CD Reviews: Willie K

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Live at Hapa’s”

 

Well, its about time! You’ve seen Willie tear it up live for years, and always wished you could take that sound home, hopefully without sticking some mics in your hat and bootlegging a show. Well, the wait is over, right at the buzzer Willie has released a double CD of live tracks recorded at our very own Hapa*s in Kihei. You didn’t think one CD would be enough, did you?

This double CD is his first release (excluding his Christmas CD) of original, never recorded music in over five years.

The CD is plastered with live photos from Willie shows near and far, compliments of photog Diane Bidermann, and is full color from top to bottom, discs included.

But how does it sound? Solid. Tracks were captured live by Jay Whitaker and were given the mastering kiss by recent import Lynn Peterson. Pro production for a talent that deserves it.

The styles range from a little “Bubblin’ Reggae Music” to the Latin-tinged “Saleem” (nice drum solo, Gerry), the B.B. King standard, “Thrill is Gone” to a cover of “Over The Rainbow”. And it works! You can’t forget the funk, and “Good Thang” serves it up thick.

The performers help support the big man in whatever musical mood he felt like venturing into at the moment; a no small task indeed. With Uncle Don Lopez on bass (see page 10 for more of Don’s musical musings), Gerry Davis on drums, Pedro Friere on percussion, and Margaret Rainsford on keys complete the supporting cast. Additional sax support from Howard Eisenberg and Paul Bunuan.

So where can you get some? That’s the interesting part, you have to head to the source on this one, folks. Head on into Hapa*s in Kihei or the new Hapa*s Cafe in Lahaina (formerly Paniolo Coffee) or on the web at hapasmaui.com. Some things are just worth it.

 

MD  

                                                * MAUI TIME * December 19, 2000

 

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