Review: Whoolilicious

Funk Zone vintners and brewers take note: Santa Barbara’s Whoolilicious has the perfect new record to soundtrack your packed weekend tastings. Titled Live at 1010, the 15-song work of John Whoolilurie and Austin Beede is an album of sunny lightheartedness, breezily and lovingly crafted in the name of Funk. On beachy songs like “Sunday Afternoon” and “Let Me Love You,” multi-instrumentalist Whoolilurie and rhythm partner Beede play the saxophone-ized blues-reggae-rock of yesteryear with appreciation to the roots and a touch of whimsy. Be sure, this is not music for deep moments, and those with heavy heads or hands should approach with caution — these are fun tunes for fun times, and a certain seriousness must be left at the door upon entry. Even the more funereally inclined along Cabrillo Boulevard, though, can at least appreciate the sheer musicianship, as Whoolilurie convincingly and excellently plays just about anything, and croons to boot. Pairs well with chardonnay or pinot gris, Hawaiian shirts, and carefree attitudes.