Robbie Karena - Good To See Ya (2018)

Here it is, my debut album. I'm very pleased to present a collection of ten songs in varying styles with a common thread of jazz, blues and gospel. Nine originals and a re-arrangement of a Wes Montgomery classic "Unit 7'. At the heart of this album is my Christian faith which is expressed in the two vocal songs. I enjoy a variety genre's like rock n roll, rock, soul, RnB, pop, blues, jazz, reggae, Latin, funk, country etc…and I've had the opportunity to play them with some of the best in the business as a freelance guitarist in New Zealand and now in Australia. My main influences include Jimi Hendrix, George Benson, Pat Metheny and Robben Ford.

My inspiration is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And what he did on the cross for me and 'whosoever believes'.
This album is a culmination of songs and tunes I've written over the years and now finally recorded.

Thank you to all the musicians for their time, talent and generosity who played on the album. Joe Delelande for being generous with his studio and some great playing navigating his way around the tunes. Pianist Will Sargisson for some deft skills and many highlights. Canadian, Addison Johnson laying down some funky blues on 'What You Believe'. Thrilled to have Kevin Kepa singing on it. The last time I heard it was when we recorded it as a trio. The next time I heard it, Kevin's vocal was added… awesome! Grant Pukeroa's reggae beats & fills on 'Good News'. Jason Bell who added some tambourine to 'Cavil Ave'. And lastly bassist and music educator Dean Harawira who I met at a jam night when I first got to the Gold Coast. We jammed on a tune I was working on which later became 'Cavil Ave.' Dean started booking me for gigs and upon hearing more of my tunes encouraged me to start recording them where he was studying at Griffith University. Those recordings and his work ethic inspired me to make this album. Chur bro ! And for coming up with some great counter melodic bass lines.

Thank you also to Andrew Parker for all his hard work engineering and mixing the album.
Paul Blakey for the mastering and Craig Hindman for nailing the cover.

To my loving and caring wife Helen. I love you and treasure you and our son Zachariah. You are both the crown of my life.
Thank you for your patience and support for my music. Thank you to all my family and friends for your love and support.

Thank you Heavenly Father for your Son Jesus Christ and all the wonderful things you do in my life. Including the gift of music.

Robbie Karena

All songs wriiten and composed by Robbie Karena
except Unit 7 by Sam Jones, Upam Music

Robbie Karena Guitars, Bass (tracks 4, 5, 8 & 9) Vocals (track 7) Synth (track 3)
Dean Harawira Bass (tracks 1,2,3,6,7 & 10)
Will Sargisson Keyboards
Joe Delalande Drums (all tracks except 4 & 10)
Grant Pukeroa Drums (track 4)
Addison Johnson Drums (track 10)
Jason Bell Tambourine (track 1)
Special appearance Kevin Kepa Vocals (track 10)

Recorded at Joe's Garage by Joe Delalande, Mudgeeraba Qld,
Robs Joint, Nerang Qld and Griffith University, Parkwood Qld.
Sound engineered by Andrew Parker at Parkers Music House, Sydney NSW
Mixed by Andrew Parker and Robbie Karena at Parkers Music House, Sydney NSW
'What You Believe' engineered and mixed by Dean Harawira, Griffith University Qld
Mastered by Paul Blakey at 12th & Vine Post, Broardbeach Qld
Photo's by Presto Photographics, Ashmore Qld
Album Cover Design by Craig Hindman, Himy Creative.

Track List:
01. Cavil Ave 05:16
02. Good To See Ya 06:49
03. Peace Of Mind 06:22
04. Good News 06:46
05. Mission Accomplished 07:24
06. Lets Go Fishing 05:19
07. I Got Jesus Living In My Heart 04:49
08. Unit 7 04:43
09. Waiting For You 06:34
10. What You Believe 04:17

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