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Sunday, July 21, 2002
Honolulu Advertiser
ISLAND SOUNDS
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
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Daniel Ho establishes himself as true vocalist
"Coolest Drop of Rain"
* Artist: Daniel Ho.
* Label: Daniel Ho Creations, DHS 89302.
* Genre: Island jazz, adult contemporary.
* Distinguishing notes: Known largely for his dexterity on guitar and 'ukulele, Ho now turns in his first all-vocals album. He's Mr. Do-It-All here, crooning, guitar, uke, drums, bass. Ho gets support from Dean Taba and Randy Drake, his partners in his "other" life as a Kilauea group member. And yes, he wrote all tracks. What's more, Ho introduces Skyler Blues — Siena Lee and Denise Tajiri — who do some back-up vocals.
* The outlook: There's quite a bit to explore and embrace; the title song, like other soulful ballads, projects a warm sizzle, with multiple-voice tracking that reflects savvy production skills. "Suncatcher" is another bright spot, brilliantly showcasing Ho's instrumental and arranging talents. Think James Taylor meets Al Jarreau in a quiet island paradise.
* Our take: It's destination stardom for Ho, who establishes himself as a valid romantic singer here.
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Friday, August 2, 2002
Honolulu Star Bulletin
Island Mele
By John Berger
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"Coolest Drop of Rain"
Daniel Ho
Daniel Ho Creations
Over the years, Daniel Ho has been more known for his prodigious output of instrumental albums. This album, though, opens a new chapter in his career -- and he also sings! With a songwriting assist from Hope Sato, Faith Rivera and Corwin Hee, Ho has plenty to say. Fans of his slack-key albums may differ, but this is the most complex and interesting album of his career.
Ho is surprising as a singer. He's not a soul singer as such, but there is a soulful quality to his work. Some songs have an acoustic folk sound, others with a strong Top 40/jazz slant. The lyrical images are equally diverse. "Invisible" will speak for anyone whose experienced the torment of unrequited love and the equally dark "Suncatcher" builds to a memorable refrain.
The latter song is strong enough to put him on the national pop charts, but every song here is worth a listen.
Hawaiian Island Journal
August 1, 2002
Daniel Ho: Coolest Drop of Rain (Daniel Ho Creations DHC 89302)
Because of my job and my love of music, it's been my good fortune to meet
many musicians, both local and national over the years. None has impressed
me more than Daniel Ho, the most talented, dedicated and prolific musician I
know.
Coolest Drop of Rain is the former Kilauea frontman's 18th album, although
he has worked on many other recording projects. It is also the first where
he steps in front of the microphone to sing lead on every song. Although he
is an incredible multi-instrumentalist (keys, guitar, uke, drums and
percussion), I believe he has unintentionally shorted himself and deprived
fans and listeners by waiting this long. He has a contemporary tenor vocal
sound.
The songs, all original, were written in collaboration with lyricists Hope
Sato and Faith Rivera, with the exception of "Nobody Else," which has lyrics
by Corwin Hee. Bassist Dean Taba and drummer Randy Drake from Kilauea are on
the sessions as is the backup duo Skyler Blue (former Hiloans Siena Lee and
Denise Tajiri).
Faves include the title track, "Dear Jane," "The Best that I Can" and two
painfully poignant ballads, "I am Invisible" and "What am I to Do."
Ho has connections at Oceanic Cable and his music gets considerable exposure
on O'ahu through that vehicle. It's almost a crime that despite two Hokus
and some internationally acclaimed work, radio -- especially Neighbor Island
radio -- has yet to catch on.
CIM Radio Review
Multi-instrumentalist, Daniel Ho, is surprisingly good as the lead singer,
accompanied by Skyler Blue (Toast Tajiri, Siena Lee). The frontman of
the popular, mainstream smooth jazz band, Kilauea, Daniel Ho is one of
the most prolific artists in the industry who has released over 18 albums
to date, and is only in his thirties. This album showcases Daniel in a surprising
different way featuring alternative vocals with heavy pop elements, and any
long-time listener of Kilauea can make out the difference. Aside from singing,
Daniel Ho is best known as a guitarist, bassist, pianist, keyboardist, percussionist
and a player of the ukulele. He has worked with several of the top performing
recording artists both in smooth jazz and the world, including Peabo Bryson and
Russ Freeman. Daniel's voice is at his best when you listen to "Coolest Drop Of Rain"
and "Suncatcher" right here exclusively on CIM Radio.
by Jamie O'Brien
Rambles.NET
3 December 2005
Daniel Ho is a secret waiting to be discovered: a dynamic multi-instrumentalist with an expressive voice and a creative songwriting ability. Put all these elements together and you wind up with a powerful album like Coolest Drop of Rain.
