In 2002, I approached my friend Vinnie with the opportunity to recapture the strong bond we formed while recording my previous CD, TRACKING. After an enthusiastic agreement, we arranged three performances in Chicago, Whitewater, Wisconsin, and Malibu, California. The current recording showcases selected highlights from the Chicago and Malibu concerts, while the Whitewater performance was recorded but not included due to technical limitations.
As a morning ritual, I listen to music while running, and on one such occasion, I revisited Vinnie's CD. Upon repeated listening, I was struck by the depth and complexity of his composition, leading me to make a rare decision as a composer to arrange another artist's work. Vinnie graciously suggested his piece, JOHN'S BLUES, for this collaboration.
On June 1, 1969, J. Kimo Williams was captivated as he witnessed Jimi Hendrix's spellbinding performance of "Spanish Castle Magic" at a Waikiki Shell concert in Hawaii. This transformative experience solidified his unwavering commitment to a life devoted to music. Subsequently, on July 4, 1969, he enlisted in the Army and was deployed to Vietnam. His service in Vietnam and departure from Sunset Beach, Hawaii, led J. Kimo to embark on a journey that saw him pursuing his musical aspirations at Berklee College of Music in Boston.