Pūlama: Legacies of Hawai’i is the newest release from Makana, which pays homage to the island’s rich musical heritage, including slack key guitar and ukulele. Makana’s breathtaking solo performance, inspired by legends of the Hawaiian Music resurgence such as George Helm, Gabby “Pops” Pahinui, Dennis Kamakahi and The Sunday Mānoa, pays heartfelt homage to the genuine spirit and sound of Hawaii’s many traditions. Considered one of the most virtuosic and innovative slack key guitarists of his generation, Makana’s playing is rooted in the traditional sounds of Hawaii while also expanding upon them in new and exciting ways. On Pūlama, his mastery of multiple instruments and genres is on full display, as he flawlessly transitions between intimate ballads, upbeat island jams and soaring anthems honoring the past, present and future of Hawaiian music. A must-listen for fans of Hawaiian music and acoustic guitar alike, Pūlama is a beautiful tribute to the rich musical traditions of Hawaii.
What is Makana’s new album about
Makana’s new Album, Pūlama: Legacies of Hawai’i , is inspired by the broad traditions of Hawaiian music. Drawing from the forgotten sounds of a time past, Makana has created an album that is both deeply personal and timelessly relevant. The track, “Waika,” is a love song from the old chant “Hole Waimea.” It was a favorite of Makana’s late mother, and it captures the beauty and grace of Hawaiian culture. “Aloha Found” is a new original composition that explores how the land can deepen our connection to Hawaii. With its stunning melodies and emotive lyrics, Makana’s new album is sure to delight fans old and new.
What are some of the standout tracks on the album
This album features several American classics from the 1800s. One of these songs is “Ua Like No A Like”, which was composed by Alice Everett in the late 1800s. The song’s lyrics describe a rainy night when, as the lehua blossom is fed with rain, it blooms. This represents a loving relationship in an allegorical sense. Another song on the album is “Wahine Ilikea”, which is a classic by Rev. Dennis Kamakahi that was inspired by the white mists settling atop the mountains of Moloka’i. Another great song on the album is “E Ku’u Morning Dew”, which is a song by the late Eddie Kamae that was played in taro patch tuning. My favorite is Pupu A’o ‘Ewa. These songs are just a few of the many beautiful and moving songs that are featured on Makana’s new album.
Where can people buy/download the album
People can buy the digital download from their web site, https://www.makanamusic.com/shop
People can also listen to the album on all of the streaming services, including Spotify.
Slack Key Guitar Tuning
Makana plays in slack key tuning. A technique of tuning combined with a unique way of playing the instrument is known as slack key. The tuning of the open string notes may be altered to provide for new melodic and chordal possibilities on the fretboard. There are hundreds of tunings to choose from. When two or more picking techniques are used simultaneously to mimic bass, rhythm, and melody, a unique and full resonance results that sounds like three guitars in one.
“Slack Key” is a term used in various cultures. It’s a slang phrase that simply means playing in open tunings. The strings are typically tuned down or “slacked,” but they can also be raised. It’s a method of tuning (or slacking) the strings to a chord without having to use the whole hand to hold a chord. The picking hand establishes an alternating bass pattern over which a false rhythm and lead melody are composed while the fretting hand is free to move. It’s all about imitating multiple instruments at once on a single guitar, or in other words, simulating many instruments simultaneously on a single instrument, like a mini-symphony in one instrument.
Conclusion
Makana’s new album, Pūlama: Legacies of Hawai’i, is a beautiful tribute to the rich musical traditions of Hawaii. Drawing from the forgotten sounds of a time past, Makana has created an album that is both deeply personal and timelessly relevant. “Waika,” is a love song from the old chant “Hole Waimea.” It was a favorite of Makana’s late mother, and it captures the beauty and grace of Hawaiian culture. “Aloha Found” is a new original composition that explores how the land can deepen our connection to Hawaii.
Some of the standout tracks on the album include “Ua Like No A Like”, “Wahine Ilikea”, and “E Ku’u Morning Dew”. People can buy the digital download from their web site, https://www.makanamusic.com/shop or listen to the album on all of the streaming services, including Spotify. Makana plays in slack key tuning, which is a technique of tuning combined with a unique way of playing the instrument that creates a full resonance that sounds like three guitars in one.
With its stunning melodies and emotive lyrics, Makana’s new album is sure to delight fans old and new.
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