He plays guitar and ukulele on the dozen tracks, along with some bass and drums. His playing is always inventive, yet he never takes away from the focus of the songs. At times, he relies on an unobtrusive guitar accompaniment, sparsely picking the notes that complement the melodies perfectly; but then, he fills out the sound as he pushes a bluesy guitar riff with rhythm (Dean Taba on bass and Randy Drake on drums) and vocal (Sienna Lee and Denise Taijin of Tyler Blue as well as himself, double tracking) accompaniment.
A high tenor, his wistful voice is filled with emotion -- desire, disappointment, despair and joy. He always captures the essence of the lyrics and delivers them in a natural, almost conversational manner. You feel you are listening to an old friend pouring his heart out over a cup of coffee.
This intimate approach is ideal for the material. Ho co-wrote all the songs -- six with Hope Sato, five with Faith Rivera and one with Corwin Hee. Each tells an absorbing story set on a beautiful melody. His characters "talk" naturally, as they explain their innermost thoughts: "I thought a hand was to be held/you think a hand is to be played/now this hand is writing down what I really want to say" ("Dear Jane" by Ho and Sato).
Many of Ho's songs have been recorded by some of the top musicians in Hawaii, where he is regarded as a distinguished performer, musician and songwriter. Elsewhere, he is probably best known for his work as keyboard player for Peabo Bryson. As he is heard by a wider audience, Ho will surely take his rightful place alongside other performers and writers like Carol King, Paul McCartney and Guy Clark.
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1.
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Dear Jane
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Daniel Ho & Hope Sato
Daniel Ho Creations (ASCAP) |
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If I knew that love was just a game to you
I would have held my cards a little closer to my chest
If I knew that hurt was just something that you do
I wouldn't have placed such a foolish bet
I thought a hand was to be held
You think a hand is to be played
Now this hand is writing down
What I really want to say
Dear Jane,
I bet you weren't expecting a note from me today
Dear Jane,
I know you can't imagine it all would end this way
Dear Jane,
I know you won't believe it, but believe it cause it's true
There's no more us, no more we, just you
It's amazing you find fault in everything I say
How do you justify treating anyone this way
Paralyzed by fear, so afraid to say a word
So afraid to touch you, so afraid to be hurt
I thought a hand was to be held
You thought my hand was to be played
(Chorus)
Have you noticed now the tables have been turned
All the bets are off; this game of yours is old
Is it still a thrill, now that you're playing with yourself?
Are you going to play on or are you going to fold?
I thought a hand was to be held
You think a hand is to be played
Now this hand is writing down
What I really want to say
(Chorus)
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2.
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Coolest Drop Of Rain
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Daniel Ho & Faith Rivera
Daniel Ho Creations
Lil' Girl Creations (ASCAP) |
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If you only knew the way you make me feel
You're the coolest drop of rain on a summer day
You're a story I could read on and on again
You're the sweetest sight my eyes wanna drink you in
You're the dream of all dreams I wish were real
If you only knew the way you make me feel
So near yet so far
A conversation away
Here I am, there you are
Another wasted day
I try so hard to show
But you don't even know
That I'm falling for you, oh
If you only knew the way you make me feel
You're the coolest drop of rain on a summer day
You're a story I could read on and on again
You're the sweetest sight my eyes wanna drink you in
You're the dream of all dreams I wish were real
If you only knew the way you make me feel
Hey, do you feel what I feel?
Do you want what I need?
Is this even for real?
Or is it all make-believe?
I need you to know
If I somehow could show
That I'm falling for you, oh
(Chorus)
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3.
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The Best That I Can
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Daniel Ho & Hope Sato
Daniel Ho Creations (ASCAP) |
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I walk you run, I show you hide
I give you take, I wonder why
Just give me one reason, and I'll understand
Just give me a chance, here is my plan
I just want to love you as best as I can
I just want to be there when you need a hand
I just want to hold you when you need to cry
And I just want to come home to you every night
I dream you sleep, I laugh you cry
I live you breathe, so tell me why
Just give me one reason, I'll understand
Just give me a chance, this is my plan
(Chorus)
The world's my canvas, your paint is dry
I raise my hands, you close your eyes
So here are my reasons, can you understand
Here is our chance, will you take my hand
(Chorus)
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4.
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Love Is Not Love
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Daniel Ho & Faith Rivera
Daniel Ho Creations
Lil' Girl Creations (ASCAP) |
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I'd like to simplify my messed-up existence
Lose the doubt, the fear, be resistant
To the stormy weather raging in your life
I feel the guilt, the weight of my decision
Nothing else can cure our condition
You dish out the darkness, I have had my fill
No I won't be your savior anymore, anymore
Love is not love when you take not give
Love is not love when you're keeping score
Love is not love where resentment lives
Love is not love, is not love, is not love, no, it's not love
Bet you didn't know you could miss me
Missed the chance to hold and to kiss me
You were occupied, and now your vacancy is
Filled with insecure inhibitions
Irreconcilable situations
Is it really greener on the other side?
