Up-and-coming Hawaiian slack key guitarist, singer/songwriter and composer Aja Gample has released her debut album entitled, Huaʻi (to uncover, to break forth, to reveal), a title which seemed befitting to her as the concept for her debut CD. Huaʻi is a collection of four original songs and three cover songs for which she wrote new arrangements. Included on the album is "Pua Mai Ka Lani", the first song Aja ever wrote. It was inspired by a dancer she admired, and talks about the way she dances, the grace, beauty and prowess that she possesses as a dancer, and what Aja thinks all dancers strive to portray when sharing a story. Enchanted when watching her dance for the first time, Aja she tried to capture that moment in song.
Born and raised on the island of O'ahu, Aja began playing ʻukulele at age six and guitar by age ten. Her grandfather began teaching her kī ho'alu (Hawaiian slack key guitar) when she was 12, and it quickly became her passion. Continuing to learn and be mentored by renowned Hawaiian musicians, the talented young artist has been increasingly asked to share her music, and in addition to her solo performances, has become a regular performer at slack key festivals. Hoping to one day share her culture with the world through her passion for kī ho'alu and Hawaiian music, she says she recently learned something very important: “Pono au kekuleana a e hoʻomaukaʻōlelohawaiʻi no ka mea he hawaiʻi au.” ("I have a responsibility to perpetuate the Hawaiian language because I am Hawaiian.") Taking this to heart, she set about composing more stories and songs, and the release of this, her debut album, has put her further down that path.
In keeping with the concept of Huaʻi, Aja wanted to showcase not only her ability to compose original songs, but also to arrange existing works such as "ʻĀ ʻOia!". Written by John Kameaaloha Almeida, "ʻĀ ʻOia!" is a song that pays homage to her roots. Aja wrote her own arrangement of the song, creating an introduction that is a short medley with "Take The A Train" which quickly transitions into "ʻĀʻOia!"
Hua'i was recorded primarily at Blue Planet Sound in Honolulu, with the exception of "Hula Blues" and "Mele Moemoea", which were recorded at Rainbow Studios in Burbank, CA. Aja sang all vocals and played guitar. Guest artists include: Daniel Gibson (percussion); Chris Kamaka (bass); Kapō Ku (ʻukulele); and Joe Lamano (bass).
The CD is currently available at Me Ke Aloha online, and at Na Mea (Ward Warehouse). Download versions are available on CD Baby, iTunes, and Amazon.
Here are a few clips from the album:
Born and raised on the island of O'ahu, Aja began playing ʻukulele at age six and guitar by age ten. Her grandfather began teaching her kī ho'alu (Hawaiian slack key guitar) when she was 12, and it quickly became her passion. Continuing to learn and be mentored by renowned Hawaiian musicians, the talented young artist has been increasingly asked to share her music, and in addition to her solo performances, has become a regular performer at slack key festivals. Hoping to one day share her culture with the world through her passion for kī ho'alu and Hawaiian music, she says she recently learned something very important: “Pono au kekuleana a e hoʻomaukaʻōlelohawaiʻi no ka mea he hawaiʻi au.” ("I have a responsibility to perpetuate the Hawaiian language because I am Hawaiian.") Taking this to heart, she set about composing more stories and songs, and the release of this, her debut album, has put her further down that path.
In keeping with the concept of Huaʻi, Aja wanted to showcase not only her ability to compose original songs, but also to arrange existing works such as "ʻĀ ʻOia!". Written by John Kameaaloha Almeida, "ʻĀ ʻOia!" is a song that pays homage to her roots. Aja wrote her own arrangement of the song, creating an introduction that is a short medley with "Take The A Train" which quickly transitions into "ʻĀʻOia!"
Hua'i was recorded primarily at Blue Planet Sound in Honolulu, with the exception of "Hula Blues" and "Mele Moemoea", which were recorded at Rainbow Studios in Burbank, CA. Aja sang all vocals and played guitar. Guest artists include: Daniel Gibson (percussion); Chris Kamaka (bass); Kapō Ku (ʻukulele); and Joe Lamano (bass).
The CD is currently available at Me Ke Aloha online, and at Na Mea (Ward Warehouse). Download versions are available on CD Baby, iTunes, and Amazon.
Here are a few clips from the album:
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