CD review
Willie K brings to life forgotten Hawaiian tunes

"AWIHILIMA: REFLECTIONS" by Willie K Maui Tribe Productions WKE 1984

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Willie K takes a backward look to move his career forward. This CD of traditional Hawaiian songs, mostly oldies that are either forgotten or seldom performed, puts Willie squarely in the cubbyhole of kupuna.

Think Auntie Genoa Keawe — but with wiry hair, mustache and goatee, and of course, a huskier voice. Same banner of preserving that which is close to the heart.

Better yet, think Uncle Willie, protector of the fragile past. As he says on the liner notes:

"I am on a crusade now, hoping to make everybody realize that we need to hear more and play more traditional Hawaiian music."

So he puts his mouth and money on the style and songs of yesteryear, alternately in a festive and romantic mood, visiting soundscapes of yesteryear. If you know Willie primarily for his knockout blues and jazz guitar, you will be very surprised. If you knew that he had this heartfelt Hawaiian streak but has held it back for too long, you will be very charmed. He's as rustic and authentic as a Gabby Pahinui or an Eddie Kamae here.

Typical of this backyard cool and charm is "Ke Ala O Ka Rose (The Fragrance of the Rose)," in which Willie visits the falsetto genre and tosses in impromptu laughter and asides. It's one of the best versions of the Danny Ka'opio favorite.

Recorded well before the events of Sept. 11, "Hula O Ka Hui Ka'awai (Fireman's Hula)," the Matilda Kauwe tune, takes on new vigor and embraces a mighty spirit, and Willie's embrace is magical. It's a nifty upbeat rendering with stellar 'ukulele stylings, all upholding the skills of the firefighter.

On a more solemn note, "Noe Noe Ua Kea O Hana" is a place song by Edward Pu'ukea that praises the winds and rains of Maui, as well as the legendary Shark Island — ultimately a tribute to the 'aumakua, the shark.

And "Meleana E," a song by Francis Samuel Ka'a'a about his beloved daughter Maryann, takes on a highly potent and nostalgic stance. The song is a tribute to Maryann Ka'a'a Dias, mother of long-time Farrington coach Skippa Dias.

"Ke Ala O Ka Rose (The Fragrance of the Rose)" by Willie K. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.