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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, June 4, 2006

ISLAND SOUNDS
Willie K, Gilliom mesh Isle vibes as Barefoot Natives

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

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Alone, Willie K and Eric Gilliom need no introduction; together, as the Barefoot Natives, they reinvent themselves.

And reggaemeister Marty Dread is back and in the groove.

"BAREFOOT NATIVES" BY BAREFOOT NATIVES; MALAMA PONO PRODUCT-IONS/MAUI TRIBE

  • Genre: Adult contemporary, with Island rhythms.

  • Distinguishing notes: Two prime movers and shakers — Willie K and Eric Gilliom — collaborate as a new act, Barefoot Natives. The result: a hybrid sound of contemporary riffs with Polynesian, almost tribal (sometimes) rants.

    Willie, of course, is a prolific award-winning musical force. Gilliom is a trouper with his own merits (and yes, the brother of Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom). Together they create a sensuous tapestry of contemporary vibes.

    The opening track, "Indigenous Nations," by Willie (William Kahaiali'i, as his formal credit proclaims), sets the tone and could be the breakout theme, since it reappears later on the CD in a reggaefied version, heavy with percussion and choral embellishments.

    Gilliom's "Back to Honopo" is a powerful element, too. The Natives also do a terrific version of Olomana's "Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u" — the duo fuses the iconic song with "Ku'ulei Awapuhi."

    There's also variety — like covers of George Harrison's "Something" and Loggins & Messina's "Watching the River Run." Covers, to be sure, should provide a new map of familiar territory, and the Natives do just that.

    And "Fa Mai Ra Oe," a traditional Tahitian ballad, is intoxicating with its tropical vibes — mai-tai for the ears — with lingering marvel and mystique.

  • The outlook: This is a fresh, formidable launch of a powerhouse teaming of two musical souls.

  • Our take: The Natives are indeed restless — this one is a keeper.

    "Watching The River Run" by Barefoot Natives. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

    "NEXT LEVEL" BY MARTY DREAD; SHAKINMELODIZ

  • Genre: Reggae, world music.

  • Distinguishing notes: Local reggae pioneer Marty Dread locks images of the easy life in Hawai'i via such tracks as "Move and Galong," "No Mo' Slippah, Pt. 2," "Cruisin'" and "Free and Single" — Island themes underlying those imported Jamaican rhythms. Dread throws in periodic raps, has Nara Boone guest on "Love From Afar," sharing a romantic vignette in the process.

  • The outlook: If you're in the reggae groove, you'll move to the "Next Level."

  • Our take: It's Marty time, so let the good times roll.

    "She Wanna Dance" by Marty Dread. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.