I know a musician.
I can hear you in your head right now saying, no kidding Jody?
Yes, I do. I know several actually. But today I’m thinking about one in particular. His name is Daniel Ho. I’ve met Daniel several times over the past couple of years. If there is a musician who has more smiles on his face at any given time I have no idea who it would be. Daniel always greets people with a smile. It’s amazing. It’s one of those things that makes you feel real good inside when you meet him.
I bumped into Daniel last weekend at the ASCAP Expo. I didn’t know he’d be there but it turns out he was performing at the event as well. Last time I ran into him with Tia Carrere. Yet another artist that is very friendly. That was during a Grammy® party. In fact it was probably in December that I featured Tia playing with Daniel here on Single of the Day.
Well here is Daniel with one of his own songs. He graciously gave me a copy to listen to. I had it in my car and it played thru several times before I finally pulled it out to put it in my iTunes library. So many pleasant songs. But this one No Apologies is one that I really took a liking to. In fact I like it so much I’m going to introduce it in my longer live acoustic sets when I perform.
The guitar riff is very much like something I would come up with and what really catches my ear is the dynamics he’s using when he plays. Most recordings are going for so much volume that the intricate little ways we play end up getting lost, especially when it comes to volume.
The story of the song is one that I can relate to as well. Being in tune with the music I want to write and play and I make no apologies for what I’m showcasing. I believe in it that much. I’m betting Daniel believes in his music that much too. And why not, he’s won several Grammys® now for his Hawaiian music. That’s an awesome feat! Turns out I also know his co-writer on this song, Faith Rivera – yet another talented singer/songwriter.
So sit back and enjoy the music and the message. Then go pick up a copy of Daniel’s tunes for yourself. You won’t regret it.