Gregg Perry & Peck Tunes LLC & Perryscope Records: The Latest News

Hilo, Hi
Wednesday, May 7, 2008

The Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts released the 2008 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards list of Nominees today.

Perryscope Records received two nominations. One in the Best Jazz CD category for the 2007 release "Joy Ride" featuring Jazz vocalist Lou Ann Gurney, produced by Gregg Perry for Perryscope Records.

The independent Big Island based production company and recording label also received a nomination for "Two Guitars One Heart" a CD of lap steel duets by virtuosos John Bellar and Ron Neilsen. The production is nominated in the category of Technical Excellence for Best Enigineering by Gregg Perry and Charles Michael Brotman.

The 2008 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards show will be held June 17 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, HI.

A complete list of nominees follows:

31st Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

Group of the Year

Barefoot Natives, "Slack Key Circus" (Barefoot Natives)

Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawaii, "Back to Romance" (Mountain Apple Co.)

Maunalua, "Ho'okanaka" (Lokahi)

Sean Na'auao & Robi Kahakalau, "S&R" (Poi Pounder)

Pilioha, "Pilioha" (Pilioha)

Female Vocalist

Teresa Bright, "Hawaiinawa" (Teresa Bright)

Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, "A Hawaiian Christmas" (Tiki Man)

Napua Greig, "Pihana" (Pihana)

Raiatea Helm, "Hawaiian Blossom" (Raiatea Helm)

Ku'uipo Kumukahi, "The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Presents -- Na Lani 'Eha" (Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame)

Male Vocalist

Nathan Aweau, "Kane'ohe" (Bass Plus Music Arts)

John Cruz, "One of These Days" (Lilikoi)

Weldon Kekauoha, "Ka Lehua 'Ula" ('Ohelo)

Keali'i Reichel, "Kukahi -- Live in Concert" (Punahele)

Hoku Zuttermeister, "'Aina Kupuna" (Kaleiola)

Compilation Album

"Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest Winners 8," various artists (Hula Records); Donald P. "Flip" McDiarmid III, William "Baba" Alimoot and Dr. Trey, producers

"Aloha Slack Key -- A Tribute to Gabby 'Pops' Pahinui," various artists (Hula Records); Donald P. "Flip" McDiarmid III and Donald P. McDiarmid Jr., producers

"Hawaii Slack Key Guitar Festivals -- Volume II Ki Ho'alu No Ka 'Oi," various artists (Rhythm & Roots Records); Milton Lau, Chris Lau, Scott Lau, Che Capili and Kris Lee, producers

"Songs from Hawai'i Island," various artists (Daniel Ho Creations); Keoki Kahumoku, producer

"Treasures of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar," various artists (Daniel Ho Creations); George Kahumoku Jr., Paul Konwiser, Wayne Wong and Daniel Ho, producers

Religious Album

"I Am Yours," Koa (Firestarter)

"L.I.F.E.," Tiffany Thurston (Thurston-Pacific)

"Redeemed," Gary Haleamau (GSK)

"Take My Hand," Kristian Lei (Women of Our World)

"Thankful," Jon Almosara (no label)

Most Promising Artist(s)

Napua Greig, "Pihana" (Pihana)

Kamau, "Live from the Lo'i" (Eepa)

Darin Leong, "Five Years and Many Miles" (Darin Leong)

Pilioha, "Pilioha" (Pilioha)

Hoku Zuttermeister, "'Aina Kupuna" (Kaleiola)

Contemporary Album

"Back to Romance," Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawaii (Mountain Apple Company)

"Back to the Islands," Sonya Mendez (Fat & Happy)

"Calling Out," Mighty J (Daddy)

"No Place Like Home," Manoa DNA (Roy Sakuma Productions)

"One of These Days," John Cruz (Lilikoi)

Anthology

"Author! Author!" Cordell Keith Haugen (Island Viking); Cordell Keith Haugen, producer

"The Best of Ekolu," Ekolu (Waiehu); Brett Fovargue and Lukela Keala, producers

"Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln Hawaii's Falsetto Poet," Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln (Cord International/HanaOla); Harry B. Soria Jr., producer

"One Fearless Hawaiian," various artists (Fearless Hawaiian Entertainment); Kwai-Chang Publico and Gavin Tanouye, producers

R&B/Hip Hop Album

"At Your Door," Nomasterbacks (CommonGround)

"Ill Valley," Hoku Haiku (Bayan)

"The Kama'aina Classic," I.A. (I.A. and the Hawaiian Punch)

"More Than Just a Song," Nigel Kauanui (no label)

"Naha Stone," King Kekai (Ekahi Entertainment)

Reggae Album

"From the Heart," Natural Vibrations (Natural Vibrations)

"1 Rebel," O-Shen (Sharpnote)

"OP VI," Opihi Pickers (Go Aloha Entertainment)

"Say What You're Thinking," Katchafire (Ohana)

"Slow Burning," Katchafire (Mai Music)

Island Music Album

"He'eia," Cyril Pahinui (Dancing Cat)

"Live from the Lo'i," Kamau (Eepa)

"S & R," Sean Na'auao and Robi Kahakalau (Poi Pounder)

"Slack Key Circus," Barefoot Natives (Barefoot Natives)

"Wonderful World," Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole (Mountain Apple Co.)

