Steven Espaniola
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Steven Espaniola, Ho'omaka, CommonGround Records 2006.
Ho'omaka means "beginning" in Hawaiian, which Steven chose as the title, he said, to mark the beginning of his career as a professional recording musician. Steven has been known to Bay Area fans for some time now after both solo performances and as part of Patrick Landeza's entourage, and so perhaps his first solo record was overdue. Though the album came out last year, it has received an increasing amount of attention.
Steven came to my attention - and that of many others - at the Kona Style Slack Key festival last month where he wowed the audience with spot on renditions of classics like "I Kona," and "Makee Ailana," both of which appear on the album. In addition to having a killer falsetto, Steven also lays down some nice instrumental pieces: "Calroselani Slack," on and "E Ku'u Morning Dew." Steven is a talented multi instrumentalist, playing guitar, uke, and bass on the album. The rest of the instrumentation is rounded out well by session pros from Honolulu, where the album was recorded.
Overall, this is a great album to pick up for fans of Hui Ohana and Led Ka'apana, as well as anyone wanting to check out a fine freshman effort from one of the best new artists on the Hawaiian music scene. - October '07
Past Kihoalu.org Reviews
Cindy CombsKen Emerson
Steven Espaniola
Bobby Ingano
Maunalua
Cyril Pahinui
Jeff Peterson
Pilioha
Donald Kauli'a
Slack Key Christmas (Palm)
Treasures of Slack Key