Me Ke Aloha Productions
  • Home
  • Hawaiian Events Info/Blog
  • Buy Hawaiian Music!
  • Contact Information
  • About Me

Kamaka Kukona To Release Third Album

2/7/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture

Wailuku, HI
- Kumu Hula, GRAMMY®  nominee, and two-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Male Vocalist of the Year Kamaka Kukona will release his third album, Kahekeonāpua, on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2020. The album is a collection of some of his most favorite songs, including many new originals and some classic covers, all of which are aimed at one's deepest emotions. It opens with keiki from Kukonaʻs Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua chanting in the background as he speaks, and closes with the keiki joining him as they alternate between his voice and theirs - a beautiful testament to both his love of and devotion to hula and to guiding and nurturing his young haumana (students).
 
The original mele (songs) on the album include the hit single Lovely 'Ala Mēlia, released in August 2019 and written to honor his late mother, Lovena "Ala" Pagay Vise; Kamakaokeliʻi - Murray Boy's Lullabye a song written for his beloved dog; the title track Kahekeonāpua, a new composition honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani and the resilient kūpa’a (loyal) aloha ‘āina of the Hawaiian people; and Sailing Away From Me, a song previously released as a single and one that is a departure from Kukona's usual style, and where the catchy, upbeat tempo decries the pain behind the lyrics.
 
Among the classics chosen for the album are Kui Lee's Lahainaluna; Lena Machado's Kamalani O Keaukaha; Sam Liʻa Kalainainaʻ Hiʻilawe; and Ray Charles' You Don't Know Me.
 
In addition to being an award-winning Kumu Hula, Kukona won Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawaiʻiʻs Grammy) for each of his first two albums, Hanu ʻAʻala and ʻAla Anuhea. Hanu ʻAʻala was also nominated for a 2015 GRAMMY® Award - the only Hawaiian album in the category that year.
Kahekeonāpua was produced by Kukona, Michael Casil, and Wailau Ryder, and recorded at I-Vibe Studios. Guest artists include Wailau Ryder (guitar, ʻukulele, electric bass); Michael Casil (background vocals, drums, percussion); Kaniala Masoe (background vocals, Lahainaluna); Josh Hearl (guitar, You Don't Know Me); Kana Pikini (bass, Sailing Away From Me); Paul Bunuan (saxophone); James De Bos (trombone); Rona Landrigan and Ae Kyong Yoon (violin); Teresa Skinner (viola); Cheryl Lindley (cello); and Sal Godinez (keyboards/piano, Kamalani O Keaukaha).
 
The album is currently available for presale on iTunes, and will eventually be available on all digital outlets. The CD and will be distributed in Hawaii by Island Heritage.

Here are some song clips:

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Originally from California, Iʻve lived on Oʻahu for a number of years. Music has always been my passion and Iʻm fortunate to be able to work with and support many of Hawaiʻiʻs musicians. For such a tiny speck in the middle of a very large ocean, we have an amazing wealth of talent  here! 
    ~Lynn

    Note: The purpose of this blog is to provide information about (mostly) music-related things. It is not a forum in which people should feel free to insult or otherwise badmouth musicians or anyone else. You are welcome to comment, but please be respectful, pono, and write with aloha. (Comments that don’t meet these guidelines will be deleted.)  Mahalo nui loa!


    Archives

    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013

    Categories

    All
    Press Releases

    RSS Feed

©Me Ke Aloha Productions - All Rights Reserved