Feature Story in the Star Bulletin, Honolulu, HI, column “Island Mele” by John Berger January 5, 2007
Genuine
Buckz Boyz
(No serial)
Buckz Boyz — Bill “Buck” Rodgers and his sons, Jai and Danny — go Jawaiian with their latest musical calling card. The packaging is unprepossessing, but the Boyz and their musicians offer more value than most similar local projects because they’re working with a live, rather than synth-track, horn section. Buck plays trombone, Jai doubles on guitar and trombone, and Andy Sexton and Ray Watusi round out the horn section on sax. Add drummer Tyler Marks and bassist Frank Cornell, and this eight-song project sounds more like a serious commercial release than an artist’s home-studio demo.
All three of the Boyz sing — and well enough to make themselves contenders for play on Hawaii’s “island music” radio stations. Jai, the primary writer, addresses the ever-popular topics of love and heartbreak in simple but eloquent style. “Moving On …” and “Fabricating,” both about love gone bad, are the standouts.
“Give Me A Wink,” one of Danny’s contributions, shows that the Boyz have a feel for ska as well.
Audio Clips [Click on title to listen]
