KAIULANI: Break Open

Kaiulani

Break Open

© 2007 Kaiulani Kimbrell (837101364256)

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Authentic Piano Pop/Rock: Shirley Temple meets a Coldplay melody meets The Buddha.

notes

This is a piano based record of original tunes. I am based in Los Angeles and play the singer/songwriter club circuit there (Genghis Cohen, Hotel Cafe, Temple Bar, etc), as well as other events and venues.

Break Open was recorded independently this past year in multiple studios in Los Angeles. It is co-produced by Thomas Barquee, Jason Hiller and myself.

The record was mixed by Tal Herzberg and mastered at Oasis Mastering by the renowned Eddy Schreyer. These guys are my dream team and they took some rough recordings and really shined them up so beautifully. I am immensely grateful for their talent and dedication to helping me create the record I wanted. Tal, like no one else in the music world so far gave me an incredible gift by adding his experience to this project.

The songs on this record were created with the intention of the song being a reflection of what is beneath the distraction or story of the mind, of what is unchanging and thus nurturing and loving at its very core.
This is what the Intro for Break Open speaks of.... "who am I... who are you?"

I named the record Break Open because breaking open is the secret I have discovered. It is that willingness to let everything fall apart and discover first hand that which has never been broken... that which is always trustworthy and always here.

I hope you partake in my first record by buying a copy and sharing your feedback with me.

Thank you!

PS:
I get so many questions about my name. Kaiulani is in fact my birth name. It is Hawaiian, inspired from the late Princess Ka'iulani, passed down through my family over the last few generations. It means- gift from the heavens, or heavenly flower.

reviews

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  • A unique integration of purity and real life with a sexually charged undertone t
    author: Erica

    Despite the limited space for music on my iphone, this whole cd made it in... although I am still in mourning for the bit of Coldplay and Aqualung that was sacrificed in the process. Kaiulani's voice has such range that there is no danger of monotony while listening. And for an album played as often as this one, that's saying a lot. Tracks like "scored" and "tainted princess" are so dynamic that I've kept them on repeat for... longer than I care to admit... but I'm still enjoying them as much as I did the first dozen times. It's pretty unique, they made it onto my "workout" playlist and my "relax" playlist... a first for any of the songs on my comp. The reviewers below explain the deeper elements of the cd better than I can, but aside from the fact it's so enjoyable to listen to, it's got a purpose behind it. Kind of like how writers put on paper their thoughts and the readers are influenced by that exposure, listeners of Kailuani go through a similar experience. Kaiulani sees the world in such a grounded and beautiful way that, after listening, things that may have been overlooked or misconstrued as gray suddenly come alive. Well, results may vary ;-) A friend of mine heard part of the song "break open" and said she thought it sounded sad, but when she heard the song in entirety she realized it was brimming with optimism and happiness. What she interpreted as the sad tone of Kaiulani's voice just made the song all that more versatile... but still authentic- The cd takes perceived contradictions (like a sad tone and a happy message, or the idea of being "broken" leading to a complete sense of wholeness) and consolidates them in such a way that reveals a whole new concept of truth. Hard to explain, but I highly recommend the cd.

  • Great Record
    author: tia

    Kaiulani is not just a performer but an artist on all fronts. She really goes there in her work... committed to bringing the richest elements of her core self to the table... and not settling for anything less. My favorite tracks are 1, beacaue it is clearly autobiographical- and then 5,6, and 7 which are the heart of the album for me... and inspire me into my own peace. When I have seen Kaiulani play live, I simultaneously want to hug her and be hugged by her. She just carrys that light, yo.

  • An incredibly moving gift of beautiful music!
    author: Barbara K

    Kaiulani’s debut CD, Break Open, is one that I’ve put in my car’s CD player and have not been able to take it out! Her music is an eclectic blend of soulful and inspirational tunes reminiscent of Jewel, Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan, occasionally spiced up with a more playful, musical theater vibe. Fiona Apple comes to mind in songs like ‘Stained Princess’ and then with ‘Scored’, I could be listening to a Tony-award winning musical number. The uniquely complicated and beautiful music is so expressive in itself and yet only adds depth to the poignancy of the lyrics and Kaiulani’s crisp and delightful voice. It’s this seamless blend of intricacies that flavor this record with such vivid emotions. Kaiulani’s songs are ones that anyone can relate to. This CD can rejoice in your greatest celebrations and carry you through the toughest times. You also can’t miss her perform live! As a live performer, Kaiulani commands the stage as if she was born to be there. Her dynamic range lets us in on her most intimate moments as though she was singing in a room alone for just our ears, and yet in an instant it’s like she is on a vaudeville stage hamming it up for an audience of thousands. Favorite songs: ‘Witness’, ‘Out of the Nightmare’, ‘Break Open’ & ‘Stained Princess’. Listening to this album feels like a gift and I’m left feeling inspired and wanting more.

  • Breaking Open the standards of what we expect from new music
    author: Nick

    I got to see Kaiulani play at Hotel Café in June. Her presence was ethereal and intimate, and her performance was flawless. Break Open is no different. Complete, professional, and engaging albums are seldom made. This CD meets and expands the standards that we secretly carry when listening to music – the ones that are so rarely met. Kaiulani’s new album is true art, unadulterated and genuine. It is reflective and personal, and yet resoundingly universal. I think this CD was born from remarkable courage and deep generosity. Thank you Kaiulani.

  • Kaiulani has struck a perfect balance between emotion and musicianship.
    author: Howard Richman

    Kaiulani has struck a perfect balance between emotion and musicianship. She is not afraid to delve deep into feelings that we all have experienced with the message of each of her songs. Yet, amazingly, she does this with a writing craft that is very advanced -- where the listener is left with a feeling of positivity rather than negativity! The level of her singing and playing, along with the other players on the CD is at the highest level of performance. Sometimes great players distract the listener with their virtuosity. In this case, it is a perfect match.

  • What an amazing musical experience!!!
    author: Ore B.

    What an amazing musical experience it has been listening to this album. Within each song is inspiration, hope, and expression of a beautiful soul. The obvious passion and infuses in lyrical content truly provides a sense of nourishment, with musical arrangements that compliment Kaiulani’s dynamic style. I can identify, I can connect with having to face being “broke open” to find the truth. With “Break Open” Kaiulani has done her part in fulfilling the publics demands for music of substance. She is real, she is someone I can feel, her message forever relevant. However this stellar album can only capture a part of the Kaiulani experience. It is my suggestion to everyone that they afford themselves the opportunity to observe Kaiulani live, on stage, resonating with positive vibes and welcoming everyone to join her in the process of self discovery. It’s inspiring to see her. On stage she is so comfortable and it is clear she is in her natural element taking her music to another level of greatness. I guess I can end by just saying that the album is smoking hot fire and I’m feelin it. It’s tight. Give us more.

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