No, I won't be your sunshine anymore, anymore
(Chorus)
For future reference try to remember
It's alright to sometimes surrender
To your heart, to me, to love
Then maybe one day the sun will shine for you
(Chorus)
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5.
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Suncatcher
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Daniel Ho & Faith Rivera
Daniel Ho Creations
Lil' Girl Creations (ASCAP) |
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Wandering this solitary
Labyrinth of life, so empty
Wonder if I'll ever find my way
In the absence of your light
Can't find my will to fight so
I'll just surrender and pray
Heaviness hangs over me raining it's poison arrows
Shelter me these clouds are threatening only sorrow
Suncatcher catch some sun for me
Suncatcher make the sun rise please
Suncatcher shine your light on me
Suncatcher could you take this darkness from me
Wishfully I light this candle
To awake this love eternal
Even if I never find my way
Follow flowers at my side
Realize they've been my guide so
Beautiful even in my darkest days
Happiness rains down on me shelter me with your comfort
Illuminate me in your radiance, no more sorrow
Suncatcher catch some sun for me
Suncatcher make the sun rise please
Suncatcher cast your light on me
Suncatcher will you take this darkness from me
Heaviness hangs over me raining it's poison arrows
Shelter me these clouds are threatening only sorrow
Feel the rain, it's so cold on my face now
Won't you come and shine your light down on me, baby
My Suncatcher shine your light on me
I can use a little sunshine in my life
Make the sun rise please
Suncatcher won't you come and shine your light
All over my darkness, Suncatcher can you
Show me the way to the warmth of your comfort
Suncatcher I'll be finding my way sometime soon
Suncatcher can you shine a little light
On this darkness for me
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6.
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Nobody Else
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Daniel Ho & Corwin Hee
Daniel Ho Creations (ASCAP) |
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Well I know the seasons keep on changing
The clouds above they keep on raining
People just keep passing on their way
As I find the leaves are falling slowly
Lovers lost and leaving only
Memories that last throughout the day
Well I know this ain't the life you planned on
Left without a hope to stand on
Hard times keep coming everyday
And the work to do just keeps on growing
All the while I'm hardly knowing
How I might keep going on my way
And I don't know how to thank you
I don't know what to say
I haven't got a thing here left to play
So I'll try to understand you
And then I'll try to thank you
'Cause there ain't nobody else I'm living for
Well I know these days won't last forever
Fortunes change just like the weather
The rains will pass and someday you will see
And I thank you for believing in me
Standing by just keep on singing
Soon I'll be the one you hoped I'd be
(Chorus)
Well I know this ain't the life you planned on
Left without a hope to stand on
Stranded here and left out on the sea
But I thank you for believing in me
Sticking by just keep on singing
Soon I'll be the one you hoped I'd be
(Chorus)
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7.
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The Holy Road
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Daniel Ho & Hope Sato
Daniel Ho Creations (ASCAP) |
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The road is black, the sky's so blue
The trees are green, and I love you
A steaming mocha in my right hand
The radio's screaming my favorite band
And my head starts moving to the rhythm of the sound
Of the beat of the groove they been layin' down
Singing out of key at the top of my lungs
Man, I wish I knew the words but it don't matter none
'Cause I'm on the road
The Holy Road
The long and winding road to nowhere
Must have missed a sign or two along the way
Getting close to empty, in thirty miles a stop
Can't go much further now baby, can't bear to walk
Then my mind starts racing with the rhythm of the sound
Of the motor in my car as it's breaking down
Damn I should've stopped when I should've stopped
But they were playing my song and I wanted to rock
Down the Holy Road
Black road beneath me is burning hot
Ten short miles 'til that truck stop
I got the blue sky above me now; ain't got no shade
Green trees can you tell me now why you're so far away
My heart starts beating to the rhythm of the cars
Speeding by that's a little too close
Keep your eyes on the road and two hands on the wheel
Don't be talking the phone
Fixing the radio
Or dreamin' of love
Can't you see me standing here? uh...
Now I'm on the road
The Holy Road
Somebody call the ambulance down the Holy Road
Somebody call my mama on the telephone
"Hello...Hello...is there anyone there
Besides these pretty black birds landing on the road?"
I can see a light guess it's the end of my road
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8.
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So Long As...
