"Herb has always been without question one of the finest technical 'ukulele players out there. With "'Ukulele Journey", he also touches your soul."

12 MP3 Songs in this album (49:18) !
Related styles: EASY LISTENING: Instrumental Pop, WORLD: Hawaiian



Details:
âThe Heart of The âUkuleleâ
Herb Ohta, Jr.

The âUkulele is the best-known Hawaiian instrument. In the 1950âs and 60âs all the bands had âukulele players. Some of the great musicians that made the instrument very popular were: Eddie Kamae, Ohta-san, Lyle Ritz, Don Baduria, Sr., John Lukela, Jesse Kalima, Kahauanu Lake, and Peter Moon.

Today there is a renaissance of sorts, thanks to the popularity of the new generation of âukulele players influencing the young people of Hawaiâi to pick up and learn to play; Troy Fernandez, Kelly-boy Delima, and Jake Shimabukuro. Herb Ohta, Jr. is just one breed of âukulele players.

Herbâs interest in music was very evident at an early age. Herbâs grandmother taught him his first song on the âukulele at the age of three. The song was âHappy Birthday.â His father, Ohta-San started his early instruction on the âukulele and Herb continued to study music playing the viola in high school. Herb was also a member of The Honolulu Boys Choir, The Honolulu Childrenâs Opera Chorus, and The University High School Select Choir.

Herb continued to take formal lessons from his father until he was 12 years old, because he started to have other interest. After being inspired by listening to the Makaha Sons of Niâihau and other local musicians at the age of 17, he became a devotee of Hawaiian music and the âukulele. The âukulele is in his genes and Hawaiian music is in his blood. Herb enjoys listening to all types of music, Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Country, Hip-hop, Rap, Latin, Salsa, and Reggae. But Herbâs favorite songs to perform are anything Hawaiian and any types of ballads. He feels that Hawaiian songs and ballads bring out the natural purist sound of the instrument. Herbâs style is reminiscent of his father, but distinct and recognizable as his very own. There is a graceful âNahenaheâ quality that is very Hawaiian, reflecting the inspirations of âukulele virtuosoâs Eddie Kamae and of course Ohta-San.

At 11 years old, Herb, Jr. began to teach for his fatherâs âukulele school occasionally while his father traveled away from home for business. In 1992, Herb started his own âukulele classes and continues to teach at Sonny Dâs âUkulele Shop in Waipahu, Oâahu, Harryâs Music Store in Kaimuki, Oâahu, and teaches Japanese visitors by appointment.

Teaching six days a week, Herb also finds time to compose new material, entertain at private and public functions, produce, and record. His recording debut was in 1990 on his fatherâs recording. Since then, Herb has recorded on over 50 recordings. He is a seven-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award Nominee and a two-time Hawaiâi Music Award Winner. Herbâs has released 2 national releases in Japan and co-authored two âukulele instructional books with Grammy Award artist Daniel Ho that was released in Japan and the United States. Herb has also traveled to Virginia to perform at the world-famous Wolftrap in front of nearly 7000 people. Herb has shared the stage with many of Hawaiâiâs legendary artists; Ledward Kaapana, The Makaha Sons, Dennis Kamakahi, The Lim Family, Kapena, Cyril Pahinui, George Kahumoku, Ohta-San, Kaâau Crater Boys, The Brothers Cazimero, and Daniel Ho to name a few.

As a teacher, composer, recording artist, entertainer, and producer, Herb Ohta, Jr. solidly establishes himself in the company of musicians who promote our Hawaiian instrument in the music landscape today. It is Herbâs goal to share the beauty of Hawaiâiâs music, its culture, and the âukulele to people all over the world. Herb has performed throughout the state of Hawaiâi and has traveled overseas to Japan and the mainland USA. Herb Ohta, Jr. is certainly a vanguard in this new generation of âukulele players.

"If a musician can transport their listeners to another place with their music, they are truly gifted. In "'Ukulele Journey," Herb Ohta, Jr. goes on a magical voyage...fueled by his creative expression, his amazing precision, his love for the 'ukulele...and guided by his imagination. With each note picked and each chord strummed, he invites you to come along for the ride, and willingly, almost hypnotized, you follow wherever he takes you. From classic Hawaiian melodies, to contemporary pop tunes, and sprinkling in a few of his own originals, he takes you out of the routine, and into a land of pure sensory delight.

Herb has always been without question one of the finest technical 'ukulele players out there. With this album, he touches your soul. The maturity of both the man and the musician are evident and showcases where Herb is on his own personal path that has brought him to this place in his "'Ukulele Journey."

Sharlene Oshiro
Sharlene Oshiro & Associates, LLC