JIM KIMO WEST & DAVID VITO GREGOLI, "Islamadora Sunset"

If Jim Kimo West were not a Grammy winning slack key guitarist and David Vito Gregoli an acclaimed producer, multi-instrumentalist and renowned “sound painter,” I would hire them out in a heartbeat to plan my next vacation. Since taking us on an exotic trip to “Africa” (making Steve Lukather and David Paich proud with their transcendent re-imagining), they’ve booked our flights to the San Juan Islands (“Friday Harbor”), the Scottish Highlands (“Highland Life”) and now the Florida Keys, a gorgeous tropical region off the Sunshine State that inspired the graceful, gently lilting vibes and higher-toned string intricacies of “Islamadora Sunset.”

Just so we’re clear on their latest destination – and so we listeners can understand why they wrote and perform such a rapturous reflection on it – it’s important to open the proverbial guide book and check out some highlights of Islamadora. Known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, it’s a village encompassing six of the Keys and is known for its stunning coral reefs. It’s a popular vacation destination known for its upscale small-town atmosphere, scenic bay, ocean views, sunshine, boating, fishing, locally owned restaurants, quaint shops and galleries.

Let’s imagine Kimo as our trusty tour guide, alternately strumming and playing intricate notes on his array of three guitars (Moog, acoustic, soprano), intertwining with Vito’s fretless bass, acoustic guitar and gentle synth atmospheres to provide the perfect soundtrack to another breathtaking sunset.

As they seduce us with their sensual grace and sparkling high notes, Kimo explains his love for Islamadora: “I’ve been going to the Florida Keys every year to fish for a while now, usually staying in Key Largo or Islamadora. The ocean here is an impossible aquamarine color and the offshore reefs are full of interesting sea life. Of course, getting to sample the locally made key lime pie is another major reason for going!”  

As their collaborations deepen and become more prolific, Kimo and Vito’s powerfully expressive musical wanderlust and openness to fresh inspirational destinations becomes more infectious with every release!