In search of authentic voice and sound that inspire.
Honolulu Mailman 島嶼郵差 has a penchant for delicate and sensual tones in the Jazz, R&B, Bossa Nova, and Neo-Soul genres. He enjoys bringing people together through organic music experience curated with notes, rhythms, melodies, and love.
JAZZ
R&B
NEO SOUL
BOSSA NOVA
JAZZ R&B NEO SOUL BOSSA NOVA
I WAS… CAPTIVATED
In October 2024, I had the honor of performing Captivated at Clarion Performing Arts Center, an unreleased gem from the early days of Stefani Germanotta, before she is known as Lady Gaga.
The song is about the magnetic pull of being “captivated” by something or someone who makes you feel so alive, inspired, and whole. And this is exactly how learning piano as a vocalist has made me feel.
Learning to accompany myself while singing —just as how Stefani did during her NYU years in 2005, allowed me to channel that same emotions and sentiments she poured into her song. Now as a fellow NYU alum, this performance was also a heartfelt tribute to my childhood heroine and the artist she’s become.
“I believe in the power of music.”
Singing in numerous languages and having explored 4 continents, he discovered the universal human need to listen and be heard. The more people he shares music with, the more confident he is in the power of authentic musical story-telling in finding a common ground in this chaotic world.
Discography
Billie’s Bounce
Thrilled to share the stage with Akira Tana’s Osaka Quartet to perform Charlie Parker’s bebop classic “Billie’s Blue” (1945) at Plymouth Church of Jazz and Justice in Oakland, California!
Corcovado
Performed with talented Jazz pianist Mike Turner, Kimiko Arimoto, and Afterglow Jazz Quartet at the former Max’s Opera Cafe. Let’s walk down the beach of Rio de Janeiro together.
Chega De Saudage
"Saudade" is a unique Portuguese word with no translation in English, encapsulating a deep feeling of longing, nostalgia, or melancholy for something or someone that might never return. In collaboration of jazz pianist Grant Levin.
Vivo Sonhando / Dreamer
The lyrics of Jobim’s “Vivo Sonhando / Dreamer” (1963) speak of a dreamer living far away from pains and hard realities of life. The song itself is a meditation on escapism and the beauty found in moments of quiet introspection.
Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered
The song has become a staple in the Great American Songbook. Its enduring appeal lies in its witty, poetic lyrics and its complex emotional narrative, capturing the nuances of a passionate yet tumultuous love affair.
Lush Life
Originally called “Life is Lonely”, the song got its new name as Duke Ellington was always asked to perform “that song about lush life”. Recorded at Lion’s Den Cocktail Lounge.
Cucurrucucu Paloma
In one of my favorite film "Happy Together • 春光乍洩" (1997), the song served as a poignant backdrop of Buenos Aires to the story of two lovers struggling in a turbulent relationship.
Chega De Saudage
"Saudade" is a unique Portuguese word with no translation in English, encapsulating a deep feeling of longing, nostalgia, or melancholy for something or someone that might never return.
Desafinado (ft. Ella D)
Extremely honored to perform Jobim's "Desafinado" (1957) at California Jazz Conservatory with talented female vocalist Ella D and Ross Gualco Trio.
Moonglow
Performed “Moonglow” at the Showcase Concert of Stanford Jazz Institute Vocal Program with Dena DeRose Trio. I’ll continue to chase this moonglow, in moments of quiet introspection, and in notes that linger long after the song has ended.
E Se Domani
This classic Italian Ballad explores themes of longing, uncertainty, and ultimately, the sadness that comes with the possibility of losing someone you love.
Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye
Let the evocative notes and heartfelt lyrics of Cole Porter transport you to a bygone era, where emotion and rhythm intertwine and passion was woven into the fabric of our life.
Embraceable You
A tribute to Nat King Cole. “Embraceable You” is a jazz standard song by George Gershwin. This performance is a collaboration with jazz pianist Kimiko Arimoto at The Harding House.
Fascinação
"Fascinação" delves into the mesmerizing power of love, portraying its ability to captivate the soul and evoke intense emotions. It explores the depths of longing, desire, and the transformative nature of attachment.
O Amor Em Paz
Also known as “Once I Loved”, O Amor Em Paz a classic bossa nova gem by Jobim in 1960s. Performed at California Jazz Conservatory.
Get in touch.
Want to share your stories with music, or collaborate to deliver a performance to the world? Leave me a message and let’s chat!