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 Jerome Grey Trio Slated to Release Their Debut Album, “Remember Samoa” |
 ISLE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
PRESS RELEASE
Family group brings Samoa Past Back to the Present
Anaheim, CA March, 2008: The original Samoan sound is being brought back to life with Jerome Grey Trio’s first album entitled, “Remember Samoa.” Written, composed and performed by renowned Samoan artist, Jerome Grey and his sons, Tinifuloa and Taumata Grey, this album is scheduled to be released on March 14, 2008.
Inspired by the innocence of Samoan music that enlivened Samoan natives before the arrival of European instruments, the title, "Remember Samoa" was chosen to take audiences back to a time when music and lyrics were simple and beautiful. Each track is comprised with the sounds of the ukulele, guitar and sielo, otherwise known as upright bass, exuding a pure and tropical sound that is Jerome Grey Trio.
“This album aims to maintain the essence of traditional music, but we also wanted to add some contemporary sounds to make it more appealing to Samoa’s natives and our visitors.,” shares Jerome Grey. “Our music will be introduced to visitors in hopes that Samoa will be a place they will remember long after they’ve returned home, and will be re-introduced to all generations of Samoans in a way that’s never been done before. “
A FAMILY AFFAIR
The Grey’s possess a solid background in music and performance. Jerome began performing and songwriting at a young age in Apia, Samoa, and soon received a contract to perform in the United States of America. He went onto perform with the bands Samoa Three and AVA, which was one of the first pop bands to emerge from Samoa.
As a result, his sons, Tinifuloa and Taumata grew up with music in their lives. Tinifuloa recorded with an R&B singing group called REIGN, performed as an MC and Polynesian musician for Tihati Productions and now performs with Isle Entertainment (www.isleentertainment.com), a family group based in Southern California. Likewise, Taumata studied classical guitar at UC Irvine-California is currently working on an album with his Rock/R&B band, Natusol (www.natusol.net).
“I’ve been playing music by myself all my life, but it’s so fulfilling to finally join forces with my boys” Jerome says. “I feel like I’ve been preparing my boys for so long and now that the moment is here for us to release our CD together, I’m so happy.”
"Remember Samoa" was recorded by Kale Chang of SoulTree Studios in Honolulu, Hawaii, and a few tracks, which are available to listen to on their site, are already garnering buzz amongst the Samoan Community. The Jerome Grey Trio will be traveling to Samoa to release the album and perform ceremonies for Tinifuloa and Taumata to receive their matai, or chief titles in Savaii.
Jerome Grey Trio’s second album is scheduled to release this August and features all-new tracks. Updates on release dates and upcoming performances are available on their website, www.myspace.com/jeromegreytrio.
About the Jerome Grey Trio Fa'anana Jerome and his two sons, Tinifuloa and Taumata, are dedicated to perpetuating traditional and contemporary Samoan music. The Jerome Grey Trio aims to replicate the original sound of traditional Samoan music, as it was first introduced to the Samoans, using the ukulele, guitar and sielo, or stand-up bass. Their sound beckons listeners to return to a time when the percussive rhythms of the fala and pate were pervasive in Samoan music. For more information, please visit www.myspace.com/jeromegreytrio.
About Isle Entertainment, Inc. Isle Entertainment, Inc. has a mission to provide the highest quality of authentic Polynesian entertainment to our clients. We strive to touch and inspire others through the sharing of our songs and dances which have been passed down through the ages, celebrating our Polynesian culture and heritage. Through our family-owned company, we aim to cultivate a caring environment which exudes, embraces and perpetuates family values. For additional information, please visit www.isleentertainment.com.
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| Key Points About the Album: Remember Samoa |
1. Target Audiences: 1) Tourists/Visitors to Samoa 2) People who have never been to Samoa; 3) Samoans living away from Samoa (i.e.; Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia) 4) Samoans in Samoa
2. The title “Remember Samoa” was chosen to take people back to a time in the past when music and lyrics were simple and beautiful. Through this album, the Grey’s strive to maintain the essence and celebrate the unique sound of traditional Samoan music.
