‘Blue Planet II’

The Wyland Blues Planet Band
(Wyland)

Celebrity marine artist and environmental activist Wyland’s second "Blue Planet" album harnesses the power of the blues to deliver an important message about protecting our ocean and freshwater resources.

All too many "educational" projects are more about "The Message" than the music but this isn’t one of them. Yes, Wyland’s lyrics about pollution, acid rain ("No Future"), the population explosion ("The World Is Crying") and the BP oil spill of 2010 ("Oil Everywhere") are intended to educate and inspire action but that’s only half the value here. The talented musicians who came together in New Orleans to pool their talents as the Wyland Blues Planet Band are playing serious, down-home, "ya gotta hear this" blues that deserves national play in its own right.

From the first bars of the first song there’s no question these folks are for real. Two Hawaii residents are among them.

Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom is a delightful surprise as the featured vocalist on "Feeling Kind of Blue" and again on "Somebody Stole Our Planet’s Love." Hawaii knows she’s versatile, but who knew she could be so convincing singing the blues? Right on, Amy!

Hawaii blues veteran Willie K takes the lead vocal on "Going Down to New Orleans," backs Gilliom on "Feeling Kind of Blue" and plays guitar on other selections. A pianist named Miss Honey rips it up on "Somebody Stole Our Planet’s Love" and "Your Day is Coming," and Hawaii favorite Taj Mahal gives the project authentic old-school soul as the featured voice on "Oil Everywhere" and "Days Gone By."

Two other musical traditions — African-American gospel and New Orleans brass bands — are brought together in "Nature’s Way." A final instrumental track gives the core musicians a well-deserved chance to stretch out and jam.

Truth be told, Wyland also wrote a few songs here about love, sex and relationships. Apparently even the most ardent environmentalist needs time off for rest and recreation.

www.wylandfoundation.org

"Down On The Water"