The Musicians and Singers
For his debut recording, Cordell put together a backup group that represents some of the finest country musicians and singers available in Hawai`i. All contributed in many ways, including arrangement ideas.
Don Humphrey is
a country musician, leader
of a country band called The Geezers. He
was born in New Brunswick and moved to
Florida as a teen. He moved
west to San Francisco
and eventually to Hawai`i. His band is
well known on the Mainland and in Hawai`i. On
"CordellCountry," Don keeps the band "country"
with his country style rhythms and he
adds a special touch with backup vocals.
Gordon Freitas is
also a singer/songwriter and
a storyteller. He is a
troubadour who has
traveled the world singing and playing folk
and country music. After
more than 20 years,
he came back home to the Islands and
established himself as one of Hawai`i's finest. On this CD, Gordo plays lead guitar,
bass and even doubles
on harmonica.
Greg Sardinha has
established himself as one of
Hawai`i's top steel guitar players. He was chosen
for this project because of his versatility.
He plays country
and folk music as well as he plays
Hawaiian. He is a working
musician, much in demand
for live performances as well as
studio sessions. It was
his idea to add the dobro
sound on several songs. The recording was
done in Greg's Sma'Kine Recording Studios in
Kailua, O`ahu.
Carmen U`ilani Haugen, who
has performed all over the world with Keith for nearly 30 years, adds her soft,
sweet voice on "Before The Next Teardrop Falls" and " A Daisy
A Day."
Lee Carney, who plays
with The Geezers, did the fiddle rhythm work, background licks and the fiddle
solo that breaks out of the Cajun duet on "The Love That Counts."
Other STARS who contributed to this special release are:
Nanilisa Pascua, who took time between "The Phantom" and "Carousel" stage productions to join our group in the recording studio as a backup singer.
Jay & Katie Linskey, a father and daughter fiddle team. They did the "Cajun" duet on "The Love That Counts" and Katie, 19, who's been playing fiddle since she was four, played the fiddle solo on "I Watched Love Die."
Thanks . . . and credits
Mahalo to our many friends, fans and family members who have supported us
in this fun project. A special thanks to Nora Oyama-Haugen, Wes &
Betty Wipf,
Mel & Lois Kirkland, Cathy Adkins, Bruce & Ruth Hunt, Lea Uehara, Elaine
Iwamasa, Carola Souza, Li Jadrnicek, Jane Ward, Cynthia Joy Higgins, Tom &
Vi
Callahan, Bo & Betty Bahret, Larry & Ellen Eshelman, George & Shirley
Brundage, Bill and Carol Daugherty, Ira & Linda Bachrach, Dick & Betty
Smith, John & Rita Thompson, Hawai`i Public Radio and the many friends and
fans who
made this recording possible with advance orders.
Thanks also to the great musicians and singers, the composers and the artists
who brought them to our attention. Mahalo a nui loa to Carmen, who has
performed with me for 30 years and is still willing to try something new and
exciting.
Cordell Keith Haugen