3. “Remember Samoa” re-introduces Samoan music to the market with a style and approach that incorporates 3 main instruments; the guitar, the ‘ukulele and the classical, upright bass
4. No synthesizers or standard/sequenced drumming are used on the album (which is the latest trend, Samoan market is dominated by Samoan R&B and Reggae; Primary market Tourists)
5. Visitors will be able to take this CD home with them as souvenirs and remembrances of the islands.
6. First time Jerome has ever recorded with his sons, Tinifuloa (32) and Taumata (24.)
7. Jerome had a minor stroke in January 2007, recovered a year later with this album.
8. Jerome’s last album, “Footprints”, was released almost 10 years ago.
9. LHD /RHD was leaked into the market to create a buzz and has been successful thus far. This satirical song refers to a major conflict in Samoa, which is currently all over the media, so this is a timely tune that lightens the mood there. Having it temporarily on Myspace has been a positive thing. It is only free for download until the CD is released.
10. The album is getting attention through a Myspace page, email blasts to networks, CD release parties in Long Beach and Samoa, a Living Local TV special on Jerome Grey, a Birthday bash in Samoa, and 7-city tour in Fall 2008. TV3 in Samoa has also expressed interest in the CD, namely in the song LHD/RHD.
11. Kale Chang of SoulTree Studios in Honolulu, Hawaii recorded vocals on the album. Kale is currently the Director of the Honolulu Boy Choir (HBC). “We Are Samoa” was performed by HBC many times in the past.
12. The Grey Family is traveling back to Samoa in March to release the CD there and also to perform ceremonies for Tinifuloa and Taumata to receive their first matai titles in Savaii.
13. This is The Jerome Grey Trio’s first album together, but they are scheduled to release 2 more in the coming year, featuring more original songs along with familiar classics.
14. The Trio is optimistic about working together with the Office of Tourism to promote Samoa with their music.
The Jerome Grey Trio
Fa’anana Jerome and his two sons, Tinifuloa and Taumata are dedicated to perpetuating traditional and contemporary Samoan music. The Jerome Grey Trio aims to replicate the original sound of traditional Samoan music, as it was first introduced to the Samoans using the guitar, ukulele and the (sielo) stand-up bass. Their sound beckons listeners to return to a time when the percussive rhythms of the fala and pate were pervasive in Samoan music. The steel guitar adds a hint of romance and calls to mind simpler times.
Each member of the trio developed their own musical ability and style from their own experiences. It actually took them 2 years to find the trio’s unique style of playing music. Chief Fa’anana on the ‘ukulele, Tinifuloa on the rhythm guitar, and Taumata on the upright bass turned out to be the winning combination, which was well received by all audiences. The trio has many more projects planned for the future, but Remember Samoa is their first release as a group.
Meet the Band
Chief Fa’anana Jerome Grey
Jerome became one of the finest entertainers and showmen ever to come from the islands of Samoa. He wrote well-known tunes like, Eleni, Lou Sei Oriana, and “We are Samoa”—the unofficial Samoan national anthem and Jerome's most famous composition. In fact, one of Jerome's career highlights was the honor of performing We Are Samoa before President Carter and the United States Congress at the White House and Capitol Hill in 1980.
Jerome sang with the popular Samoan group Ava 28 years ago. They were among the first groups to do Samoan pop music and were the forerunners of that trend. Although Jerome wished Ava recorded more cultural music back then, he is now offering this album to his people as a work that truly represents Samoa and stays true to his Samoan cultural roots.
In 1989, Jerome and his family moved to Hawai’i from Samoa, where he recorded “Sweet Lady of Waiahole” and “Coconut Woman.” Many songs on these successful albums were instant radio hits and well received throughout Polynesia. Jerome fondly remembers a concert he held in 1991 at the historic Aloha Tower, when one of Hawaii’s famous entertainers, Makaha Sons (featuring the late Israel Kamakawiwiaole, a.k.a. “Bruddah IZ”), played as an opening act.
