 welcome to this episode of the Hawaii Smooth Jazz Connection. I am your host, Wendell and Harris. My guest today is a phenomenal keyboardist, songwriter and producer who was born right here in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the age of eight, he began his classical piano studies, and he continued this for six and a half years. In 1981, he decided to move to Los Angeles to check out the music scene, and what a great move that turned out to be. He has worked with many of the big names in the music industry here in the U.S. and the world. Some people he has worked with are Cheryl Lynn, Al Jiro, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Peter White, Michael Palo, Palapana, Don Ho, and the list goes on. For the past 31 years, he has been one of the principal members of the two-time Grammy-nominated Los Angeles-based group Hiroshima. I am so happy to have him here today. Let's welcome Mr. James Kimo Cornwell to the show. Aloha, James, how are you? Aloha, Glenn. Now, do you want me to call you James or do you want me to call you Kimo? Oh, Kimo, please. Okay, well, I'm gonna call you Kimo. Everybody knows me as Kimo. Well, thank you so much, Kimo, for being here. I am just a big fan of you and Hiroshima, so I am just so thankful that you were here today. Thank you, thank you. Now, I saw the group about a couple weeks ago, about a month ago, in Hampton Jazz Legacy, and you guys just played your hearts out as always, as always. What started you or how did you get started in the music industry? Well, like you mentioned, I took classical lessons from the age of eight, and all through high school and middle school, you know, I played in a drum section in the orchestra. I had some drum background, drumming background, and so I graduated from Frantzen High School. I'm from Kali, you know, in Honolulu, and you know, then I got together with a band, you know, just a garage band, you know, and started getting into the Waikiki scene, and then, you know, worked my way out from there, played with a lot of shows in town, and, you know, one thing led to another, and then I got a chance to play with Kalapana. Back in 78, we went to Japan, and a lot of the friends, a lot of the guys in Kalapana were guys I grew up with, you know, Milani and Mackie, DJ, you know. So anyway, that went on for about a year and a half, and then I came back to Hawaii. We were based in California. Band Kalapana was based in California at that time. So after I left, came back to Hawaii and played around a little more, and Michael Paolo, who was also in Kalapana, he left after a while, and we put a group together, and we said, well, if for some reason that band, you know, doesn't work out, let's move to the mainland, you know, let's move to LA. Wow. So basically that's what happened. I got married with my wife Debbie, and Michael was our best man, my best man, and yeah, so we moved up together and started my journey from then. Wow. Yeah. So it's been a blessed journey, and I've been so fortunate to play with so many of the artists you mentioned and more, you know. I mean, that was just a snippet of the list. I saw your resume that you sent to me and your bio. I mean, yeah, that was just a snippet, and we haven't even touched on you doing scores for music, you know, for shows and stuff like that, but you have played so many genres of music. What is your favorite genre of music to play? Well, you know, my tastes in music are very eclectic, you know, I love it all. I mean, classical, rock, jazz, blues, R&B, of course, country, you know, and I'm a child of the 60s, you know, I grew up listening to a lot of the 60s and 70s bands, you know, so that's a lot of influence on me. But if I had to just pick one, one category, I guess it would be R&B, jazz, you know, and, you know, a lot of, well, yeah, jazz artists like Herbie Hancock, who's the envelope to help the other R&B and jazz and stuff with their music really influenced me a lot. Now, with the COVID pandemic, you know, that pretty much put everything to a stop, the entertainment realm to the stop. What did you do during that time during COVID? What did you do to keep your mind sane? I know. Well, that's a good question. Fortunately, I have a little home studio, as you can see in the background. So, you know, I was practicing, I went back to some of my classical studies that I had left for a while, and just to brush up. I was doing, I was still recording at home, like, you know, with technology, you can do that nowadays. So, people would send me tracks, record at home, and then send them the audio files for them to download and, you know, hook up with their music. And, yeah, we had a good, I'd say it was a good year, almost not playing live at all. Actually, I take that back. I did do a couple of streaming gigs with Michael Paula's gigs. So, he had two streaming things that we did. And one was outside, and one was in a club that was bare with no people. And they had a streaming device there. And that was in Seal Beach, a place called Popular Place. They had a club called Spagatinis. Yeah, Spagatinis, yeah. They should have Jesse. Check that out, too, when he's in California. I will. Now, speaking of Jesse, he