Maui’s Vince Esquire (pictured) hopes to release his new album “Funkulele” in the coming months. Courtesy photo
Maui’s Vince Esquire says he wants to “revolutionize the music world” with a groundbreaking album he calls “Funkulele,” which is basically the first funk album spotlighting the ukulele.
“This album represents my vision of blending the soulful grooves of funk with the vibrant tones of the ukulele, creating a soundscape that is both innovative and moving,” says Esquire. “I don’t think it’s been done in this aspect before so it was a challenge. I’m originally from Oakland, so that’s in my roots. I love horn-based funk music.”
Having listened to his brilliant debut single “Good Thing,” I can attest it’s so super funky one could imagine Prince would have approved. If it’s as hot as the forthcoming album, Esquire could have a hit.
But to accomplish his vision, he needs some help. So he has launched a Kickstarter campaign and anyone contributing $100 or higher will receive exclusive access to the album’s first single two weeks before its official release.
It’s expensive to make a music project these days. To create “Funkulele,” Esquire has already invested over $10,000 into the recording. And to help funk it up, he has secured the talents of Nashville studio drummer Petar Janjic who is best known for playing with Grammy-nominated musician Cory Wong, and Grammy-winning bassist Andrew Gouche. Hailed as “the godfather of gospel bass players,” Gouche’s extensive resume includes time with Prince, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Snoop Dogg and Dionne Warwick. He was also Chaka Khan’s music director for 6 years.
The horns are arranged by Swedish musician Mattias Bylund, who won a Grammy for his work with Taylor Swift. It was co-produced by Michael Ruff, who worked with Chaka Khan, Bonnie Raitt and Lionel Richie.
The lead ukulele player with the Hōkū-winning Maui band Kanekoa, Esquire, has been featured on the cover of Ukulele Magazine. Among the highlights of Kanekoa’s recent album “Songs From the Great Disruption,” an epic cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California,” featured him trading lead electric ukulele solos with Jake Shimabukuro.
As a talented blues and rock electric guitarist, he has performed with the legendary Allman Brothers Band and was invited to play on Greg Allman’s album “Low Country Blues.” His previous solo albums include “Back Where You Belong,” “Don’t Let Up” and “Tasty Jams.”
“I am beyond excited to share ‘Funkulele’ with the world,” he says. “This project has been a labor of love, and the incredible support we’ve received so far means so much to me. The single is amazing, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. We’re just getting started, and with help, we can make this album something truly special.”
Kanekoa has launched a “Fanart Contest,” inviting submission of original artwork featuring the band. Artwork should be submitted by July 15, with winners announced on July 17. Upcoming they head for a show in Mill Valley, Calif. on July 19 and will perform a free show in Hana on Sept. 6.
Famous fans who have praised Kanekoa include Mick Fleetwood, The Doors’ John Densmore, the Grateful Dead’s Bill Kreutzmann, and Dave Davies, the co-founder of the legendary British rock group the Kinks, who caught the band in New York.
“He came and saw us play,” says Esquire. “He took a picture and wore a Kanekoa hat. He’s a big Kanekoa fan.”
Kanekoa will perform a free show to celebrate July 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Nalu’s South Shore Grill. Esquire regularly performs with Danyel Alana on Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and on Sundays with Eric Gilliom at Nalu’s. His Kickstarter campaign is available at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/funkulele/funkulele-the-worlds-first-ukulele-funk-album.