Jerome currently is relocating from Southern California back to Samoa, taking time to reminisce on his rich history, while at the same time, continuously striving to reinvent himself. Over the years, he has rightfully earned the respect of his colleagues, and contemporaries with his unforgettable voice, enchanting melodies, and inspiring lyrics. A family man, musician, entertainer, and composer, he wears many hats, but not confined by labels. His legacy will continue to be a mainstay both in Polynesia and around the world for decades to come. Through his songwriting, he hopes to share his cultural pride with the world.
Tinifuloa (eldest son, age 32) After studying architecture in CA, Tini moved to Hawaii in 1999. He worked as a designer and draftsman during the day and played music at night. He sang and recorded with a Hawaii R&B singing group REIGN, performed as an MC and Polynesian musician for Tihati Productions, and directed a youth choir for his church in Waikiki with his wife Angela Perez Baraquio (Miss America 2001.) Today, he performs in their family-owned Polynesian entertainment company in Southern California called, Isle Entertainment, Inc. (www.isleentertainment.com).
Taumata (youngest of five children, age 24) studied classical guitar at UC Irvine-California while playing music at church with Jerome. He graduated two years ago and is currently working on an album with his Rock/R&B band, Natusol (www.natusol.net). He has developed his musical abilities and personal style from playing live music with Jerome over the years
Songs on the Album
Track #1
Lau Leva (P. Solomona) – Upbeat and usually played for a taualuga, Samoan siva.
The leaves of the lau leva tree turn yellow certain time of the year. A young man courting a girl notices her turning pale, or yellow, like the lau leva tree. He wonders why he sees sudden changes in her, and realizes thing aren’t what they seem.
Track #2
Le Lalelei O Samoa (Melody of ‘Pretty Red Hibiscus’ 1936 by Johnny Noble, Samoan Translation: Unknown) - First song featuring Tinifuloa (Jerome’s eldest) on lead vocals. The Samoan translation of this popular Hawaiian tune describes the beauty of Samoa.
Track #3
Fauili Mai I Mauga (Traditional) - Upbeat taualuga with traditional drumming.
The fog covers the land like a blanket, the hills begin to darken and the thunder sounds in the sky as described in this chant before it rains.
Track #4
Sau Lau Teine Samoa / Come My Girl Sweetheart (Tuiletufuga, Henry) – Romantic.
Like many traditional Samoan love songs, composers regularly used the figurative speech and flowery language of chiefs to write songs.
Track #5
LHD / RHD (Jerome Grey, 2008 Reminisce Pub.) – Traditional chanting with contemporary ukulele playing. Sung in the ancient style of chanting, Jerome brings comic relief to a serious current affair, affecting the natives of Samoa. Left-Hand Drive / Right-Hand Drive, referring to the controversy about changing the driver’s side from the left hand side after so many years to the right hand side. He wrote this song to lighten the mood for the people of Samoa.
Track #6
O Mo’omo’oga (Traditional) / Isa Lei (Traditional Fijian Farewell Song) – Reminiscent tunes of Samoa introducing contemporary rhythms of the congas and shakers. This instrumental medley hopes to remind you of the easy-going life in Samoa. The first song is about someone yearning deeply for something in the heart. The second song, Isa Lei was translated in to Samoan and is usually sung during goodbyes.
Track #7
Tautalatala (Tuiletufuga, Henry) – Fun and playful song for non-Samoan speaking listeners. If you are a visitor to Samoa, this song is perfect for you. Learn how to speak with the natives and have fun teaching your friends new words when you return home!
Track #8
Top of the World (Richard Carpenter / John Bettis, Samoan Translation by Jerome Grey) - Country sounding with contemporary percussions. Samoans love country music, and this popular Carpenters song is one of Jerome’s all-time favorites.
