Amy Hanaiali'i and Willie K.
Amy and Willie make
By John Berger
beautiful music together
Special to the Star-BulletinAmy Hanaiali'i, Willie K Amy Hanaiali 'i Gilliom and Willie K (Mountain Apple)
Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom and Willie K were a hit as guests of the Brothers Cazimero a year ago at the Shell and have been a hot item ever since. He was all over her hugely successful second album, "Hawaiian Tradition," except on the cover. This album is similar musically and his presence on the cover formally acknowledges their productive and successful relationship as much as anything. They're partners in every way.
The couple is building on the popular retro-Hawaiian sound that resurrected Amy's commercial prospects as a recording artist last year. The chemistry between classically trained Amy and the uniquely talented "Uncle Willie" Kahaiali'i makes their work together ever hotter. The partnership has jump-started his career as well.
The commercial failure of Amy's beautiful and innovative debut album, "Native Child," was a lesson well-learned. That was Amy before Willie. "Hawaiian Tradition" is a new beginning, and they're moving forward with care. There's a little less cha-lang-alang this time. A little more contemporary Hawaiian. Hints of folk and country and rock, but nothing to put off the traditionalists who snubbed the progressive modernism of "Native Child" in 1995. Amy's beautiful voice is the common dominator throughout.
The songs are mostly originals written by the duo in their new old-fashioned grass-roots style. "KHBC," "Pua 'Alani" and "E Liliu E" add three classics to the mix. Each seems more beautiful than the next. Song lyrics and English translations are provided for all.
Willie joins her on " 'O Ko'olau Ku i ka Lani" but otherwise performs as a musician. Robert Cazimero (piano), John Koko (acoustic bass) and Bobby Ingano (steel guitar) join him on the synthesizer-free arrangements. He's such a formidable and versatile vocalist it's a shame he doesn't sing more. Oh well, it's hard to argue with success.
Send WatDat? questions, stories
or any other story ideas or comments to:
Features, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, P.O. Box 3080,
Honolulu, HI 96802 or send a fax to 523-8509
or E-mail to features@starbulletin.com.
Please include your phone number.
