Now Available!

SMOOTH ISLAND JAZZ

Lēʻahi

Quiet Storm Records is thrilled to announce the release of “Smooth Island Jazz Lēʻahi” (pronounced Leh-AH-hee) on October 4, 2024. This highly anticipated album will be available in a double vinyl set, compact disc, and also available on all major streaming services. 

In 2006, Quiet Storm Records (QSR) was at the height of its success. With eight national bestselling records under its belt (as reported by Billboard Magazine) and QSR artist Sudden Rush featured on the hit reality TV show Dog the Bounty Hunter, the label had just received the prestigious Hawai‘i Governor’s New Exporter of the Year Award. The momentum continued with the success of “Smooth Island Jazz,” and the future looked promising. Riding this wave, QSR entered a “sweetheart deal” with Tower Records, securing coveted endcap displays and listening stations in every Tower Records store across the U.S., Japan, and London for the upcoming second volume, “Smooth Island Jazz Lē‘ahi.”

However, just days before finalizing the master recordings and print-ready art files for production, QSR founder, john iervolino received an anonymous phone call from someone claiming to represent Tower Records. The conversation went something like this: “May I speak with john iervolino?” john responded, “This is he.” The caller continued, “Stop selling to Tower Records. Quiet Storm Records is a righteous indie, and we don’t want you to get hurt any more than you’re about to. Tower Records is going out of business!” Confused, john asked, “Who’s this?” The caller quickly replied, “It’s against the law to show preference to creditors,” before hanging up. iervolino immediately hit the auto redial on the phone, only to hear a message that would change everything: “Welcome to Tower Records corporate office. If you know your party’s extension, dial it now.”

Without hesitation, iervolino canceled production of “Smooth Island Jazz Lē‘ahi,” shelving the album indefinitely. The historic and shocking closing of iconic Tower Records occurred just a few months later, forever changing the landscape of the music industry. QSR placed the masters in their climate-controlled archive, and now 18 years later, this fully remastered ‘masterpiece’ will finally be released in record stores, on Amazon and streaming on all major services on Friday, October 4, 2024, for the world to enjoy!

“Smooth Island Jazz Lēʻahi” (aka Diamond Head), the second volume in the “Smooth Island Jazz” series, is a unique blend of contemporary jazz and R&B with contemporary Hawaiian elements mixed to perfection. From island classics such as Kalapana’s “When The Morning Comes” (featuring Kalpana’s original keyboard player Kirk Thompson and Volcano Choy on trumpet) and “Maui Hawaiian Sup’pa Man” (featuring Santana bassist Benny Rietveld and top session drummer Rayford Griffin) to R&B hit “Sun Goddess” (featuring keyboard extraordinaire Rodney Franklin and sax man David Choy), “Smooth Island Jazz Lēʻahi” delivers!

Two new songs penned by Grammy-nominated producer Reggie Griffin, “Floating on the Wind” (Diamond Head Sunset) and “Island Romance” complement the amazing tracklist. 

From the custom packaging complete with liner notes, and original artwork entitled “Tropical Moon Over Waikīkī,” by Australian – Maui-based “environmental visionary” artist Steve Sundram, to the smooth and sultry sounds of the islands, “Smooth Island Jazz Lē‘ahi” arouses the senses and satisfies the soul.

The “Smooth Island Jazz Lēʻahi” project is more than just an album; it is a timeless treasure intended to be passed down from generation to generation. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this collector’s piece embodies a commitment to preserving the artistry, soul and diversity of music from Hawai‘i.

Each aspect of “Smooth Island Jazz Lēʻahi” has been carefully designed to enhance the listening experience and evoke a sense of nostalgia. The vinyl edition, pressed on 180-gram virgin translucent sea glass colored vinyl, offers a tangible connection to the golden era of music. With the audio mastered at top shelf quality by Steven EUGEne GROoVE at House of Groove, delivered at a crisp 45 RPM, every note and nuance is brought to life in stunning clarity and dynamic range. (PLEASE NOTE: This vinyl record is intended to be played at 45 RPM only. You may need to adjust this setting on your record player.) 

“Smooth Island Jazz Lēʻahi” packaging further adds to its allure. The vinyl double album comes encased in a 28-point gatefold tipped on jacket, inviting listeners to engage in a visual experience that complements the auditory delight. 

For those who prefer the convenience of digital formats, the album is also available on digital download, all major streaming services and on compact disc, presented in a meticulously crafted 24-point gatefold tipped on jacket.

By investing in “Smooth Island Jazz Lēʻahi,” music enthusiasts not only acquire a masterpiece of sound but also become custodians of a rich musical legacy. This extraordinary album transcends time, preserving the artistry, emotions, and cultural significance for future generations to cherish. Whether displayed proudly on a collector’s shelf or enjoyed through the audio-file quality and warmth of vinyl, this exquisite offering invites listeners to embark on a transformative journey through the enchanting world of Smooth Island Jazz. Aloha and mahalo!

GET COMPLETE LINER NOTES HERE

Current Release

On Sale & Streaming Now!

SMOOTH ISLAND JAZZ

MOKOLI‘I

Quiet Storm Records is thrilled to announce the release of Smooth Island Jazz Mokoli‘i (pronounced Moh-koh-LEE-ee) (aka Chinaman’s Hat) on October 6, 2023. This highly anticipated album will be available in a double vinyl set, compact disc, and digital download formats.

The Smooth Island Jazz Mokoli‘i project is more than just an album; it is a timeless treasure intended to be passed down from generation to generation. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this collector’s piece embodies a commitment to preserving the artistry, soul and diversity of music from Hawai‘i.

Each aspect of Smooth Island Jazz Mokoli‘i has been carefully designed to enhance the listening experience and evoke a sense of nostalgia. The vinyl edition, pressed on 180-gram virgin translucent blue colored vinyl, offers a tangible connection to the golden era of music. With the audio mastered at top shelf quality by Brian Gardner at Bernie Grundman Mastering, delivered at a crisp 45 RPM, every note and nuance is brought to life in stunning clarity and dynamic range.

The packaging of Smooth Island Jazz Mokoli‘i further adds to its allure. The vinyl double album comes encased in a 28-point gatefold tipped on jacket, inviting listeners to engage in a visual experience that complements the auditory delight. 

For those who prefer the convenience of digital formats, the album is also available on digital download and on compact disc, presented in a meticulously crafted 24-point gatefold tipped on jacket.

By investing in Smooth Island Jazz Mokoli‘i, music enthusiasts not only acquire a masterpiece of sound but also become custodians of a rich musical legacy. This extraordinary album transcends time, preserving the artistry, emotions, and cultural significance for future generations to cherish. Whether displayed proudly on a collector’s shelf or enjoyed through the audio-file quality and warmth of vinyl, this exquisite offering invites listeners to embark on a transformative journey through the enchanting world of Smooth Island Jazz. Aloha and mahalo nui loa!

GET COMPLETE LINER NOTES HERE