: Classifieds : MyJU :
Stories: Localbeat
Browse Localbeat Stories: « Previous Story | Next Story »

The Ultimate Satisfaction for Kenne Glide

By: Elena Sinnemaki

Date Posted: 2000-05-13

Seven years ago when Kenne Glide set foot on Okinawa, he had no idea what lie in store for him on this tiny island in the Pacific.

Kenne joined the group “Shock Tacy” back in 1993 when he arrived on Okinawa. A couple of years later, Kenne decided to form the group “Ultimate Satisfaction”, which became a great success on the island. From seaside restaurants and clubs to base functions and island celebrations, one could always find the opportunity to hear the harmonies of “Ultimate Satisfaction”. Granted, there have been many different forms of this collection of talent – between vocalists, dancers, & rappers there has been a total of 38 people in 3-1/2 years that have been involved with the group – with the one constant and the core of the structure remaining as Kenne Glide.

“It’s taken time, but it was all worth it. The most important thing was that the time was finally right.”

So what is he talking about? Kenne Glide, now a solo act, is referring to the completion of his first CD. His 12-track creation is appropriately titled, “Ultimate Satisfaction”. Although a solo project, the title of what was once a montage of diverse talent, now carries for Kenne a whole new meaning.

“Things happen and you don’t always understand why. Sometimes you just have to experience it all – the good with the bad – to get yourself where you need to be,” reflected Kenne. The “Ultimate Satisfaction” now, of course, being the triumph over it all: the good, the bad, the highs & lows, and all of the learning that comes in between.

Kenne began seriously working on the project on January 24th this year. He will remember that day forever, he told Japan Update. It was the day of his true independence. He realized that the only one who could stop him from achieving his goal, was himself.

Although it’s common knowledge that Okinawa is a great starting point for aspiring musicians, since it is a community that is saturated with opportunity and demand for musicians, you’ve still got to take that first step.

“I can tell you the name and location of every Pawn Shop on this island,” Kenne laughed. “That’s where I started. Once I got serious about making music, I decided to start building my own ‘studio’. I would window shop for the best equipment and then try to find something comparable, in good condition, but MUCH more affordable in the Pawn Shops around the island. When you’re just starting out, that is definitely the way to go.”

So, in his own home studio, filled with good equipment he found second-hand, Kenne has produced his first CD, which he is extremely proud of. And he has every right to be! All of the vocals – whether lead or background harmonies – are his!

There are two remakes included in this project: Sukiyaki (performed in English and in Japanese), and the renowned Stand By Me, which was written by Ben E. King. Some of the original recordings include, “Are U Ready?”, “Slo Dance”, and what could be considered an anthem of Kenne’s career, track 6, “Can’t Hold Me Back”. The songs are full of harmonies and great lyrics – a perfect addition to any collection.

To Kenne, this is only the beginning of great things to come. It’s almost as if the past seven years were “practice”, a compilation of experiences that would help him get to this point in his music career.

Kenne Glide will be traveling to mainland Japan this June and then back to the U.S. at the end of September. However, Okinawa will be awaiting his return to see what else he will be surprising us with in the next year or two.

Ultimate Satisfaction, featuring Kenne Glide is currently available at AAFES.

Browse Localbeat Stories: « Previous Story | Next Story »

weather currency health and beauty restaurants Yellowpages JU Blog

JU FacebookOkistyleOkistyle

Go to advertising PDF?||?|o?L?qAE?|?}?OA?N?ga`OkiStyle?A??q?qM?oeu^?I`??N?gX?<eth>?<ETH>?ni^?IWanted!!Golden Kings ScheduleOkiNightSeeker