wanted me to ask you a question, okay? And the question is, out of all the projects you have been a part of, which project is your favorite? Well, I mean, I have to say, I mean, it's Hiroshima. I mean, it's the longest and the most satisfying one I've been in, I guess, because I've had so much input with the band, thanks to Dan in June. So nice to me. And giving me a lot of opportunity to write, co-produce with them, and arrange. So that's been a great learning experience to work with these guys. Now, tell us about, well, before I ask you this one question, I'm going to ask you this. You have played, we talked about Kalapana, but you have played with many of the top local Hawaiian artists, and you were a member of the band Kalapana. So how was it playing with all of those artists? Just how was it? What was your experience like? I know you touched on a little bit, but what was your experience like playing with them? Well, you know, like playing with Kalapana was just like playing with family, basically. I mean, you know, when they asked me to join them, it was their first trip to Japan. So that was in 78. We was toward the end of 1977. We did a lot of rehearsing, you know, before that, because that was going to be recorded when we went to Japan. So they recorded a live album. I just happened to have it here. I just had the album that never was released in, I have it right. I had it right. This was released only in Japan, but it's the whole band adding me, but except, unfortunately, Mackie wasn't there. So we went over in 78 to record that album, and we recorded some tracks in Guam too live. So that was an amazing experience. I mean, the band was so popular and still is to this day, but we played the Sun Plaza, I think, and we played Tokyo and Osaka. And you know, it's funny because the first half of the concert was more of an acoustic kind of thing, you know, Kalapana, a lot of vocals. And then the second half, we had some more, the music was more uplifting and rocking, you know, and the people went nuts. They would, they were charging the stage and they had to have security hold them back. You know, they were coming over into the orchestra pit and it was wild. At first it was like, well, that's pretty cool. Then it was like, I don't know if that's cool. So yeah, but we, yeah, that was Kalapana and came back to the mainland LA. And we, you know, we did a lot of driving, a lot of driving around United States. I mean, we drove up to Seattle a lot, you know, it was roughing it, you know, a lot here at that time. Wow. And then a lot of the other acts in Hawaii, I got to record with Israel, buddy, buddy. Yes. My good friend, Game Lord, hola, hola, Malia called me and asked me if I wanted to do some playing on it. So I was, yeah, I mean, I said, yeah, I'm so excited to play on his album. So, you know, I know a lot of, I just, I keep in touch with a lot of my friends, musician friends in Hawaii. Okay. Well, I know, I know for sure, because our 30 minutes is going to go so quick. I already know I'm going to have to do a part two with you because you're like, you are just like, it's so much full of history. And I have like so many questions to ask you. Anytime. But tell us about the CD that you produced in 1996 titled, I'm Going Home, which had several Nahuku nominations. Tell us about that. Yeah, that was, okay, Randy Lorenzo, an amazing songwriter, singer, artist, ukulele player, guitar player. He was in, he was a part of Gabi Pai Nui's band in the early 70s. And that was the Renaissance period for Hawaii with Hawaiian music. So they were produced by Ry Kooder, who was very big on the mainland, produced a lot of acts in the folk and country and rock genre. So anyway, Randy was up here, living up here at the time. And a friend of mine hooked us, and his hooked us both up. So, you know, Randy and I got together. And we, you know, we just, I just listened to what he had, his ideas. And I said, man, these are great songs, you know, we should put them together and present them to his old record company, which was Panini Records, owned by Stig Fried. And Steve lives in Maui in Hana. So we did that. And Steve liked the idea. So we recorded, most of the tracks up here, but, and we did some recording back in Hawaii. And so that year, yeah, he got nominated for those a couple of Hoku Awards. And unfortunately, that was the year that Brother Is passed away. And he got nominated and he won, deservedly so. And John Cruz also was in the same category. So there was a lot of great acts in there with Randy, but just to be nominated was just great. It was an honor. Yes. Now in 2018, you released your only CD titled, Hawaii State of Mind. Yeah, finally. What was the motivation behind that one? Well, I have to give credit to my wife, Debbie, who kept pushing me and said, you know, about time you should do your own CD, you know. And I said, well, maybe you're right. So I started out a little bit, you know, playing, maybe I'll just do a pianoy CD. And then one thing led to another, I kept adding this and that. And I said, man, this is, I got to, got to add a bass, I got to add a drummer, you know, so it snowballed into this what it is now. And it took about three years