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Daniel Ho & Faith Rivera
Daniel Ho Creations
Lil' Girl Creations (ASCAP) |
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(Lyrics adapted from Sonnet XVIII by William Shakespeare)
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day
Thou are more lovely and more temperate
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May
And summer's lease hath all too short a date
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines
And often is his gold complexion dimmed
And every fair from fair sometime declines
By chance or nature's changing course untrimmed
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see
So long lives this and this gives life to thee
So long as I can breathe or my eyes can see
So long lives love and you give life to me
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade
When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st
(Chorus)
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9.
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I Am Invisible
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Daniel Ho & Faith Rivera
Daniel Ho Creations
Lil' Girl Creations (ASCAP) |
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Like the private you told, "Soldier, go take that hill!"
All he's taking is a nap 'neath a cross in a grassy field
Like his father who's chipping away
To mine some gold
Your shiny bracelet's worth its weight
So heavy on his soul
I am invisible to you
So undesirable so you've led me to believe
I am invisible, so unlovable
Just so impossible for you to see
Like the mother who's been working it from 9 to 5
Then from 6 to 10 she's killing herself
Just to survive, to provide, to get by
Like her daughter dressed in black
Moving them props around
She'll be sweeping up the stage
While the stars are getting down, painting the town
I am invisible to you
So undesirable so you've led me to believe
I am invisible, so unlovable
So damn impossible for you to see
Invincible, unbreakable, unstoppable, so unbelievably real
I'm invaluable. Am I acceptable? Could it be?
Like the tree in the forest
That has fallen down
No one's there
No one's listening
Did it make a sound?
Like the singer in the cafe
Playing just for you
Wondering if his words
Are really getting through
I am invisible to you
So undesirable
So you've led me to believe
I am invisible, expendable
Just so impossible
For you to love
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10.
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What Am I To Do
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Daniel Ho & Hope Sato
Daniel Ho Creations (ASCAP) |
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My search for love had found its destiny
It was your heart that held the key
To hope, to dream, to love
For all eternity
With you is where I'll always be
I gave my heart to you
I gave my soul to you
Could there be anything so true
I gave my all to you
You knew I'd fall for you
I hope I'll never have to do without you
A year ago today
You called me on the phone
You said you won't be coming home
"I still love you,
But I hope you understand
She just walked in, I gotta go"
I gave my heart to you
I gave my soul to you
Could I have been a bigger fool
I gave my all to you
You watched me fall for you
So tell me what am I to do without you
They say that time should heal
This broken heart
I guess that's where I'll have to start
I pray "My God please tell me
This is all a dream"
When I awake with you I'll be
I gave my heart to you
I gave my soul to you
Could I have been a bigger fool
I gave my all to you
You watched me fall for you
Now tell me what am I to do without you
What am I to do without you
From day to night and night to day
From day to weeks and months to years
So what am I
So tell me what am I to do
I'm so alone
Oh will I ever find another love like you
To break my heart
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11.
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I Won't Shed A Tear
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Daniel Ho & Hope Sato
Daniel Ho Creations (ASCAP) |
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Official letter sent by dear old Uncle Sam, I am
Demands your presence in the oily Middle Eastern sand
I told you run I told you hide forget your foolish pride
Instead your head took lead it bled never knowing why
The pretty anchor warned of barrels crudely on the rise
But few are paying more than I for this octane in my ride
And as all the world complains and whines
All I want to do is cry
I won't shed a tear
'Cause I know you would've want it that way
And I won't ever fear
'Cause I know you would've wanted it that way
'Cause I know you would've wanted it that way
A rotted apple sits upon the desk where you once taught
They needed loaded arms to make a point or so they thought
You were what came between one's wrath and youthful innocence
Was courage your lesson of the day?
(Chorus)
Of all of us we knew you'd be
The one to change the world
Of all the ways to change the world
Did it have to be with blood?
Did you have to care so much?
Did you truly teach them love?
(Chorus)
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12.
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I Don't Wanna Go
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Daniel Ho & Hope Sato
Daniel Ho Creations (ASCAP) |
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Why does it seem your eyes can't meet mine?
Without a sound all hope turns to fear
So hard it must be for you now to find the words
The source of my strength is falling away
If I had a wish, you know I'd wish this away
So hard it will be for me now to find my way
I don't wanna go
Don't I have a say?
I don't wanna leave
I wish it all away
Now is not the time to say good bye
I don't wanna go
Not right now
Faced with the truth I try to move on
But Time's not a friend when all hope is gone
They say it will heal
But it's hard to believe this time
(Chorus)
What is this place? Is it heaven or hell?
How should I feel?
You know it's so hard to tell
They say this is heaven
But some part of me is in hell without you
I didn't wanna go
I didn't have a say
I didn't wanna leave
I wished this all away
'Cause it was not my time
And I don't wanna cry
I didn't wanna go
I said, "Not now"
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