS by Wayne Harada, Advertiser Entertainment Editor
• Genre: World music.
• Distinguishing notes: The sun rises on musician Daniel Ho's "new" career as a vocalist; he's mostly been showcasing his artistry in guitar and 'ukulele instrumental albums. This outing displays a vibrant attitude and a vocal palette that reflects both confidence and creativity. Mostly, Ho sings of things and places that touch his inner soul and he succeeds as a storyteller, since most of the originals are from his pen (with collaborators).
The style is folksy — check out "Cup of Joe," "Off to Work," "Along for the Ride," "Simple as a Sunrise" — and you begin to see the luminous and lingering colors in his views. He also "covers" the Jonathan Cain rock ballad, "Faithfully," giving it a sweetness not found in the original. The arrangements are crisp, the musical backup seductive and supportive — the essence of a savvy musical force.
He plays most of the instruments, too, and mastered and even designed the total package. Further, he adds another dimension to his vision — the liner photographs are his, from his travels.
• The outlook: Ho's a contender to score as a singer; his talent is boundless.
• Our take: Nothing ho-hum from this prolific tunesmith.
Friday, September 17, 2004
Honolulu Star Bulletin, Island Mele by John Berger
Daniel Ho can knock out slack key and mood music albums assembly-line style, but his new acoustic pop album is a one-off project that shows his awareness of detail and packaging. His versatility as a musician and composer has never been more evident either, playing all the instruments (except the drums), coming up with an interesting mix of moods and tempos.
Ho opens strong with "Off to Work," an upbeat song about life as a musician, and follows it with "Cup of Joe," a kicky song that uses a cup of coffee as a symbol of lasting love. While the other songs on the album are also solid, it's "Cup of Joe" that's most worthy of publicizing nationally.
A remake of "Faithfully" brings Ho's career-best album full circle, with another look at the experiences of working musicians.
Daniel's Notes
Though I'm rarely up early enough for a sunrise, morning has always been a particularly inspiring time of day for me, especially when it includes a hot cup of joe with soy. (No dairy for me!) Upon awakening, my mind brews with fear & excitement - Where am I? What should I do? Maybe I’ll write another song...?
This morning ritual has stayed with me throughout the years, and kept me going through good & bad. Never wanting to let a day go by unappreciated, I try to keep a journal-like collection with my camera and music. These photographs and recordings are "snapshots" of some of my recent experiences. I have also revisited a few of my older songs, like Along for the Ride and Stronger & Stronger. Live performances of these pieces have allowed me to approach them with a new perspective. I hope this album is as enjoyable for you, as it was for me to piece together.
Aloha,
Daniel
Credits
vocals, guitars, ukulele, bass, shakers, udu, talking drum, graphic design, & photography by Daniel Ho
drums by Randy Drake
background vocals on "Watching, Waiting...," "Off to Work," & "Along for the Ride" by Faith Rivera
Point Dume cover photo, Maui Arts & Cultural Center concert photo, & graphic design by Lydia Miyashiro-Ho
New Orleans railroad tracks photo by Diana Dentino
Nihonji mountain pass photo by Akio Kase
Special thanks to Kenn Yuen of DHC Hawaii, Rick Turner & Barry Pearlman of Rick Turner Guitars, the Okami's of KoAloha Ukuleles, and all my family & friends who continue to support & inspire me.
Cedar & walnut wood textures in this booklet are from a Renaissance Nylon Guitar handcrafted by Rick Turner.
-
1.Off to Work
-
2.Cup of Joe
-
3.Come See Her Smile
-
4.Quiet & Blue
-
5.If All Else Fails
-
6.Along For The Ride
-
7.Simple As A Sunrise
-
8.Watching, Waiting...
-
9.I Do
-
10.Stronger & Stronger
-
11.Faithfully
Song List
Simple As A Sunrise, 2nd Edition
Daniel Ho
Since its release in 2004, Daniel's growth musically and technically inspired him to re-record guitar and vocals, add piano, and remix and remaster his album, Simple as a Sunrise. The result is an acoustically dynamic re-release. "I've always believed in these songs, and wanted to put everything I've learned in the last seven years into presenting the most warmth and clarity possible. I spent two months working on this second edition and I'm very excited at the way it turned out!"
Simple As A Sunrise CD - $15 (includes shipping)
• 2004 Hawaii Music Awards AC Album of the Year
• on Honolulu Star Bulletin's Local Top Ten Albums of 2004
As featured in
the lead float of the
January 1, 2013
Rose Parade.