Track #9
Leafaitulagi (Traditional) – Lead Vocal: Tinifuloa Grey, Special Guest Vocalist: Kale Chang, Guitar arrangement: Ben Taaca, Guitar playing: Tinifuloa. This sad song was written for the taupou (or princess) of Apia, who was well-loved by her people. Leafaitulagi was her name. She married the heir of a Tongan prince, and the couple unexpectedly moved to Tonga. They left her village with great sadness, for the people missed her dearly. The taupou eventually lived and died in Tonga. She never had children, and never returned to live in Samoa.
Track #10
Pe ana Mafai (Henry Grey) - Traditional with a swing feel.
Jerome’s late father, Henry Grey, wrote this song is to remind his people of how Samoa used to be. He urges Samoans to always remember where they come from. The times are changing quickly and the true Samoan culture is slipping away, so it’s important to preserve cultural traditions and do things with integrity.
Track #11
Faliu le La (Henry Grey) – Traditional chanting with majestic feel
As the sun sets in Savaii, the beauty of the evening comes. When the shadows fall, the Samoan villagers of Satufia, Satupaitea begin to walk and play their music in the beautiful breeze. This song was written when Henry was inspired by the breathtaking images of sunset, as he was returning on a boat sailing back from Savaii to Apia.
Track #12
We Are Samoa (Jerome Grey, JG Publishing 1980) – Patriotic, featuring three vocalist of the Grey family. Background vocals arrangement: Kale Chang. Jerome wrote this song in 1980, and today, it is known as the unofficial national anthem for Samoa. One of his career highlights was singing this song for President Carter at the White House and U.S Congress. Of all his compositions, no other song can depict Jerome’s true feelings about the love he has for his homeland. “We are Samoa” is a powerful song, that when sung, unifies its people and makes them extremely proud of their country.
Track #13
Lou Sei Oriana (Henry Grey / Jerome Grey) – Jerome and ukulele only, sound comparable to: Bruddah IZ “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” This is a folk song written about an untouchable and delicate oleander flower, which is found high in the mountains of Samoa. This flower is compared to the precious love of a woman. Originally recorded by Jerome in 1980 with the group AVA. RS now features him solo on ukulele. Song was featured on the blockbuster hit Movie “Metro” starring Eddie Murphy in 1997.
Credits
Fa’anana Jerome Grey – Vocals, ‘Ukulele, Electric Guitar
Tinifuloa Grey Fa’anana – Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Taumata Grey Fa’anana – Vocals, Stand-up Bass
Kale Chang – Guest Vocal Performance on ‘Leafaitulagi’, Percussions
Executive Producer – REMINISCE
Produced by – The Jerome Grey Trio
Engineer – Kale Chang
Recorded and Mixed – Soultree Studios, Honolulu, HI.
Mastered – Technovoice Mastering, Studio City, CA
All Vocals & Music Arranged – The Jerome Grey Trio and Kale Chang
Graphics and Liner Notes – Tinifuloa Grey Fa’anana and Angela Baraquio Grey
Photography – John Loyola Photography
Promotions and Marketing – Isle Entertainment, Inc.
Copyright 2008 REMINISCE Records and REMINISCE Publishing: USA and SAMOA
For Bookings:
Contact: Tinifuloa Grey 714-455-7442
tini@isleentertainment.com
or
Anamativa Grey 714-726-2838
ana@isleentertainment.com
For more info, visit us at:
www.jeromegrey.com
www.myspace.com/jeromegreytrio
www.isleentertainment.com
Performances Dates 2008
March 14 CD Release / Jerome Grey Birthday Bash, Matai Bar, Long Beach CA
March 27 Live TV3 Concert Taping / CD Release, Kitano Tusitala Hotel, Apia Samoa
Aug Tafesilafa’i Festival, CA
Pending Performaces
June /July Pacific Arts Festival, Pagopago Am, Samoa
Aug /Sept “Voices of Samoa” Seven City Tour
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