Island MeleHonolulu Star Bulletin Friday, October 5, 2001 By John Berger
REVIEW:
"Awihilima: Reflections"Willie K (Maui Tribe Productions - WKE 1984)
Does anyone doubt that Willie K is the king of versatility in Hawaiian music these days? Check out his three most recent new albums: There's his imaginative 1999 "Willie Kalikimaka" Christmas album; his Y2K live rock and blues double-CD, "Live at Hapa's"; and now this beautiful collection of classic Hawaiian songs. Traditionalists, this one's for you!
Willie and his musicians evoke memories of Gabby Pahinui, Sonny Chillingworth and the Sons of Hawaii but never fall into arrangements that simply copy those of the kupuna. Willie's distinctive stamp is on each song. His rendition of "Meleana E" is particularly sweet.
And, in addition to bringing forward these great old songs, Willie also observes his responsibilities as an "uncle" to younger musicians by sharing the lyrics and other information. Willie continues to amaze!
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