Grateful for AOR Light Mellow’s Review of My Early Vinyl LPs

I want to extend my heartfelt mahalo to AOR Light Mellow and Toshi Kanazawa for featuring and reviewing two of my vinyl LPs on his music blog. To have these recordings revisited and thoughtfully recognized after so many years is deeply meaningful, especially as I continue this new chapter in my recording journey.

The review reflects on my early path as a Hawaiʻi-born singer who later moved to Tokyo’s Asakusa district to study and refine my vocal skills. Those years were incredibly formative for me, not only as a vocalist but as an artist learning how to connect different musical influences, cultures, and audiences through song.

My debut album, Kevin I., was released on GMT Records and featured musician members of the acclaimed Music Magic group. The review highlights my roots in soul music, as well as my connection to Motown-style classics. It also points to the ballads where my vocal style truly found its home — songs such as “Slow Dancing” by Paul Jabara and “Somewhere in My Lifetime,” made famous by Phyllis Hyman.

I was especially touched by the description of my voice as warm, emotional, and sensual. As a singer, my goal has always been to communicate feeling honestly. Whether through a love song, a ballad, or a reflective lyric, I have always believed that the emotional connection is what allows music to last.

The review also mentions the reissued edition that included “Candle in the Night,” written by Cecilio Rodriguez of Cecilio & Kapono, and “If I Love Again,” written by Dennis Tanaka. Both songs remain special to me because they further reflect the smooth, heartfelt style that became such an important part of my musical identity.

What makes this recognition even more meaningful is that it comes at a time when I have returned to recording after nearly 40 years away. To know that listeners, collectors, and music writers continue to remember and appreciate my earlier work reminds me that music truly has no expiration date.

Mahalo again to Toshi Kanazawa and AOR Light Mellow for keeping this music alive and for giving these recordings renewed attention. I am grateful for the continued support from AOR fans in Japan and around the world.

Here’s a rough translation of the review:
“A Hawaii-born singer who later moved to Tokyo’s Asakusa district to study and refine his vocal skills. He made his debut with the album Kevin I. on GMT Records using musician members of the acclaimed Music Magic group.
Although deeply rooted in soul music, he also demonstrated an impressive command of Motown-style classics. However, it is on sophisticated, lush ballads—such as Paul Jabara’s “Slow Dancing” and “Somewhere in My Lifetime” (made famous by Phyllis Hyman) -where his warm, emotional, and sensual vocal style truly shines.
A reissued edition released the following year included two additional tracks: “Candle in the Night,” written by Cecilio Rodriguez of C&K, and “If I Love Again,” written by Dennis Tanaka. Both songs further showcased his smooth, signature vocal style.
Most recently, after an absence of nearly 40 years, he released a new album, marking his long-awaited return to recording.”

Read Toshikazu Kanazawa’s blog here! For my non-Japanese readers, just toggle on the English translation extension in your browser!