these are not real band members as I'm not a band persay, but guys that I will call if I need the full band, or trio, or whatever is necisarry: Dennis McClees (bass), Adj Larioza (drums/percussion), John Porlas Jr. (percussion), Dan DelNegro (keyboards), Michael Grande (keyboards)
Influences
Sakiusa Bulikoko, Nico Assumpção, Buddy Fo and the Invitations, Na Palapalai, Carrol Wellsman, Richard Kauhi, Joao Bosco, Brian Bromberg, Drew Zingg, Ry Cooder, Gilberto Gil, Wayne Krantz, Miky Chung, David Lindley, Vernon Sakata, Arthur Maia, Steely Dan, Michael Ruff, Dennis McClees, DJ Shadow, The Lifesavers, Sly and Robby, Slim Dusty, Peter Tosh, Joe Pass, Warren Zeavon, Nick Lowe, Junior Brown, Speedy Wess, Ella Fitzgerald, Albert Collins, Thumbs Carllile, Steve Gad, Trilok Gurtu, Glen Campbell, Chet Atkins, Oscar Peterson, Robben Ford, Bailey Matsuda, Canibus/Rip The Jacker, Eddie Kamae and the Sons Of Hawaii, Brent Mason, Buzz Evans, Joao Gilberto, Djavan, Ivan Linds, Jerome Grey, Gabby Pahinui, K Lake
Sounds Like
Me, I hope... Both instrumentally and vocally you can hear bits from all my influences at any given point.
Hi. Firstly, wellcome to the page.. Shawn here. Originally I just figured I'd try this out to see if it works. I guess it does, because I haven't thrown up my hands in frustration in trying to manage it.. HEHehehe. .. Anyway, Thanks for your interest, good or bad, in the page.. Hehehe. This page will always be changing with different songs, new blogs, updated event schedule and the like, so you're definitely encouraged to check back often.
Well, in case you're seeing this for the first time, my name is Shawn Ishimoto.. My resume looks something like this, generally. I've been in the music profession for roughly 16 years and some change. During that time I've recorded a few of my own CD's, under a stage name. One of those recieved a Na Hoku Hanohano award here in Hawai..i back in 1999 for best contemporary album of the year or something.. I've also had the privlidge of working extensively as a drummer, bassist, guitarist, and ukulele player with high profile local artists and bands such as the Ka'au Crater Boys, The Opihi Pickers, Robie Kahakalau, Typical Hawaiians, Kanalo, Na Leo, John Cruz, as well as many many other folks.. Currently however, I'm a "working musician" in Waikiki, working primarily hotels and restaurants around the area. I actually prefer this over being in the recording industry side of music here.. Less stress. I've definitely been around the block as far as the industry goes, and I actually have found that the way things are now for me is a lot more comfortable. I still enjoy working in bands a lot, and will take any work I can, but I'm definitely over the "recording artist" stage of my life.. In other words, I really have no ambition to become a "name" on my own. Just not where my head is anymore.. Anyway, back to what I do currently. For these jobs I'm working now, I am on guitar mostly, with ocasional bass opportunities.. Other than that, I am proficient and compitent on drums, ukulele, and Some keyboards also.. I said I was proficient and compitent, not awesome or incredible. But my ear is good.
And my M O as it relates to being in a band is pretty simple. And it's something I learned early on in band from one of my favorite teachers of all Mister Don Tsuha. "You can accomplish far greater things as a team than you can on your own". That's how I feel as far as music goes. Yes, I have my own musical likes and dislikes, but I also know everything has it's place in terms of style and the like, and I try to mold myself to the style and or "feel" (if you prefer) of a particular band or front person.. I'm well versed in multiple genres of music, even those I'm not all that fond of.. But I'm also practical. While I have my own personal tastes, I also realize there is a practicality that can't and shouldn't be avoided or ignored.. Furthermore I will do my best in any band I am in as a musician. That is my real interest, is being a good solid musician rather than a front guy. I prefer playing in bands or behind someone else. I feel a good solid supporting cast just makes the music that much better. Plus I actually feel I contribute more in this role as opposed to being "the band". Having said all of that, if you are on O'ahu and do need a hired gun, let me know. My schedule is pretty full now, but if you have jobs coming up or something happens last minute and I'm available, well it doesn't hurt to ask anyway. Just putting that out there. I have been in countless bands around town, and have been working professionally for the past 16 years. In terms of bands currently, I am a member of Peter Apo's Rainbow Nation Band. A great spot for me to play all the great folk music and some cool new stuff that Peter's been writing. I have also just recently joined an upstart Hawaiian group, that will be making some waves fairly soon, called Kapala. Great stuff that you can look forwward to.. Really innovative. And all the members of the group are awesome guys. I am also an honorary "Geezer" in the classic country 'n Western band The Geezers.. In other words, the door's usually always open for me to come in and out, and I apreciate that. They're a lot of fun to play with. I also am working on ocasion with Acoustic Playground, with is a lot of fun. Also I have started working with Mailani Makainai, where I am on bass. That is also very nice..
