By Martine Ehrenclou

Delta blues singer, songwriter, guitarist, John Akapo, released his debut CD, Paradise Blues on October 19, 2018 via Mensch House Records, and what a refreshing collection of 10 contemporary, acoustic blues tracks it is. With seven originals as well as his own take on three blues traditional tunes by Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Tommy Johnson, this is a collection of soulful blues from a musician whose voice is… there’s only one way to say it--just beautiful.

Based in Hawaii, this Alaska-born musician grew up singing acapella. It shows. The first thing that hits you when clicking the first track, “Ramblin’ On My Mind” (Robert Johnson) is Akapo’s full-bodied vocals with such ear-pleasing tone, and perfect pitch. There’s texture and richness to his vocals and a whole lot of soul. Not every musician has a voice like Akapo and the passion to go along with it. He is a mighty fine fingerpicker and slide player but his voice is something few are born with.

Coming from a musical family of professional touring musicians, some falling prey to the addiction of the rock and roll lifestyle, his parents tried to protect him from the same fate by preventing him from learning to play guitar. John Akapo studied music in secret and eventually become a professional Luau musician, bandleader, and solo entertainer in Hawaii.

But the Blues called his name.

“Little Lani” is an original that has plenty of groove. A blues roots tune that once again features Akapo’s moving vocals and acoustic guitar, it also features layers of sweet harmonica runs by harp player, Louie the Fish. For someone who never knew a woman named Lani, John Akapo is sure convincing. Be sure to listen to the guitar solo. It is an acoustic feast.

Akapo said, “I play the blues because it’s familiar to me. I feel a connection to the story behind the blues…The blues is at home here in the Islands.”

“Maui Drive” showcases Akapo’s talent for songwriting, as do his other originals. This one has a country-blues flair and tells the story of an afternoon drive and what he sees along the way. A toe-tapper for sure. This easy afternoon ditty has some nice percussion played by Salani Ainu’u.

More country blues follows with “Caramac Blues” and Akapo’s pristine acoustic fingerpicking. He sings, “Be the light, be the change you want to see, I’ll take care of you, and you take care of me.” He whistles a little Dixie at the end of this track, adding a light hearted country touch.

Akapo is also adept at creating moving chord changes and melodies with groove on his original tunes. In the mournful “Fighting For Your Love,” it’s more of a pop/soft rock ballad about love and being on the wrong end of the decision to call it quits.

 
Akapo’s love of traditional blues surfaces again with “Hindsight (Missionary Blues)” and “Don’t Believe Her” where he sings solo accompanied only by his six-stringed instruments. If you listen through headphones, you’ll hear the lyrical quality in his guitar playing. “Don’t Believe Her” has some interesting lines. “Don’t believe that woman, she’s got more lies than a pimp.” Akapo throws himself into the guitar playing on this track and has the grip of a true professional on the vocal phrasing.

This guy really has something special. That voice!

The album closes with a Tommy Johnson cover, “Big Road Blues.” Faithful to the original but Akapo captures this tune with a contemporary twist with full-flavored sounds on guitars and vocals. Once again, it’s Akapo going solo with his guitar. You have to have a lot going on musically to pull that off. And Akapo definitely does.

I look forward to hearing more from this highly talented musician. Paradise Blues is going into my permanent music collection.

For more information on Paradise Blues by John Akapo:

Website https://www.johnakapo.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/johnakapomusic/
 
 

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