Lorenzo finds strength in home.
RANDY Lorenzo's first solo album comes more than 20 years into a prolific career as a vocalist, musician, composer and sideman. He was an original member of Olomana, a multi-faceted member of Country Comfort, and youngest member of the Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band.
He backed Cecilio & Kapono and Keola & Kapono Beamer before joining Peter Moon as a founding member of the Peter Moon Band. An early composition, "To Be Lonely," was a first-rate, could-have-been-a-hit contribution to Country Comfort's definitive debut album, but he is probably best known as lead vocalist on the Peter Moon Band's most enduring hit, "Island Love."
His solo debut is a beautiful musical portrait of the artist as a well-seasoned troubadour. Lorenzo's years on the mainland heightened his appreciation of 'aina and ohana while further broadening his musical perspectives.
Kimo Cornwell shares credit for arrangements that seamlessly knit together Hawaiian, rock, pop, acoustic rock and Latin nuances without indulging in "Jawaiian" shortcuts or vapid synthesizer filler. Lorenzo's distinctive voice is the focal point.
"My Hula Girl" and "Hana by the Sea" are immediately memorable but production values are high throughout. Lorenzo celebrates his Hawaiian heritage with beautiful arrangements of "Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua," and "He Moana Ke Kai," shares his enjoyment of fatherhood in "Through a Keiki's Eyes." He closes the collection with a poignant medley, "Hawai'i Aloha"/"Aloha 'Oe."
Call this one perfect!