Current Projects
Akamai Brain Collective | WAITIKI | The HARX
I have several projects that are going on simultaneously right now, so I've decided to write a bit about each, to give you an idea of the kind of music that I compose, perform, and improvise.
In Hawaiian, the word akamai means "witty," "clever," or "intelligent." The music of Akamai Brain Collective brings together the wisdom and musical know-how of three Hawaii locals born and raised in the Islands, but schooled at two of the world's finest music schools: New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music.
Although we have performed with each other in many different contexts, the sounds that Abe, Eric Lagrimas (Abe's older brother), and I spontaneously compose and create are like no other. The result is a completely new genre of music, which we refer to as "progressive Hawaiian groove-based jams." Because we are pioneers in this idiom, we prefer to perform this music live, and consequently have not recorded these sounds yet.
We have, however, recorded some of our own original tunes. Please visit our pages at www.akamaibraincollective.com, where you can hear clips our music!
WAITIKI - Authentic Music of Hawaii, Tiki, & Exotica
WAITIKI is a project that I started with my buddy Abe Lagrimas Jr., who is also from Hawaii. Abe goes to Berklee College of Music and lives right around the corner from me. We've been friends ever since high school and have played music together for just as long. Abe is a former member of DON TIKI, one of the world's only other exotica/tiki bands still in existence. DON TIKI was our chief inspiration for starting WAITIKI.
For more info on WAITKI, please visit our website at www.waitiki.com
The "HARX" is an acronym which represents the first initial of each member in the band ("Helen, Abe, Randy Xperiment" or alternatively, "Helen, Abe, Randy Xmas"). Helen Liu is a violinist studying at New England Conservatory and one of Boston's most well-respected chamber musicians. The three of us put this ensemble together when the opportunity to record a Christmas album, originally set for release in December 2003, presented itself.
The HARX are: Helen Liu, violin; Abe Lagrimas Jr., piano & drums; Randy Wong, upright bass.
All original compositions © by their respective owners.
To contact me (Randy Wong), e-mail me directly.