Album Notes

In 2006 The VooDoo Suns were recognized by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts as one of the Most Promising New Artists, Best Group, Best Songwriters and Best Producers of the Year.
Their debut CD release “Songs from the Haleakala Kitchen” was nominated for the 2006 Hawaiian Na Hoku Hanohano Award for BEST ORIGINAL ROCK ALBUM. They were also nominated as FAVORITE ENTERTAINERS OF THE YEAR by Borders Books & Music.

Drawing from influences as diverse as R&B, 60's rock, delta blues and even a bit of back-country, the Suns bring their unique mojo to a spellbinding cd that draws you in from the first burst of Anastasia's voice during the invocation-like "Start All Over" to the last ring of slide guitar on "Haleakala Upcountry Blues." The stand out cut is probably the hypnotic "Invisible" but every song on the record has that elusive "it" factor that separates great music from the merely ordinary.

A virtual Maui supergroup, the VooDoo Suns were 5 years in the making, averaging 200 shows per year since 2001 between recording sessions and surfing. The album was recorded at Walter Becker’s Hyperbolic Studios on Maui, and engineered by Dave Russell - it features Bob Jones on drums and Rebecca Young on bass, with cool cameos by bassist Jerry Byers and hammond organ virtuoso Gene Argel.

In the end, though, it is the interplay between Anastasia's stunning vocal arrangements and Nils guitar work that range from delicate Chet Atkins' style harmonics to rock and roll thunder that makes this one of the standout indie recordings of 2006.

In 2005 the VDS were voted the BEST ROCK & ROLL BAND on Maui and Anastasia was voted 1st Runner-up for BEST MUSICIAN on Maui 2005 by the readers of Maui Time Weekly.

If you listen to the CD it's easy to see why - featuring Anastasia Gilliam’s amazing voice, minx-like demeanor and intricite percussion and Nils Rosenblad's world-class guitar work, The VooDoo Suns have a savvy way of blending rhythm & blues and soulful grooves with rock & roll and modern dance tunes. The back bone of this powerhouse ensemble includes Jerry Byers on bass and Patrick Major on drums and backing vocals. Look out, when they lock in the grooves dig in deep.
Each band member brings their own, unique mojo to the stage. From standards to tunes straight off the charts plus their own songs, the VooDoo Suns are something to experience.

The Suns have worked non-stop since forming in 2001. They opened for Collective Soul in late 2005 and most recently in October, opened for the Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo concert in the Castle Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.