From the Honolulu Pulse – January 20, 2012
REVIEW BY JOHN BERGER / jberger@staradvertiser.com
Full Article
Willie K can play or sing almost anything an American audience might ask for. On this album he and some friends play the blues. Some of the 17 original compositions are mainstream blues, others are closer to rock or ‘60s soul, but with Willie K leading the group on guitar and vocals they all work one way or another.
One of the most traditional numbers is “Heart Aching Blues.” If someone should ask if Willie K really has what it takes to play the blues like he means it, direct them to this song. “Too Bad,” the second track of the album, is a swinging, uptempo gem. A woman didn’t recognize that she could have had him. Now he’s on top of the world without her, and as for her, well, too bad! It’ll make you smile just to hear him sing it.
“Howling At The Moon” has a strong traditional foundation, and Willie K sounds like he’s having a great time singing it. A few songs later, with one titled “Lonely Man,” he’s switched to somber cocktail lounge pop; Sam Ahia Sr. (guitar) and an unidentified pianist are the key players in a beautiful arrangement there. “World Singing The Blues,” a protest song about mankind’s continuing assault on the environment is also memorable. Whatever the relative balance of blues, rock and ’60 soul music from one song to the next, Willie K never fails to connect.
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John Berger has been a mainstay in the local entertainment scene for nearly 40 years. Contact
him via email at jberger@staradvertiser.com.

The BIG NEWS in the Willie K Ohana is the release of a Willie K Signature Ukulele! It’s made by Oscar Schmidt and will be available for uke lovers all over the world! Below is the press release from Oscar Schmidt. Congratulations Willie K!

Oscar Schmidt is proud to release the OUWK100K, Willie K’s brand new signature model which will be debuting at NAMM 2012. Willie K is a virtuosic singer, performer, songwriter, and actor. Since 1992, he has been steadily releasing albums and performing his songs around the world to high praise. He has recently released his album “Warehouse Blues” and has toured with and opened for legends such as B.B. King, Al DiMeola, and Willie Nelson.

The tenor ukulele, designed by Willie K and Avi Rohen, features a body made exclusively from beautiful Hawaiian koa. It is a 5 string ukulele with a low G string, allowing a pure Hawaiian sound. It has a satin finish with a beautiful abalone rosette and binding. An active UK200 pre amp will enable the pure tones to be heard no matter the venue.

Click here for the Oscar Schmidt website.

The neck features stunning pearl dot inlays and a beautiful rosewood bridge. Gold Grover® die-cast tuners help ensure stable tuning at all times. The nut and saddle of this instrument are made from synthetic bone.

Oscar Schmidt is owned by US Music Corp, located in Mundelein, IL. US Music Corp is an international music company that manufactures and distributes products worldwide under Washburn Guitars, Parker Guitars, Randall Amplifiers, Eden Electronics, Hagstrom, Jay Turser, Jay J, Warwick, Natal Drums, Phonic, Quik Lok, and Profile brand names. US Music Corp is a subsidiary of Jam Industries, Ltd.

For more information on Oscar-Schmidt Instruments, visit www.oscarschmidt.com
For more information on US Music Corp, visit www.usmusiccorp.com
For more information on Jam Industries, Ltd., visit www.jamindustries.com

Willie K, Ohana & Friends will be going to Washington! This is a tour that Willie K gets to travel with his ohana. With great music & awesome entertainment this concert is sure to be a sold out! Get your tickets now & see you at the show.

Various online ticket prices ($20.00 – $60.00 + fees) available at:
www.ticketmaster.com/Emerald-Queen-Casino-tickets-Tacoma/venue/123128 or call: 1-888-831-7655