because I was, you know, funding the whole project myself. So I got a lot of Hawaii State of Mind. So I wanted a lot of guys, great musician, friends of mine from Hawaii to play on it. There's so much talent in Hawaii, you know, that people don't hear and see. So that was my chance to get back and get those guys out there, hopefully, and, you know, some people to check them out. But I'm really so happy with with their contributions and their talents and everything. And then I got a couple of guys from up here to in LA to add to that percussionist, Richie Garcia, and another drummer who's also in part of Hiroshima now, Land Richards. Okay. Land played on one song. But you heard him at the concert. Yes. So anyway, yeah, I'm very happy with the CD. And, you know, it's out there. We sell it at our concert. So it's been getting out there and people have been buying it and, you know, checking it out. So. Well, you know, I haven't heard it yet, but I am going to check it out. And I'm actually going to play it on my radio show. I'm going to pick a song. Well, you got to get, I got to get your address and I'll send you a copy, a physical copy. Okay. Well, thank you so much. You have written scores and played music for several TV movies, cooking shows, and documentaries. What is your favorite score you have written? Well, there was one called Mother and Daughters. It was the documentary. And Juni and I worked on it, actually. And I did most of the music. And it was, yeah, it was a documentary that didn't have a lot of showings, but we showed them basically in LA. Okay. Yeah, that was a lot of fun for that one. Wow. You are just so, I'm just so happy to be speaking with you right now. Same here. I'm glad to meet you. Good to meet you too. So for the past 31 years, you know, oh my goodness, this band, for the past 31 years, you have been a principal member of the band Hiroshima, which is a group that I absolutely love. You have reported over 17 albums with the group. What is going on with the band now? And do you think you'll ever come back with the band to Hawaii? Well, we have our new CD called 2020. And yeah, there it is. So we started promoting that this past September. And there's two songs on there that Dan wrote. I got a lot of airplay on Sirius Radio. And so, yeah, we're still around. We're still recording and writing. But we're looking at this next year to kind of, are we calling it a domo tour? Like a thank you tour? Okay. So we're kind of winding down a little. Okay. It might be our last year for a while. It's not like we're not going to play with each other ever, but we're just scaling back a little. We've been doing this for a while. Yeah. So, but do you think you'll ever come back to Hawaii? Better yet. I think I have somebody that can answer that question. Can we bring that person in for me, please? Oh, okay. I'll think about bringing him back to Hawaii. You're in Hawaii now, aren't you? Yes, I am. My brother, hey, good thing you said nice things about me at the beginning of the show. What else am I going to say? Hey, I love you, man. I love my brother Kimo. So that was my technical difficulty right there. Hey, better late than never. Hey, surprise. Yeah. Good surprise. Ah, man. Good to see you. Yeah. Yes, I've been trying to work on getting Hebrew students back to Hawaii. In fact, I had them scheduled and COVID canceled things. So, you know, we're talking about, you know, I'm talking about managing John and doing a big thing in 2022. So, yes, definitely. So, the two of you guys. The two of you guys. You brothers. You brothers. Oh, yeah. What was it like working together? We've got stuff we can't talk about on the air now. You know, it's going to be my question, right? Now, you know, Kimo's just one of those homemade friends and, you know, ever since we actually started playing in California together. That's how we met and started hanging out. And of course, we immediately bonded. And, you know, of course, Kimo was already a keyboard legend locally, right? And I was just cutting my teeth. So, I already knew about Kimo and his group, Beowulf and Alvin Fitzgerang was in that band. So, he was right about the friendship and all the people that we knew. We were just playing and we all ended up in California. In fact, at one point, John Reposer was in the band, Kimo's bandmate, and, you know, Creed is a cussionist, you know, play some gigs for that. So, yeah, it was just like, oh, just a family. Yeah. And, you know, so. Had a good times, man. Yes, absolutely. And we survived. Yeah, I mean, I was telling Gwen about all the driving we did on the mainland. Because I remember the first thing you guys told me when we went to Japan the first time, they'd enjoy it now, because when you go back to LA. That's right. That was so much, that was funny. But then we had, it's all good. Picture this, picture this. We're in the youth hostile in, what was it? In Boston. Somewhere. Where's Boston? Oh, Boston is celebrating Kimo's birthday. It was my birthday? Oh, no, no. Oh, that was Montana. That was Montana. We're in the hostile, hostile in this, like, Kimo, happy birthday. Welcome to the big rock tour. Yeah. That was in Montana. And, yeah, we're in the