Willie K. and Eric Gilliom have a history of playing around and having fun, and this album is certainly no exception. The core of the music is built around the slack key, but not in the traditional formats. Normally, a good slack key or two would be the sole inhabitants of a piece of music, with maybe some vocals gently laid over the top. Here, the songs generally make use of a full band and dueling slack keys. The songs aren't the gentle pieces of delicate beauty that slack key is known for -- they're romping, rocking numbers ranging from something close to traditional all the way up to a rock-fusion piece that seems to exude elements of both gospel and Journey-style power ballads. Across the board, though, as the album romps and slithers between serenity and speed, it's always good fun. These two fine musicians have been hanging around together for a long time now -- they can play off of one another with ease, and it's rather clear in the result. Pick it up for a quick shot of fun semi-contemporary Hawaiian music, built on the classic forms but taken to a party format...and an excellent high-energy serenade to their true love: huli huli chicken.
Do these phrases bring back memories? "Needs brakes and headlights...No insurance or registration...spare parts, safety expired...Won't start unless she's hot wired." Eric Gilliom and Joel Kira salute the "beater car" and those who smile/shudder at the memory of driving such a rusty, trusty beast. So, if your junkyard is looking at your car as a source of spare parts or steel rebar material, hi...
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Your local softball/baseball/football team is going places...if they can raise the money. In Hawaii, that means BBQ chicken, smoke, long lines of customers, and something too good for words/broke da mouth. Willie K. ignores the trademark on "Huli Huli" chicken and invites the listener to feast on an island favorite. Got the Ke'awe charcoal? Salt & spices? The washing machine motor-powered chain...
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It's not yet Saturday night nor Halloween, but few need an excuse to throw a party. Here's the more juiced-up/enthusiastic version of "Only Wanna Party" by Barefoot Natives. Check out the rest of "Slack Key Circus" for your next party...
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Here's a suggestion for hump day dinner, if you're lucky enough to spot a local group hosting a Huli Huli chicken fundraiser. If you aren't, KFC's Grilled chicken is a close match to the basic salt+spices version. Hey, that's Eric Gilliom and Willie K. playing for the workers, I can guess what they'll be eating tonight! (Better than Cajun Crawfish, eh?)
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Your local softball/baseball/football team is going places...if they can raise the money. In Hawaii, that means BBQ chicken, smoke, long lines of customers, and something too good for words/broke da mouth. Willie K. ignores the trademark on "Huli Huli" chicken and invites the listener to feast on an island favorite. Got the Ke'awe charcoal? Salt & spices? The washing machine motor-powered chain...
More >
Do these phrases bring back memories? "Needs brakes and headlights...No insurance or registration...spare parts, safety expired...Won't start unless she's hot wired." Eric Gilliom and Joel Kira salute the "beater car" and those who smile/shudder at the memory of driving such a rusty, trusty beast. So, if your junkyard is looking at your car as a source of spare parts or steel rebar material, hi...
More >
It's not yet Saturday night nor Halloween, but few need an excuse to throw a party. Here's the more juiced-up/enthusiastic version of "Only Wanna Party" by Barefoot Natives. Check out the rest of "Slack Key Circus" for your next party...
More >
It happens just before Spring, and is a great excuse to light firecrackers in the street, dance and eat exotic food. This year it's celebrated on February 7th, and the 'hood is open to all! It's the Lunar/Chinese New Year, and what could be (somewhat) appropriate than having Eric and Willie invite you to the party?
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| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 E Komo Mai |
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| 2 All My Life |
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| 3 Eia La |
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| 4 Maui Cruiser |
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| 5 Ke Aloha A'u Hali'a Nei |
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| 6 My Home Town |
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| 7 Only Wanna Party |
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| 8 Kiho'alu Man |
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| 9 Na Hala O Naue |
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| 10 Mata Riva |
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| 11 Cool Day |
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| 12 Huli Huli Chicken |
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| 13 Slack Key Circus |
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| 14 Only Wanna Party (Hana Hou) |
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Click to purchase…
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 "Slack Key Circus")
