"Mom and Dad kept traditional Hawaiiana alive in our house no matter where we went... They were ambassadors of aloha, surrounding us with memories of family and friends back in the islands and our ono food, multi-culture customs and all the music and knick-knacks that revealed our identity. One of our neighbors in Colorado Springs told his folks that he 'never saw anyone as musical as the Freitas family... they just grab things off the wall and start making music... ukuleles, guitars, a hollow gourd, bamboo sticks... and even rocks! In 1985, I finally came back home to stay... it almost felt like I was never away... Aloha to all of you, especially those Hawaiians on the far shore who remain strong foundations of their community. You are the rainbows and through you the Aloha spirit lives on... beyond these island shores! Hey! Check out this old Gretsch guitar..." Always been a Winner! Selected artist to 1973 Governor's School of North Carolina... 1974 Artist of the Year for Pike’s Peak Region, Colorado... "if my songs paint a good picture I have accomplished what I set out to do..." To think that he set out to be a drummer and an artist (painter). "Guitars were more portable than paints and canvas", he says. Gordon is always amused when people try to categorize his music and compare him to the likes of Steve Goodman, John Denver, Don Mc-Clean, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, John Prine, Joni Mitchell, Taj Mahal, Jimi Hendrix, Leo Kottke, James Taylor, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, John Gorka, Richie Havens, John Lennon, Steve Young, and Gordon Lightfoot, of course. "Don't get me wrong, I like all those guys!" But, when he plays his own unique style shines through with genuine warmth and honesty... a powerful and memorable performance... No flash... just Gordon!
© Copyright 2004, Gordon Manuel Freitas |
