My son Julian was born in Costa Rica.
He was just about this age (Picture above) when he declared to me
that when he grew up, he was going to be a “Rock Star”
He assured me he was going to sing and play guitar in a big band someday.
I always thought this idea had come from knowing a bit about me and my old
rock ‘n roll band days back in the 60’s (Like mother …like son etc.) but as he persisted,
“Had” to have a guitar, I gave in and bought him his first acoustic guitar.
There was however one major stumbling block to him realizing his dream…. and it was a big one:) my handsome son was “tone deaf”. He could not carry a tune to save his life. I worked with him with the piano..making it a game to “find that note’ he just could not. It was heartbreaking for him and ear shattering (for me) to listen to him try to carry a tune, sing a song.
This was very surprising for me, because his older sister and I,
seemed to have been born with good pitch.
At about this age, maybe 11, he begged me to get him an electric guitar. He “Had” to have an electric guitar to prepare himself for making his dream come true.
I did get him an electric guitar and from that point on..the miracle seemed to take place in him.
He learned quickly how to play the electric guitar, but the most amazing thing (for me!) was he discovered his pitch! Little by little he was on pitch maybe, 80% of the time..then 90% Yay! he finally did it… 100% of the time. Practicing with his own electric guitar he taught himself how to sing.
So this brings us to more recent times: In his 20’s he formed his own small band
and also began to write his own music and lyrics. His band was quite successful in a local way, and he realized he loved this more than anything in the world.
Almost ten years ago, he caught the eye of another musician who was forming a Latin band, complete with horn and sax section. The band did not need another guitarist but they needed a bass player and a back up singer. He taught himself the bass.
The band was called “The Combo Style” and in its hey-day it was super popular.. maybe the best band of its kind in Costa Rica. They were invited to play International Festivals on giant stages. Natascha and I were so impressed with them (Natascha LOVED their sound) that we made a virtual-meets- real life -video to promote them
See my post YouTube below after “Bad Pineapple”
Soon after we made the video…they really took off and Julian was making his living as a full-time musician.
In 2012 he wrote this song, “Mala Piña” “Bad Pineapple”for his first group, It was a protest of the Del Monte Pineapple Company that had moved into our area and was buying up rich farms, to convert them to depleted pineapple fields, complete with sprays and insecticides. We refer to this company as PINDECO ( Pineapple Development Corporation of Costa Rica)but it was owned by Del Monte in the USA.
In 2019 he showed it to the new group, Combo Style, and in 2019 right before the pandemic hit, they recorded it and it was an Instant hit all over the country! They also changed their name to be spelled “Kombo Style”There was no YouTube video made for this song and so I asked Julian, if I could throw one together…just for this blog:) This collage you will see is my rudimentary video expertise with their great and very catchy song.
So…. Here it is. Just a small footnote..the pandemic in 2020 ended the momentum of the band. They fell apart for lack of gigs:( But in 2023.. they are regrouping and Julian is playing on the weekends but his day job, is now as a real-estate agent for a company based at the beach.
But this (picture below) is what he loves to do:)❤️
Watch it in 720HD..Sound UP it is Very Dance-able:):)
Nat’s & my film in 2019
Digital Rabbit Hole 
Karima, thank you so much for sharing. I wish him good luck. It’s so good to see him enjoying what he likes the most ❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you so much Gabriela and glad you enjoyed the story and the video. Big hugs… i admire that he persisted, and they had a great run for years. Thank you for taking your time 🙏🌹
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My pleasure. I do admire he persisted too. His story is exceptional ❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you for saying that Big Hugs!! ❤️🤗🙏
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❤️❤️❤️
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Woot! Love the beat and the images, and how you made a video (two videos!) out of it all. So much talent in the family. 🙂
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Thank you Dale… my video effort was more a labor of love than professionalism but I am happy how it came out too and my son loved it which was the best part.
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That’s encouraging to know he improved from tone deaf to professional musician. Through determination and hard work, he prevailed. A wonderful reminder. Thanks for sharing. 🌻
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Thank you for reading and watching Cassa. Yes this is why I decided to add a post like this to my blog. I too was very proud of him and really he did it all himself… i had lost hope sad to admit. Thank you for saying this. I am sure he will love it too 🙏🌹
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🙏
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It is wonderful. A music man in the family. So cool dear Karima.
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Awww thanks John.. he was determined to become one hehe. I have gone to some of their concerts and you can’t sit down… you Have to get up and dance!!!
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Such an amazing tribute, Karima, to yet another member of your artistic family and your history. I love this narrative of change and perseverance that led to such creativity and passion! ❤
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Aww so glad you enjoyed hearing their music and yes…I just wouldn’t accept that he would never be a singer…He did it all on his own to his credit. Music and performing is still his passion and I’m pretty sure he will always figure out how he can express himself this way:) Thank you Layla for enjoying his story and his music:)
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Julian rocks.
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Thanks a bunch Menu..I will tell him you said so:):)
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love him young and old Karima. His spirit truly shines and what a proud moment for you as a rock solid mom. Beautiful music and filming❤️. you must be so proud❣️❣️❣️❣️. and for good reason💞
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Thanks so much Cindy…yes I am my son’s groupie…when I show up at a concert I am the only hijabby mom in a scarf 🙂 Thank you so much Cindy for your sweet words on the videos too..I can only do what my poor old worn out laptop can give me…but my film with Nat was done done pretty cool I think..Oh yes…of course I am very proud:):) Loved your comment!!
