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 Madi Simmons - a musician from Maui
Reggae, R'n'B and Funk
One of Maui's most popular singer/songwriters, Madi Simmons is playing a fusion of reggae, funk and R n B. Madi Simmons has been performing in the Hawaiian islands for 6 years, recording his debut album GET U SOME, which is to be re-released in march 2004. He has also toured the pacific northwest in 2002. He is currently working on new material.
A review of Madi Simmons album "Haka Riddim"
HAKA RIDDIM
Get U Some
"Fresh off the presses comes one of Maui's own with an original offering. On the local scene, Maui groups continue to produce and release their material, only adding to the growing scene.
The five piece hails from points abroad but have congealed here on the Valley Isle to make music for y'all. Frontman Madi Simmons sports a soul/blues/reggae background and his lyrics are poetic in themselves. In fact, readers can catch a verse in the "poetree" section of the 'Maui Time 'on occasion. Since our last review of the group, a few new faces have emerged, only adding to the groups diversity.
 The album is a mixed bag, where dancehall reggae meets old school soul at a calypso festival. "Living Witness" is an uplifting tune of one man's journey, "I was rolling around in the dirt, rescued by you". "Still Dreaming" is a solid tune with compliments given for the sparse use of percussion, a fine line in reggae music. "Strut Your Stuff" moves listeners in the blues realm, while "Easy Life" is a Peter Gunn theme rip-off set to Island lyrics with frontman Madi proclaiming his love for partying. "Trod On" is one good-drop reggae ditty set to more of Madi's inspirational lyrics, the relaxed reggae sounds do a body good.
Besides the "My Girl" melody and Henery Mancini's "Easy Life", all songs are written by a combination of Madi Simmons, guitarist Jan Roland and keyboardist Truls Jedemo. Could they be the next songwriting team to beat? The next Lennon/McCartney? George and Ira Gershwin? Well…you'll have to be the judge.
Favorites include the HR anthem, "Fiya", complete with shout-along chorus and street-wise raps. Funky clav cmpliments the tune and the bass line shows an influence tinged with Average White Band licks ("Play That Funky Music"). The boys will be performing a handful of CD release parties throughout the month, check the calendar for a gig near you.
......MARK D'ANTONIO
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