hostile, man. Yeah. It was cold, man. It was cold. Yeah. Everybody's talking about the glory days. And yeah, we paid our dues. Yeah. Yeah, we've been there, done that. But it was a fun experience. Yeah. You know, I'm going to have to do a part two with both of you guys. But what, because you know, the 30 minutes again is just so, is it gone already? Almost, almost. I have a few more questions that I'm going to ask you. And now that Michael is on, I'm going to get his opinion as well. But with all four new artists that are coming into the industry, because you know, it's a little bit hard right about now, right? What advice would each one of you give to a new artist that's coming into the industry right now? Kimo, you can go first. Well, it's, yeah, it's, I don't know how artists do it, man. I mean, you know, when we were growing up, we had a lot of places to play and craft our, you know, our, our artistry, I guess. And, you know, we came up to LA and there was a lot of tourists happening. Now there's not as much because of COVID and costs and everything. But I would just tell the artists to keep, keep, keep the faith, you know, and, and, and they would do what they love. And the passion will carry them through, I think, you know. And there's so many other ways you can get, you know, you have to be in social media and all this other, other thing to, you know, get ahead, you know. So there's a lot of schooling and learning you have to do on your own, actually, because where the record companies used to do it for you, you have to do it on your own. So I would say to do a lot of homework on that and keep practicing and, and putting your craft. I have a very simple advice. And it's how I started and why I started playing music, because I loved it. And that's why I love playing. It was in my heart. It was a passion. And I never thought about fame, fortune, making money, any of those things. It was just pure love. And throughout my career, that is what carried me through, good and bad. And when you love somebody, something really with a passion, you find a way to make it work. Yeah. Wow. So, Kimo. Yes. What things should we be marking on our calendar for you? And then, Michael, I'm going to ask you the same thing since you're on, too. What should we be marking on the calendar? Well, I hope it's one that Michael can tell you about us coming to Hawaii. We know we're waiting for that one. And while our next Hiroshima gig is in Las Vegas at the Smiths Performing Center, I believe, and that's January, oh, I can think of it now, January 22nd or something. And then a week or so later is Napa, Blue Note, Napa, California, Blue Note. And it goes on from there. That's in the beginning of February. And where can people go to find information about you and Hiroshima? Yeah, we have a website, HiroshimaMusic.com. And also, we're on Facebook, Hawaiian, Hiroshima Band, I think. If you search Hiroshima Band, I think our page should come up. And it has a 2020 logo, 2020 album cover logo. Okay. Michael? Well, I'm actually starting out my shows in Hawaii again. January 15th, I got a concert with the legendary Martin Rivera and the great singer. And we're doing our first concert together as a co-headliner. And so I'm looking forward to that. That's January 15th at the Alamon Hotel. And then I got a still planned Smooth Jazz All Stars on February 12th at the Alamon Hotel. And then I got a concert series at the Weston in Palm Springs. Got four shows coming up there. And then I got a series at the Costa Resort I'm working on. And then I got six shows. I'm going to be doing a South Coast Winery in Temecula as well. Yeah, Mike's the energizer buddy, okay? People got to support him, man. He's like a promoter, amazing sax player, songwriter and everything, man. You know, he's got the whole package. And it's because of Michael that I do what I do here. Okay. I'm planning a big jazz festival in Hawaii. And hopefully that's where Hiroshima come and play. So that's in the works right now. Yeah, man. All right, there it is. Go to MichaelPaulo.com or ApolloProtection.com. There you go. There you go. So would you guys be willing to come back for a part two after the holidays? Absolutely. It's just so much. Should I have to talk about? Yeah, text me or email me or whatever. Okay, I will. Well, I thank both of you. And I hope this was a good surprise for you, Kimo. Oh, yeah, Kimo. I never really thought. I saw where you were in Hawaii. That's so funny. Glenn, Glenn, please say hi to Jesse for me when you see him. I will. I will most definitely. But I thank you both for being on the Hawaii Smooth Jazz Connection. We're definitely going to schedule that part two. Michael, I will see you at the concert here in January. And of course, I'm going to have to figure out a way to come see Hiroshima. Might have to come to Vegas or something. I don't know. Hopefully you'll see us in Hawaii. Yeah, hopefully. I can guarantee that. Okay, you heard that, right? Everybody's going to do it. Mike's going to do it. Yes, yes, he will. Well, I thank you both for being here and to my audience. Thank you so much for being here. Happy holidays. And until next time, after the new year, Aloha and Gabo. Aloha.