SUGahDADDY 'ehawaiianrockband
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SUGahDADDY 'ehawaiianrockband

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"Island Mele"

Island Mele
Posted on Sat Nov 12, 2005
John Berger

Review

"Suffereignty"
SUGahDADDY
(Daddy Leopard)

The rock band has addressed social issues in its songs before, but this thematic album is a significant step into the political arena. "Suffereignty" follows the examples set by Henry Kapono Kaaihue's 1993 masterpiece "KAPONO" and Peter Apo's 1990 compilation "Hawaiian Nation: A Call for Sovereignty" in demonstrating the power of music as a means of political education.

The title song defines "suffereignty" as being what native Hawaiians experience when they squabble among themselves instead of
working together. The lyrics refer to the familiar story of Hawaiian crabs in a bucket -- when one starts to climb out, another pulls it back down. While SUGahDADDY doesn't endorse any particular politician for leadership, it does note that native Hawaiians began to lose power when they didn't work as one.

There are some powerful statements on this album. The opening "Pali Uli" tells the story of a people "lost at sea" with their homeland overrun by strangers. "Anahola" attacks the shameful pattern of mismanagement within the Hawaiian Homes Administration throughout most of the past century.

"Office of Hawaiian Despair" and "Corner of Kuhio" reinforce the message that things haven't gotten much better for native Hawaiians as a group over the years.

SUGahDADDY has defined itself from the beginning as a "hawaiianrockband." After exploring a blues/rock sound on previous albums, the quintet has moved to a more progressive folk-rock style that works well.
- Star-Bulettin


"Island Sounds"

ISLAND SOUNDS


By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer



"SUFFEREIGNTY" BY SUGAH DADDY; DADDY LEOPARD RECORDS

# Genre: World music.

# Distinguishing notes: SUGah DADDY offers an eclectic roster of original music, mostly from the pen of member Mat Kalani Souza, with chum Darrell Aquino contributing a title or two. The group, which also features Michael Cueva, Jason Nobriga and Chris Luke, mixes folk styles with Hawaiiana, pop with blues, in projecting tales of the 'aina, the culture, the political climate, the everyday lessons of life. "Pali Uli" sets the tone of wonder and timelessness, linking past with present; "Corner of Kuhio" typifies the group's ability to take something mundane and give it meaning; "Wai'opuka" blends lore with hope; "Office of Hawaiian Despair" is a somewhat sardonic view of divisive decision-making. Quite a heavy load to peruse and ponder.

# The outlook: A personal journey, with songs that share real-life meaning once you get beneath the surface.

# Our take: Just a spoonful of SUGah will get you humming, if not thinking.
- Honolulu Advertiser


"Under A Native Moon CD"

Author:

Keola Donaghy

Posted:
10/31/2004; 8:41:51 AM
Topic:
Review: SUGahDADDY's 'Under A Native Moon'


Review: SUGahDADDY's 'Under A Native Moon'
As my focus is on music that is more traditionally flavored, I sometimes miss out on really good locally produced music outside of that genre. SUGahDADDY's "Under A Native Moon" is one of the more unique releases I've heard from a Hawai'i band in a while, with very strong music roots in R&B, with a local flavor. All of the compositions are originals by band members M. Kalani Souza and Darrell Aquina, except for two which also feature outside collaborators. The most welcom news - no covers. The title track is my personal favorite is the title track, with a strong melodic hook and arrangements.

Bottom Line: SUGahDADDY walks the the beat of their own drummer, literally and figuratively. And that is a good thing
- Keola Donaghy


"Island Sounds"

"UNDER A NATIVE MOON" by Sugah Daddy; Daddy Leopard Records

• Genre: Contemporary.

• Distinguishing notes: Rock fever used to mean a feeling of stagnation and isolation on an island. Not so with SUGahDADDY, whose CD is crammed with vibrant chips of substance and style. The group includes Darrell Aquino, vocals, bass and guitar; Mat Kalani Souza, vocals, guitar and harmonica; Jason Nobriga, lead guitar; Michael Y. Cueva, tenor sax; and John Charleson, drums. All the songs are original, mostly from the pen of Aquino and Souza, and it's a smooth ride. A bit of blues on "Queenie Baby," spontaneous and free-flowing rock on "Under a Native Moon" (featured on three separate cuts), a sliver of frisky '60s- and '70s-style slide-and-glide dance tempos on "Oh Donna," a dash of soul on "But Me." Sax and harmonica in the musical mix yield a sleek sound.

• The outlook: Nothing but good vibrations.

• Our take: This Sugah Daddy rocks — for Sugah Mommies, too.



Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, or fax 525-8055. - Honolulu Advertiser


Discography

Debut CD: SUGahDADDY 'ehawaiianrockband
2nd CD: SUGahDADDY 'ehawaiianrockband, "Under A Native Moon"
3rd CD: SUGahDADDY 'ehawaiianrockband, "Suffereignty"

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

For many years, these guys have made their way
through the ins and outs of the music scene in Honolulu.
From the conventional hotel gig in Waikiki,
the underground ska scene, singing songs for hula halau, playing in funk, reggae,
R&B groups, jazz sidemen, to blues, they've done it.

After years of being journeymen, they looked to and
sought each other out to seek greener pastures.
They work to create original music that speak and tell
stories of their lives as people living in Hawaii.