More then 10 years in the waiting, “One of These Days,” John Cruz’s second collection, was released this week. Officially, Cruz joined the ranks of a great folk tradition back in 1997 with his award-winning debut CD, “Acoustic Soul,” for
More then 10 years in the waiting, “One of These Days,” John Cruz’s second collection, was released this week. Officially, Cruz joined the ranks of a great folk tradition back in 1997 with his award-winning debut CD, “Acoustic Soul,” for which he received a Grammy in 2005.
To classify his music by genre is nearly impossible. “One of these Days” crosses several genres — rock, country, blues, traditional Hawaiian and even the lyrical meandering of a lullaby.
Cruz has a style reminiscent of John Hiatt, minus the gritty vocals. His lyrics pack the emotional depth and gifted storytelling of Hiatt accented with crisp guitar rifts, like in the song “Hurricane.”
It’s no surprise Cruz was raised in a household buzzing with the musical influences of Motown, gospel and country music on this compilation where three decades of songs glide from one genre to the next.
“One of these Days” was recorded at Jackson Browne’s recording studio in Los Angeles with a cast of all-stars from a variety of bands: sax player Steve Berlin (Los Lobos); steel guitarist Greg Liesz (Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams); and percussionist Paulinho Da Cost (Herbie Hancock, Lionel Richie). The album was recorded on analog tape instead of digital, in order to preserve the warmth of a live performance.
With all the philosophical soul of John Prine and guitar licks of Hiatt, Cruz raises lyrical content to poetry by what he doesn’t do. Cruz does not rely on predictability to reach his audience. Lyrics move the songs forward while barely leaning on a chorus for cohesion — masterfully spinning tales and melodies that are memorable and surprising.
Cruz will be performing at Gaylord’s Kilohana Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at Gaylord’s for reserved tables only. Tickets can also be purchased at Border’s Books and Music in Lihu‘e, Scotty’s Music in Kalaheo, Bounty Music in Kapa‘a and Hanalei Music’s Strings and Things (formerly Hanalei Video) in Hanalei.
• Pam Woolway, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or pwoolway@kauaipubco.com.
