By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin John Cruz, right, takes a break with engineer David Tucciarone, center, and musician Matt Swalinkavich. Completing a new album is his mission this summer. He's been cutting back on club work to give himself more time with engineer Dave Tucciarone at Studio Kahala. He's also taking on a limited number of projects producing albums for others. He's been a big influence on my music and my direction.
Hawaiian music is unique to Hawaii and having our symphony playing Hawaiian music is really cool.
Cruz grew up with music. His father, Ernie Cruz Sr., had several local hits in the late 1970s. By the age of 15 John was playing bass in his father's band. But he was still in his teens when he decided that Hawaii wasn't happening for him. I didn't want to be doing the aloha-shirt hotel gigs for 20 years.