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Awww so cute and I love that . Soooo wonderful to share that kind of love and relationship. You are doing great on their I would say. It was so awesome and i love your love of each other. It’s my pleasure always Karmima❣️
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This is so special, Karima. I really love reading about you & your family… I wish Julian all the very best in everything!
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Oh thanks so much David…yes our family is a bit eccentric but music is at our core:) I will point Julian to your good wishes for him. 🙏
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So, so cool! Your video collage turned out really great. Such a catchy tune, indeed 😀
Wishing your son Julian and his band(s) all the best! Those pandemic years were hard on many musicians. Here’s to a powerful comeback!
I didn’t know it was even possible to get over tone-deafness, because I thought it is an incurable physical condition. So that is really great news. Hugs to you 🙂
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Thanks so much Joey for your great comments about Julian’s history and song. You are right true tone deafness, amusia, is a condition that is pretty much incurable but thank goodness, it’s also very rare. What Julian had, like many do, was an inability to match the pitch he was hearing by singing it.Luckily that can be reversed with determination and practice, which was Julian’s case…Alhamdulillah. Thanks so much for watching and it was nostalgic seeing you dance with Nat in our video…❤️ 🤗
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It’s DNA effect, Karima! Like mother, like son! Love him and his passion. You’re a fortunate mom to have a son like Julian. His video shows how competent he is in music. Beats are unparalleled. Love both videos. Wishing him all the best for his future endeavours.💐💐🌺🌺❤️❤️
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Haha true…our family has some musical performer genes in it..I’m pretty sure. Thank you so much Kaushal, I feel very fortunate to have him.. Thank you so much for watching both videos…Yes Julian has great rhythm and the band has a very unique sound.. Thank you so much for your good wishes for his future. He will be happy to see so many positive comments:)
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My pleasure, Karima, always! Love and blessings to Julian once again:)
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I love this story and video Ruca! It just shows how far your patience, reach and talent has left its mark on the world. I know you are so proud of Julian!
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Thank you Ruco and so good to see you!! I think we might never have talked about Julian’s pitch problem..but the important part, is he overcame it. I am totally proud of Julian and the Kombo Style is regrouping again after 3 years almost of pandemic. I’m thrilled for them and yes very proud!!!
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Love this “overcoming obstacles” story! Both early on and in the present. Yay Julian!
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Aww thank you Scottius yes he was serious about being a rockstar and never lost sight of that… even if he couldn’t sing. I’m thrilled they are playing again. He needs a day job but weekends are for making music!!
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Great song, I loved it. I found that I was close to tone deaf and so never really enjoyed singing unless it was in the car!!!
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Awww I can understand that David..I went through so many years of listening to Julian not quite hit the note. I honestly was the most surprised when he learned how after so many years. Yes amusia, true tone deafness is rare and permanent, but I’m sure you are more like Julian and just couldn’t quite sing along….in public.. The car is a good place:):)
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Julian will always be among the most incredible guys I’ve ever met. He’s super talented but also super kind, like his Mom.
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Oh my Linda.. you just made my day with your warm and wonderful comment. I know it’s going to make Julian’s too. Big hugs dear friend 🤗❤️🌹
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What an amazing story. I’m so glad that you never gave up on him even though he struggled to find the right tone for so long. He knew what he wanted and he fought for it, for that, I respect him. The song is amazing too, you must be so proud 😊
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Thanks so much Simone and thank you for watching and enjoying the song:) Yes I am very proud of him for not giving up and I am a big fan of the whole band. They really put on a show:) Thank you again for your kind words:)
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Wow, he has so much drive to work so hard towards his goals. Will definitely give the song a listen.
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Thank you so much Pooja, and yes he is very determined ever since he was young. Get ready to move your hips and arms when you listen!! Thanks so much for reading and commenting!!
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My pleasure and I wish him lots of success!
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This comment is from a dear friend in Costa Rica, Jan Betts, who has known Julian all his life:)
“Delighted to see this tribute to Julian…Jules…. Soooo talented in many areas… all around great guy… I love his hit song that he wrote, timely in its emergence… and a fun video to watch and hear.”
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Thanks so much Jan, I know Jules will cherish this comment from you..You are one of his favorite people:):)🤗
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Awesome! You are full of surprises Karima. A rockstar for a son! Enjoyed both the videos. Especially the second one. The dance in there was so amazing. Hope Julian gets to do it more often now.
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Haha yes I am a Chinese Puzzle someone said..many sides:) Ah you enjoyed my dance scene..the one in the sky? that was so much fun to choreograph. Those were the fun days for Nat and me..we created whatever we could imagine..The band loved that one too..Thanks again my friend for watching them:)
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How wonderful, Karima! You must be so proud.
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This made me so happy! It’s rare someone follows their childhood dream and your son is a beautiful tribute to the power of hard work and passion. His smile is just so wonderful!
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Beautiful!
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Thank you 🙏
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