Music Video/DVD

"Hawai'i Kids Calabash," Leon & Malia (Leon & Malia)

"Kamehameha Schools 2007 Song Contest," Kamehameha Schools (Mountain Apple Co.)

"Kukahi - Live In Concert," Keali'i Reichel (Punahele)

"Romantic Waikiki Hula Featuring Hiram Olsen Trio," Kanoe Miller (Tropical Baby Productions)

"To the World From Ekolu," Ekolu (Waiehu)

Instrumental Album

"Five Years And Many Miles," Darin Leong (Hawaii Guitar)

"Hula Girls -- Original Soundtrack," Jake Shimabukuro (Hitchhike)

"Pure Slack Key," Jeff Peterson (Peterson)

"Stranger Here," Bobby Ingano (Get Your Own Band)

"Sunny Rain Guitar Solos," Cindy Combs (Dancing Cat)

Hawaiian Album Of The Year

"'Aina Kupuna," Hoku Zuttermeister (Kaleiola)

"Hawaiian Blossom," Raiatea Helm (Raiatea Helm)

"Ho'okanaka," Maunalua (Lokahi)

"Kane'ohe," Nathan Aweau (Bass Plus Music Arts)

"Pihana," Napua Greig (Pihana)

Christmas Album

"A Hawaiian Christmas," Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom (Tiki Man)

"Holiday Hell Yeah!" Go Jimmy Go (Moon Room)

"Slack Key Christmas," various artists (Palm)

"A Pass Out Records Christmas," Abe Lagrimas Jr. (Pass Out)

"Seasons of Love," Afatia (Tihati)

Jazz Album

"For All We Know," Joy Abbott &
Betty Lou Taylor (Ladybug)

"Joy Ride," Lou Ann Gurney (Perryscope)

"Shine," Angela Crandall (Music Formats)

Rock Album

"Irishman in Paradise," Dooling Rakes (no label)

"Make Way for Progress," The Golf Cart Rebellion (Hawaiian Express)

"Maximum Stompers," Max Murdoch & the Northern Soul Project (Pass Out)

"Take a Chance and Let the Music Play," 82Fifty (Lab Munkeez)

"Where You Are," Koa (Firestarter)

Comedy Album

"The Augie Show Season One," Augie T (Kinetic Films)

"Hawaii, I Love It," Frank De Lima (Pocholinga)

"The Tide Is High," Stephanie Sanchez (Oceanic Time Warner)

Song of the Year

"Ka Lehua 'Ula," by Weldon Kekauoha, from "Ka Lehua 'Ula," Weldon Kekauoha ('Ohelo)

"Kane'ohe," by Nathan Aweau, from "Kane'ohe," Nathan Aweau (Bass Plus Music Arts)

"Ke Aloha A'u E Hali'a Nei," by Eric Gilliom and Willie Kahaiali'i, from "Slack Key Circus," Barefoot Natives (Barefoot Natives)

"Lawakua," by Napua Greig and Kihei Nahale'a, from "Pihana," Napua Greig (Pihana)

"Ola'a Beauty," by Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, from "'Aina Kupuna," Hoku Zuttermeister (Kaleiola)

Album of the Year

"'Aina Kupuna," Hoku Zuttermeister (Kaleiola); Hoku Zuttermeister and Dave Tucciarone, producers

"Hawaii Blossom," Raiatea Helm (Raiatea Helm); Zachary Helm and Dave Tucciarone, producers

"The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Presents -- Na Lani 'Eha," Ku'uipo Kumukahi (Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame); Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame, Isaac Ahuna, Karen Aiu, Ku'uipo Kumukahi and Steve Kramer, producers

"Pihana," Napua Greig (Pihana); Dave Tucciarone, producer

"Slack Key Circus," Barefoot Natives (Barefoot Natives); Eric Gilliom, Willie Kahaiali'i and Brian Kohne, producers

Graphics

John Gruhler, Les Honda, Kawika Kahele and Sharlene Oshiro for
"Kane'ohe," Nathan Aweau (Bass Plus Music Arts)

Jon de Mello and Keith Usher for "Wonderful World," Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole (Mountain Apple Co.)

