`UKULELE VIRTUOSO HERB OHTA, JR. RELEASES 12th SOLO RECORDING
The year 2015 marked 25 years in the music industry for multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano and Hawai‘i Music Award winner Herb Ohta, Jr. In celebration of that achievement, on April 1, 2016, he released My ‘Ukulele World - an album containing both original material and a variety of songs written by others, including Queen Liliʻuokalani, John Piʻilani Watkins, and more. He also includes vocals on two songs (‘Ulupalakua and Noho Paipai) – something he rarely does, but that is always requested by his fans.
Citing ‘ukulele masters such as his father (Ohta-San), Eddie Kamae, Lyle Ritz, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong and more for paving the way for the ‘ukulele players of today, with this album Ohta, Jr. hopes to not only continue following in their footsteps but to create new paths for the younger musicians who look up to him as he looks up to and has learned from the masters. Of the four original songs on the album, Ohta, Jr. includes Paradise, written about how lucky he is to be from Hawaiʻi; and Lēʻahi Morning, about his regular visits to Lēʻahi Hospital to perform for the senior residents. He dedicates the song to the residents and staff of the hospital.
Now a master in his own right, Ohta, Jr. began playing at age three and teaching at age nine. He was a member of the prestigious Honolulu Boy Choir, the Honolulu Children’s Opera Chorus, and the University High School Select Choir. Although influenced by Jazz, R&B, Latin, and Brazilian music, some of which is evident in his recordings and performances, Hawaiian music remains his favorite. He began his professional career in 1990, when his father featured him on one of his recordings. In addition to his solo albums, Ohta, Jr. has released twelve duets with artists such as GRAMMY® Award Winners Daniel Ho and Keoki Kahumoku, as well as Bryan Tolentino, Tony Conjugacion, and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and former Pure Heart front-man Jon Yamasato. He has also contributed to more than 40 other recordings. John Berger of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser once said of him, “For ʻukulele fans who prefer unpretentious technical proficiency over theatrics, Herb Ohta, Jr. is the undisputed master ʻukulele instrumentalist of his generation.”
Produced by Ohta, Jr. and DJ Pratt, My ‘Ukulele World was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Pratt at Blue Planet Sound Studios. Guest artists include: Randy Aloya on bass; Jeff Au Hoy on steel guitar; Garin Poliahu on drums; Jon Porlas on percussion; DJ Pratt (guitar solo on “Shore Break”); Halehaku Seabury (Hawaiian language consultant and guitar solo on “Noho Paipai”); and Jon Yamasato (guitar and background vocals on “ʻUlupalakua”).
My ‘Ukulele World is available on Herbʻs website, and will be available soon at Me Ke Aloha , and other retail outlets.
Citing ‘ukulele masters such as his father (Ohta-San), Eddie Kamae, Lyle Ritz, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong and more for paving the way for the ‘ukulele players of today, with this album Ohta, Jr. hopes to not only continue following in their footsteps but to create new paths for the younger musicians who look up to him as he looks up to and has learned from the masters. Of the four original songs on the album, Ohta, Jr. includes Paradise, written about how lucky he is to be from Hawaiʻi; and Lēʻahi Morning, about his regular visits to Lēʻahi Hospital to perform for the senior residents. He dedicates the song to the residents and staff of the hospital.
Now a master in his own right, Ohta, Jr. began playing at age three and teaching at age nine. He was a member of the prestigious Honolulu Boy Choir, the Honolulu Children’s Opera Chorus, and the University High School Select Choir. Although influenced by Jazz, R&B, Latin, and Brazilian music, some of which is evident in his recordings and performances, Hawaiian music remains his favorite. He began his professional career in 1990, when his father featured him on one of his recordings. In addition to his solo albums, Ohta, Jr. has released twelve duets with artists such as GRAMMY® Award Winners Daniel Ho and Keoki Kahumoku, as well as Bryan Tolentino, Tony Conjugacion, and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and former Pure Heart front-man Jon Yamasato. He has also contributed to more than 40 other recordings. John Berger of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser once said of him, “For ʻukulele fans who prefer unpretentious technical proficiency over theatrics, Herb Ohta, Jr. is the undisputed master ʻukulele instrumentalist of his generation.”
Produced by Ohta, Jr. and DJ Pratt, My ‘Ukulele World was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Pratt at Blue Planet Sound Studios. Guest artists include: Randy Aloya on bass; Jeff Au Hoy on steel guitar; Garin Poliahu on drums; Jon Porlas on percussion; DJ Pratt (guitar solo on “Shore Break”); Halehaku Seabury (Hawaiian language consultant and guitar solo on “Noho Paipai”); and Jon Yamasato (guitar and background vocals on “ʻUlupalakua”).
My ‘Ukulele World is available on Herbʻs website, and will be available soon at Me Ke Aloha , and other retail outlets.
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