Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 19, Number 3, 1 March 2002 — 3+4U = Three Plus' musical maturity and redefined values [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

3+4U = Three Plus' musical maturity and redefined values

By Manu Boyd When Three Plus manager Shawn Kekoa Pimental got the eall to open for Janet Jackson in two weeks, he was floored, "Lānai Boy from īsland Rhythm 98,5 got a eall from Clear Channel Management asking for leads on loeal groups to open for Janet, He sent a bunch of CDs up, and Three Plus was selected," explained Pimental noting that Janet Jackson tries to highlight loeal bands in whatever region she's holding concerts, "Performing for her, and for the 30,000 loeal fans at the Aloha Stadium was awesome," he said, Three Plus is Tanoa Kapana, Marcus Malepeai and Karl Zinsman, all musicians who give back to the community coaching football, Joining them on state are Pimental who handles the muhiple roles of manager, musical director and drummer; Cary Mashiba on bass; and Kahi Fernandez on keyboards, With 3+4U an instant hit, Three Plus is poised to ride the wave of

popularity that should outdistance their premier recording, uHoneybabyP the weeks-long numberone hit that sold more than 80,000. 3+4U represents a maturation of the band with refined vocals, great originals and remakes that are sophisticated and complimentary, "About a year ago, the boys decided to go back into the studio, We started a record company, and

focused on music that would be trend-setting rather than copying others' sounds, We wanted to establish our own sound," said Pimental, Although their sound has evolved, the influences of reggae and Hip-Hop are maintained, 3+4U leads off with an original, "Undercover Lover," by lead vocalist Kanoa with music by Pimental, Guest artists Nāmahana, Ragamuffin Rapper Jen Wright and Kanalo's Zaysha Lagrador are featured in "For You," The Stylistics' "Betcha By Golly Wow" is a stand-out, performed with smooth vocals in a fresh arrangement, Three Plus performs regularly around town, and overseas in Guam and on the West Coast, Later this month, Three Plus' Three-City Tour will take the band to San Jose, Long Beach and Las Vegas, For information on Three Plus gigs, log on to www.koops2.com, or email koops2@hawaii,rr,com, ■

Mfi f 'Am ana

Kcirl Zinsrncin, īeinoei Keipeinei , Mcircus Meilepeeii