Stacey Leong Design for "The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Presents -- Na Lani 'Eha," Ku'uipo Kumukahi & the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Serenaders (Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame)

Yuko Porter for "'Ukulele Journey," Herb Ohta Jr. (Lele Music)

B. Kanai'a Nakamura for "'Aina Kupuna," Hoku Zuttermeister (Kaleiola)

Liner Notes

Burton White for "Na Hula Punahele," Tony C (Mountain Apple Co.)

Kimo Alama Keaulana, R. Keawe Lopes and Harry B. Soria Jr., for "Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln Hawaii's Falsetto Poet," Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln (Cord International/HanaOla)

Carla Kawakami for "No Place Like Home," Manoa DNA (Roy Sakuma Productions)

Cindy A. Lance and Lynn Makalani Oakley for "Aloha Slack Key -- A Tribute to Gabby 'Pops' Pahinui," various artists (Hula Records)

Robert Uluwei Cazimero for "'Aina Kupuna," Hoku Zuttermeister (Kaleiola)

Engineering

Milan Bertosa for "Take a Chance and Let the Music Play," 82Fifty (Lab Munkeez)

Milan Bertosa and Nick Fournier for "Slack Key Circus," Barefoot Natives (Barefoot Natives)

Gregg Perry and Charles Michael Brotman for "Two Guitars One Heart," John Bellar and Ron Nielson (New Harmony)

Dave Tucciarone for "Pihana," Napua Greig (Pihana)

Dave Tucciarone for "Hawaiian Blossom," Raiatea Helm (Raiatea Helm)

Favorite Entertainer

Nathan Aweau, "Kane'ohe" (Bass Plus Music Arts)

Barefoot Natives, "Barefoot Natives" (Barefoot Natives)

Teresa Bright, "Hawaiinawa" (Teresa Bright)

John Cruz, "One of These Days" (Lilikoi)

Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, "A Hawaiian Christmas" (Tiki Man)

Napua Greig, "Pihana" (Pihana)

Raiatea Helm, "Hawaiian Blossom" (Raiatea Helm)

Weldon Kekauoha, "Ka Lehua 'Ula" ('Ohelo)

Maunalua, "Ho'okanaka" (Lokahi)

Hoku Zuttermeister, "'Aina Kupuna" (Kaleiola)

Peck Tunes LLC and Perryscope Records

PRESS RELEASE

For further information please contact:
Gregg Perry
808.966.4153
glperry@interpac.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Joy Ride - A New CD And Release Party From Jazz Vocalist Lou Ann Gurney

Hilo, Hawaii – December 22, 2007 – Lou Ann Gurney, an outstanding jazz vocalist from the island of Hawai'i, has released a new CD entitled Joy Ride. The eclectic jazz CD contains 13 classic jazz standards and jazz pop songs and represents some of the finest songwriters in American popular music history including Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen, George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Peggy Lee and Irving Berlin among others.

Ms. Gurney’s vocal style has been hailed as “…Gershwinesque, charming and reminiscent of a simpler time of innocence...” by Desiree` Moana Cruz of the Hawaii Island Journal. And Wayne Harada of the Honolulu Advertiser says of Lou Ann, “Gurney sings with a gentle, sincere eloquence...”

Joy Ride will be shared with the public for the first time at a House Concert/CD release party in Kapoho Vacationland on Sunday, January 13. The public is invited to the CD release party, which will be held in the comfortable setting of a private residence in Vacationland. Ms. Gurney will be joined by four of the Big Island’s finest musicians, Gregg Perry piano, Richard Lee sax and flute, Jerry Dicey bass and Bruce David drums.

Ms. Gurney has been performing on the Big Island for many years, focusing on classic jazz standards. Her familiarity with the genre allows her a natural feel for and kinship with the 13 tunes on the CD. Opening with Peggy Lee’s “I Don’t Know Enough About You”, Gurney sets the tone for the entire CD - a kind of I-love-these-songs-and-you-will-too attitude that pervades throughout.

Commenting from her home in Puna Ms. Gurney remarked, “I‘m deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to make this CD. It exceeds my expectations. Thank you to Gregg and all the musicians who contributed their creative energy to make Joy Ride what it is.”

The project was produced and arranged by Big Island producer Gregg Perry and recorded at Perry’s Peck Tunes Studio in Ainaloa. “This CD is sparked by high octane players and infectious grooves,” commented Perry. “Lou Ann and I have been working on this project for the past year. I couldn’t be more pleased with the level of professionalism and creativity that Lou Ann has achieved with every performance on this production. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t enjoy this CD.”

On the CD, Perry also plays piano, Hammond B 3 organ, and other instruments. Big Island musician Ahti Mohala contributes inventive sax and clarinet solos in various styles. Volcano Choy graces the bossa nova classic “The Gentle Rain” with a virtuosic trumpet solo. And multi-talented L.A. musician/producer Stephan Oberhoff adds a dazzling guitar and piano and is credited with two superb string arrangements on “Our Love Is Here To Stay” and “In The Still Of The Night.” Completing the rhythm section are Ozelle “Ozzy” Washington on Bass and Ralph Frouts on drums.

