Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 12, 1 December 2001 — 'Portraits' captures life snapshots of Ernie Cruz Jr. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

'Portraits' captures life snapshots of Ernie Cruz Jr.

By Manu Boyd After seven years off-and-on in the recording studio and a few life experiences including three knee surgeries, Ernie Cruz Jr. is upbeat and back on his feet. "Portraits" assembles a dozen tunes including Cruz originals, and will define the former Ka'au Crater Boys stand-out as a versatile solo performer and a talented composer. "I'm basically from Pālolo (loeale of Ka'au Crater), but lived off and on in Hilo with my dad," explained Cruz, noting that some of the cuts are Big Island-themed, like "Kalapana," written years ago by 'Ehukai Teves from Kona, when Kalapana Black Sand Beach was still there. Craig Kamahele, who composed the Ka'au hit and song of the year " 'Opihi Man," again lent his talent with " Fires of Pele," the riveting CD opener. "Even though some of these songs were eomposed 20 years ago and are not typical of what we're hearing today, they transcend time, and are

like photos - three minute snapshots of life that capture the things I like to do." Among other notables in the large Cruz 'ohana are brothers John and

Guy who eaeh enjoy successful recording careers. John's sone. "So Caueht Un In You." §

got pre-release airplay and was a hit even before " Portraits " hit the racks.

"Where Are The Brothersf by i Cruz's song-writing sister

Emelle Downs, speaks of sov- \J| ereignty and justice. Cruz gives pop flair to Henry

Kapono's " Gotta Get Awayf with selfperformed vocal harmonies. Shawn Ishimoto is among guest artists, adding electric guitar licks that enhanee the project. Bobby Ingano's steel guitar creates a kind of "Sons of Hawai'i" intro in the wind ballad, "Ka Makani." John Porlas Jr. on

percussions punctuates the lively instrumenal "Nā Pali Slack." " One Day Soon" brings in background vocals by Fiji and Cruz with "Take 6"like harmonies.

Aside from his dynamic solo career, Zruz enjoys jamming with friends. "I really like gigging now and then with Amy Hānaiali'i because I've gotten a little more into traditional Hawaiian. The blend is a

whole different, eool identity." "We grew up listening to the Sons

of Hawai'i, Guava Jam and all that, r but we also listened to a lot of Soul and R&B - like Steevie Wonder and A1 Green

whieh probably influenced all our styles," he said. "I'm starting to put together a new project. This one is totally instrumental with slack-key. But I'd also like to do more Soul and R&B - maybe do more of Ernelle's songs," he concluded. ■

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