Honolulu Advertiser ISLAND SOUNDS By Wayne Harada Advertiser Entertainment Editor

New release from Hawai'i native offers tasty treat

"Pineapple Mango" by Daniel Ho: Daniel Ho, a Saint Louis grad who moved to Los Angeles, has happily become active in the Island music scene over the past decade. An accomplished composer and guitarist, he now turns to 'ukulele. What a joyful pleasure, this. Much of the music is original - his or in collaboration. He has a gentle touch on the 'uke and brings out its soulful qualities, particularly in the romantic tunes.

One of the best cuts is "Between Friends," a composition with Jake Shimabukuro, the adorable buckaroo from Colon. There's a lot of warm, bonding spirituality. The title tune is 'ono, too - as predictably nourishing and whimsical as you might expect when you combine the juices of pineapple with mango. It could be the breakout track.

"School's Out" is one of the playful romps (and Ho's composition); "Blue Rondo Ala Turk" is seriously reflective, an interpretation of a Dave Brubeck song - with a bluesy hint and a jazzy tint. Ho is schooled in the classics, too; he goes to Bach to demonstrate his symphonic side, performing "Invention VIII" and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" with spirit.

"Haiku" is more about the poetry form than the place, with a sense of Asian calm and dignity.

And lest you wonder, he sings on "The Best That I Can," co-written with Sachi Sato, with Siena Lee doing background vocals. It's a whisper-soft kind of tenderness at play.

Daniel Ho Reveals `Ukulele's Versatility in Pineapple Mango

HONOLULU, HAWAI`I – Pineapple Mango is the creation of Daniel Ho's rediscovery of the first instrument he played as a child growing up in Kaimuki – the `ukulele. This is the first `ukulele album (17th overall) released by this multi-Na Hoku Hanohano award winner, whose primary objective was to convey the flexibility of this beloved and respected Island musical instrument.

"I wanted to explore the versatility of this often underestimated instrument," explains Ho. "By arranging and recording well-known classical and jazz compositions people don't usually associate with the `ukulele, I hope to show just how amazing this instrument really is."

This 12-song album features the debut recording of "Between Friends," a vibrant composition co-written with another `ukulele master, Jake Shimabukuro of Còlòn. The duo performed this original piece at Ho's "Finding My Way" concert, which is being showcased throughout October on Oceanic Cable's Channel 16.

In addition, the multi-instrumentalist/composer Ho makes his debut vocal performance on "The Best That I Can," a poignant ballad co-written with local singer/songwriter, Sachi Sato. It is also the only lyrical song presented on the entire album.

I remember strumming along
while he played guitar and
sang songs from his
makeshift music book
(a huge three-ring
binder full of typed
lyrics with little chords
above the words).

It was then
that my love
for music
was born.

So much has
transpired since,
but what an honor it
is to play this beloved
instrument once again.
Thank you for sharing
this music with me.

Daniel Ho

My deepest gratitude to the Okami's and KoAloha for believing in me. I couldn't have
done this without your amazing ukuleles! Thank you, Siena and Dean, for your inspiring
music, support and friendship. To Sachi - we make a great team! To Kenn and Mihoko -
can I have more than two weeks to do a CD next time? Just kidding! I will always do
my best for you guys. To Lia - someday, when you can read, you'll see this and know that
you are forever in my heart, even when I'm not there. To Dad - this is all because of you,
your music, your support, your love. Thank you. And to my friends and family who have
seen me through it all - thank goodness I have you! Aren't you tired of me yet? - Daniel