The CD will be available January 2008 at local retail music outlets and on-line at www.cdbaby.com, www.louanngurney.com, and www.pecktunes.com.

A $10 donation is requested for the House Concert/CD release party. The donation goes to pay the musicians and to support live music. For more information, please phone 965.7893 or email lagsings@mac.com. For directions to the House Concert/CD Release party please go to www.pecktunes.com.

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Peck Tunes LLC and Perryscope Records

PRESS RELEASE

For further information please contact:
Gregg L. Perry
808.966.4153
glperry@interpac.net

Earth Patriot - The Multi-Cultural Sound of Kumanu

Hilo, Hawaii - November 13, 2007 - Kumanu, an innovative new music group from the island of Hawai'i, has released a new CD entitled Earth Patriot. Kumanu’s global fusion music is the driving focus of this recording and their message comes through loud and clear. It is vibrant music with a positive take on a world facing global environmental and social problems. It is also a call to action at a time when these issues seem insurmountable.

"In 1990 with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Earth Day there was a reawakening of environmental awareness across the United States and around the world," stated Howard Shapiro executive producer of Earth Patriot. “I thought an album addressing environmental and social issues would be of importance at the time."

Shapiro continues, "Although I've waited a long time to see Earth Patriot completed, I feel the same reawakening today. Many of us have come to realize that we must face global challenges through a cooperative effort of our political leaders and, more importantly, as individuals, collectively around the world."

The eclectic and innovative new sound of Kumanu is culled from the vast reaches of the Pacific and bridges boundaries of race and nationality. Kumanu consists of 12 musicians, vocalists and dancers blending several musical genres to create a new "global fusion music" that reflects their diverse multi-cultural background. Kumanu’s members include Native Hawaiian, Native American, African-American, Asian and European ancestry.

Several well known Hawaiian based artists make up Kumanu and include Damon Williams, James McWhinney, Rupert Tripp, Jr., Tioni Tam Sing, Bruce David, Doug Espejo, Adam Kay, Randy Skaggs, Marsha Hee, Kamaluhia Woolley, Gregg Perry and Howard Shapiro.

Gregg Perry, producer for Earth Patriot and music director for Kumanu noted, “The Earth Patriot project offered Howard and I the opportunity of having 5 lead vocalists interpret our music in their own unique styles and the final product has far surpassed our greatest expectations. We
watched these phenomenal performers come together enthusiastically in support of our vision and they truly ‘gave it up’ with incredible grace, power and articulation.”

Guest artists include Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Kenny Loggins, Emmy Award winning singer/songwriter Faith Rivera, and Pamela Polland and Mikuak Rai.

Many of the vocalists and musicians from Kumanu were members of the group Hawai`i Island Performing Artists which performed on the We Are `Ohana - Songs of Hope CD. We Are 'Ohana was highly acclaimed and local music critic John Burnett stated, "It is the best written, conceived and produced pop CD recorded to date on the Big Island."

The `Ohana CD continues to successfully promote awareness and create a sense of hope regarding the issue of substance abuse and addiction, especially that of crystal methamphetamine (ICE). In November 2005 the group Kumanu was created and began performing for the live concert series We Are `Ohana - Working Together to Heal Our Islands. The concerts share a message of hope and promote healthy and positive lifestyles for youth.

Kumanu currently presents a program that incorporates music from the Earth Patriot and We Are `Ohana CD’s. It is the sincere desire of the members of Kumanu that their music is a catalyst to encourage a grassroots discussion of how communities might solve the global problems that we face today, creating solutions that transcend governmental and nationalistic boundaries.

The producers have in development proposals for a feature length film, a children’s animated weekly series based on multi-ethnic Earth Patriot characters, and educational materials addressing social and environmental issues. The CD enthusiastically states, “Now is the time to stand with Conviction of the Heart and proclaim, We are Earth Patriots!”

A release party for Earth Patriot will be held on November 21 at the Palace Theater. This will be part of a special presentation of Hawai`iana Live with Leilehua Yuen. The show begins at 10:30am to be followed at 11:30am by a reception. The public is invited to join Kumanu and friends in celebration of the release of the Earth Patriot CD.

Recycle Hawaii and Performing and Fine Artists for World Peace are co-sponsors of the Earth Patriot CD. All proceeds support the programs of these 501 (c)(3) non-profit organizations.

The Earth Patriot CD will be available for sale at most retail music outlets and on-line beginning in mid-November, 2007. For more information about ordering the Earth Patriot CD or scheduling performances by Kumanu, please phone 808.985.8725, e-mail artpeac@aloha.net or visit www.artistsandpeace.org or www.pecktunes.com.
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