Olympia, Washington pianist extraordinaire Scott Cossu first played Maui in the early ’80s when he was one of a promising stable of young musicians on the Windham Hill label. That California cadre featured a talented bunch of artists—pianists George Winston, Liz Story and Barabara Higbie, guitarists Will Ackerman, Alex de Grassi and Michael Hedges, fusion group … [Read more...] about Scott Cossu
Maui Band
Fish Tank
It was one of those nights that had an inexplicable momentum. There was a strange excitement in the air that went beyond that of a standard Saturday evening. It was one of those nights that required a different sonic component; something extra, something groovy and mischievous. Fortunately we were in the right place: Mulligan’s on the Blue, where new Maui band Fish Tank … [Read more...] about Fish Tank
Benoit JazzWorks
Phil Benoit and his brother, David, were very different growing up in Hernando Beach, California. While Phil and his other brother Dan were “surf rats,” David, cofounder of Maui jazz fixture Benoit JazzWorks, was at home, sitting at the piano. “He was playing the piano certainly as long as I can remember,” Phil says. Those long hours at the keys … [Read more...] about Benoit JazzWorks
Anuhea
Imagine, among the chaotic desert, among the saturated streets, the clubs teeming with tequila sound and amplifier fury, among the musical microcosm that is Austin, Texas in mid-March, an oasis. It would likely be on some rooftop, with palms and flowers and other things that sway. Its soundtrack would feature balmy, catchy tunes and sultry vocals strung along golden melodies. … [Read more...] about Anuhea
Assault Squad Riderz
The Valley Isle is not exactly teeming with hip-hop acts, but Assault Squad Riderz has managed to get itself on the map. Consisting of Burn Bangatrax, Moet and 81-J, A.S.R. has been around for over a decade. They play somewhat regularly on-island and host Inferno Fridays at Lulu’s in Kihei. Tracks from their latest release, From the Rock 2 the Block, reveal a sound that … [Read more...] about Assault Squad Riderz