Anyway,this is the page for all the musical talk and whatever relates to it. So feel free to drop me a line. Thanks again for visiting. Take care, and hope to talk to you soon. By the way, for a more detailed bio and a comprehensive list of folks I have worked with, check out the bio on my website. That one's pretty in depth. See you soon.
Hey whats going on? Thanks so much for stoppin by!
WE have great news! The epic release of our premiere album is scheduled for the end of this year!!!!! Be sure to stay tuned! We Hope you have a merry Christmas!!
Just a friendly Reminder: This Saturday we celebrate 20 years of Hispanic Heritage Month; and also the 20th.Anniversary of the Hawaii International Latin Music Festival Celebrations in Honolulu. The Big PARTY "SALSA UNDER THE STARS" is a a BIRTHDAY PARTY to CELEBRATE those last 20 YEARS OF Latin-Salsa Music in Hawaii!!! 8pm The Waterfront @ Aloha Tower $15 Cover. DANCE-CONCERT-SHOW!Add a captionJust a friendly Reminder: This Saturday we celebrate 20 years of Hispanic Heritage Month; and also the 20th.Anniversary of the Hawaii International Latin Music Festival Celebrations in Honolulu. The Big PARTY "SALSA UNDER THE STARS" is a a BIRTHDAY PARTY to CELEBRATE those last 20 YEARS OF Latin-Salsa Music in Hawaii!!! 8pm The Waterfront @ Aloha Tower $15 Cover. DANCE-CONCERT-SHOW! http://www.myspace.com/rolandosanchezandsalsahawaiiband
Hi Shawn!! I do have copies of Sakis on the road to shambala Cd thats it. I'll get one to you if you like but im sure you have it. Yes lets get together and have a listening to Sakiusa Party!! Hey Shawn one more thing could you send a friend request to my son Kapena he Love's you & your music he would be stoked if you droped him a line. He's on my Kapena front page in my top 10 list, its Kapena Unplugged you can check out some of the music he's been recording in school.
hey brrrrotha! how you doin mang?! just hollerin letting you know we're still alive. Me and Leia will be on Molokai all next week but we're plannin to pop in on one or your gigs when we get back. we miss you mang!
Hey Shawn!! when I opened your page and heard Sakiusa singing I had to take a little pause to reflect on all the good times we had!! I really miss him we traveled to many place's and I have so many stories of him & stories he shared with me, good time's!! I see your doing great keep up the good work!!
Saturday June 20th 7pm Come and meet the Band Up-Close & Personal! A Live Concert Presentation by Hawaii's Premiere International Award Winning Latin-Jazz-Salsa music recording Artists! ROLANDO SANCHEZ & SALSA HAWAII Rolando Sanchez-Vocals and Timbales Jules Kam-Vocals and hand percussions Nicole Brilhante-Vocals Eileen Uchima-Piano Will Yokoyama-Bass Lindy Patterson-Congas Ray Williams-Trumpet John Lundgren-Sax
just stopping by to see what going on with you my brutha!...a friend of mines just recently told me that you did some studio work on his album...his name is Kapono, anyways...he said it was pretty sick, and i can't wait to get a listen!!
Mahalo for the invite dude! It's been a long time! Looks lke you've been keeping busy, huh!? I've just started a new gig at Outrigger Reef! Every Tuesday! Good to hear from you my friend!
hey shawn..it's one the twins... glad told me she had you on her page so i decided to invite you. i see your doing well and married. i am no longer in hawaii i live in vegas married and i have to boys. anyway, you take care...aloha grace
hi brother. thanks so much for the add. i've missed you! i hope everything is going well. I'm dorming and playing volleyball for Chaminade University. how have you been?
thanks for adding the eleni song to your playlist for people to listen to. as always, it is a breath of fresh air hearing all flavors of polynesian music in here. faafetai tele lava. have a great rest-of-the-weekend.
hey my bad about last saturday..we ran into some trouble while getting on to the boat...and by the time we got situated, and went up to the pool deck...no one was there...well have to catch up some other time...aloha!
Hi Shawn! I had such a blast playing with you and Dennis at Rum Fire. I hope that you had fun too! I'll get you the February schedule as soon as I figure it out. Have a fabulous week!
happy new year man, yeah...i was talking about the NCL one, and this is gonna be our third time around...i'm not sure if thats good or bad..lol..nah, but yeah i'll stop by the pool deck!
