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Justin is a gifted singer-song writer who already has achieved
widespread recognition and critical acclaim in Hawai'i. His
seven hit albums have established his reputation for one of
Hawai'i's most versatile and likeable solo voices. Justin
stands poised with national potential and aspirations.
Justin's music is very contemporary flavored with reggae,
R&B, and pop, but he has always wanted to do a more traditional
Hawaiian album. Writing eight of 12 songs, he taps into his
love of the culture and traditions of his home. Three songs
take their inspiration from Hawaiian legends centered on the
island of Moloka'i. Another, "Ka'iulani,"
is a tribute to a Hawaiian royal princess, and "Manoalani"
honors a special woman in his life. Hawaiian guitars, 'ukulele,
implements, and chanters highlight his compositions.
Two popular hula standards, a traditional Tongan song, and
the wonderful "The Girl from Ipanema" round out
the CD. The title tune "One Foot on Sand" is his
promise that even while he aims for the national stage, Hawai'i
will always be home.
About
Justin
Justin's debut album No Better Time Than Now,
was released in 1996. The CD was the result of winning a songwriting
contest; the first prize being a recording contract. It logged
six weeks on the chart of the top 10 selling albums and on
the Hawaiian charts. Soothe You
followed the next year and earned the singer- songwriter the
Hawaiian Music Awards New Artist of the Year and Best Performance
by a Rhythm and Blues Artist.
Album #3 My Eyes Adore You, released
in 1998, reveals his continued growth as a vocalist and songwriter.
It logged 15 weeks at the number one spot on Island radio
and was quickly followed with a compilation of songs featuring
Justin and other Hawaiian recording stars called Justin
& Friends Collection.
On his fifth CD The Dreaming Kind
Justin joined forces with UB40 producer and UK singing sensation
Bitty McLean on three tracks creating a synergy not heard
on Island radio in a long while. The two co-wrote "The
Call" and "Get it Right." Justin and Bitty
also teamed up on a memorable cover of Extreme's classic "More
Than Words." Riding the success of this single, the album
made its debut at #1 and remained there for six weeks; it
continues to be an enduring favorite.
Y2J, released in 2000, had Justin
join forces with colleague Jon Yamasato of the award-winning
group, Pure Heart. Postcards, his
most recent, bookends songs of the past with new compositions.
The first single "Shake Me" has spent many weeks
on the Island radio charts since its release earlier this
year.
Justin has opened for Big Mountain, and performed in clubs
in Los Angeles, New York, Japan and on Guam. His music has
been heard on film – The Uninvited Guest ("Sip
Your Wine"), and the Gwyneth Paltrow comedy Shallow
Hal ("Never Forget Where I'm From"); and
too on the small screen on Baywatch episodes ("Angel
of Mine"). Justin also performed on BET Live hosted
by John Salley. He currently is working on tracks with acclaimed
New York based producer Ed Tuton (producer for Alana Davis,
Maxwell, Carly Simon among others).
Justin's website: www.justinsmusic.com
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