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Maui Beat

James Taylor leaves mark on Maui

After his superb concert last Friday at the MACC, James Taylor expressed genuine appreciation for the special venue. He seemed as moved as we all were of having experienced a night of beloved classics, brilliant musicianship, heavenly harmonies and the reassuring presence of a truly soulful artist who delivers medicinal music, songs that feel like a warm, loving embrace.Weaving a rich tapestry from tender ballads to bluesy rockers, he enthralled the capacity crowd with golden favorites like "Carolina on My Mind," "Mexico," "Sweet Baby James" and a rousing "Steamroller," where he morphed ...

Q&A Part Two with James Taylor

ames Taylor was first struck by the power of music as a six-year old hearing the Coasters' 1950s hit, "Searchin'." By his teen years he was heading to Harlem to hear such soul legends as James Brown, Gladys Knight and Joe Tex play the Apollo. And at home he was immersed in absorbing albums by seminal artists like the Beatles, Miles Davis and Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim.You can hear echoes from all of these influences, from pop, soul and country to Brazilian, blues and jazz, in his songs.Forty three years after releasing his debut album, the depth of his artistry stills moves ...

You’ve Got a Friend at the MACC

The quintessential American singer/songwriter, James Taylor, first came to prominence in 1970 with the album, "Sweet Baby James." With an effortless, acoustically based blend of folk, R&B and jazz influences, Taylor established a distinctive, easy-going style. Expressing feelings of alienation and restlessness, the gifted composer found a huge audience that readily identified with his sagas of personal lows and highs.Over the years, this consummate artist has earned 40 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards, and five Grammys, delivering such treasures as "Fire & Rain," "Country ...

Front St. Jazz & Blues Walk

The Front Street Jazz & Blues Walk returns to Lahaina on April 5 and 6. This third annual event, presented by the Maui Jazz Society, will feature headliners saxophonist Michael Paulo, vibes virtuoso Emil Richards, multi-Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Melveen Leed, and blues great Michael Powers.Venues participating this year include Hard Rock Cafe, Longhi's, Kimo's, Pioneer Inn, Captain Jack's Island Grill, Fleetwood's on Front St. and the Old Lahaina Prison.A former member of Kalapana, Paulo has credits that include a 20-plus year musical relationship with Al Jarreau, and recordings ...

Dynamic Duo

You could call them Hawaii's super duo. Multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners Nathan Aweau and Jeff Peterson rarely perform together, but when they do, you can expect an evening of superb, virtuoso musicianship.Among their accomplishments, Jeff has contributed to three Grammy Award-winning recordings and Nathan has been bestowed with Na Hoku Hanohano Awards three times for Male Vocalist of the Year.Both have just released new solo albums, and they've collaborated on their first recording together, "Mamo," which is presently only available in Japan.These gifted musicians share a mutual ...

Bonnie Raitt Blues Baroness coming to the MACC

In an interview a few years ago, B.B. King was asked about guitarists he admires."Bonnie Raitt is my favorite slide guitarist," the blues legend revealed."That's the greatest compliment I could ever get in this life," says Raitt. "That was beyond winning Grammys. I don't necessarily agree or think the arts are a contest, but if I happen to be his favorite, I'm so proud to know how happy I make him. I know he's sincere because he's told me in person for years and then he said it in public."Unlike some leading artists who time has not treated well, Raitt, now in her early 60s, is still ...