How should I describe the music of Paula Fuga? Soulful? Bluesy? Sure, those will do, but that just doesn’t cut it. How about Hawaiian soul? Yeah, that hits the spot. Not familiar with Hawaiian soul? Well, you need to introduce yourself to the gifted beauty of Paula Fuga. This woman possesses something special and she is ready to share it with anyone willing to listen.
Paula Fuga and Jack Johnson
American Idol enthusiasts that have a freakish memory regarding past contestants will remember Fuga’s audition. If you want to see the judges blow a decision you can watch it here. So AI didn’t work out for her. Were the judges too concerned with selling an image and not finding amazing vocal talent? Well dawg, we will let you be the judge of that one. That “missed” opportunity has not held her back one bit.
Fuga’s 2010 EP, Misery’s End, is the follow up to her 2006 self-released debut album, Lilikoi. Fuga doesn’t need Simon, Paula Abdul and Randy. On Misery’s End she saddles up with Jack Johnson and Ziggy Marley. Yeah, we think she is doing just fine for herself. Fuga’s music is simply beautiful. Her style blends traditional Hawaiian sounds and instrumentation with contemporary blues, soul and jazz. Misery’s End is the perfect music to celebrate the remaining weeks of summer. Support amazing music. Support Paula Fuga!
KC’s Personal Picks: “Country Road” and “Parachute”
Jack Johnson joins Paula Fuga on a live version of “Country Road”
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*Thanks April!*
So we here at FreshScouts have been following Jack Johnson for almost 10 years now. We first heard some of his debut releases even before they were debut releases. During the Napster craze, we came across a recording of “Flake” almost a year before its commercial radio success. How did we know it was going to be so popular? Because we’re awesome. That’s why.
His latest release (6th album release to be exact) is back to the same old Jack Johnson we first fell in love with. He’s followed a long and winding road since the release of Brushfire Fairytales in 2001. Since then he’s recorded two signature style albums, one children’s album and one album that definitely showed the darker, emotional side of his music. It’s hard not to love a Jack Johnson album and this one’s vintage flavor (at least vintage to 2001) is just in time for summer. He tends to bring a little Hawaii to wherever you are listening to him which is always a good weapon to have to fight the rainy day blues.
If you want to get in on the action, check out one of his summer tour dates and grab your tickets early. His shows generally tend to sell out and they promise to be the perfect thing to make your summer an awesome one. I still remember my entire summer with Brushfire Fairytales. I probably listened to it 1,000 times. Or at least 20 times. That’s still a lot.
Check out the video for the single “You and Your Heart”:
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I like a good remix. If done right a remix can add new life to a song. When I heard of what Rhythms del Mundo was doing I took immediate notice. Their two full albums are not remixed compilations, but rather albums that showcase completely restructured work. The vocals from music industry heavyweights remain and the orchestration is what has drastically changed. Some of your favorite songs from your favorite artists are now presented with the spice of a Latin beat. Sounds interesting, right? Well, it is. Be prepared to dance like no one is watching. In my case, I hope no one is watching.
Just some of the artists featured on the album
Rhythms del Mundo exists to support Artists Project Earth (APE). APE is a collective that focuses efforts on climate change and responses to natural disasters. The artists on the albums lend their support to this philanthropic organization by lending their vocals to the musical masterminds of the Buena Vista Social Club. Once the vocals were in the hands of these talented musicians they went to work by adding their Latin orchestration to the tracks. The final product is simply incredible. The musical arrangements are masterful and the infusion of the Latin sound into the mix is unique and refreshing.
The first Rhythms del Mundo project was their 2006 release of Rhythms del Mundo Cuba. This groundbreaking album caught world wide listeners by surprise. I was certainly one of those that were surprised. The album boasts tracks from Sting, U2, Franz Ferdinand and Radiohead, just to name a few. One of the stand out tracks for me was the new rendition of Coldplay’s “Clocks”. The success of Rhythms del Mundo Cuba thankfully paved the way for the follow up, Rhythms del Mundo Classics, which was released in the summer of 2009. The organizers built off of their previous model and took it a step further with an even more eclectic mix of artists and songs. Rhythms del Mundo Cuba and Rhythms del Mundo Classics are two albums that would be great additions to your music collection. Just push play and commence dancing.
KC’s Personal Picks: Keane’s cover of “Under Pressure”, The Rolling Stones’ take on “Under The Boardwalk” and The Killers’ rendition of “Hotel California”
Take a look at the video for “Clocks” from Rhythms del Mundo featuring Coldplay
Listen to the album:
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