Mana Music Quartet to release new album with top Hawaii artists
‘Journey Through Hawai‘i’ debuts on August 8 with eight original songs
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The Maui News
KAHULUI--Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning Mana Music Quartet will release a new album titled 'Journey Through Hawai'i,' featuring artists Jake Shimabukuro, Raiatea Helm, Keilana Mokulehua, Jeff Peterson, Kelly Boy De Lima, Kalani Pe'a, Kala'e Camarillo, Kimié Miner and Hāwane Rios. Arriving August 8, 2024, followed by a release concert with featured artists, the album takes listeners on an adventure across the islands with tracks fostering a deep sense of love, appreciation and respect for Hawai'i.
"It has been an honor to work with such talented artists on 'Journey Through Hawai'i'. With everyone's different styles of singing and playing, we have an eclectic mix of music that pulls inspiration from various parts of our islands--from music to 'āina to history," said Mana Music Quartet Founder and Cellist Joshua Nakazawa. "This work is truly a celebration of place, collaboration, resilience and community. Through it, we hope to bridge string and Hawaiian music audiences, while spreading our love for Hawai'i with listeners near and far."
The new album was inspired by the question, "What is the music of Hawai'i?" Mana Music Quartet--comprised of four internationally acclaimed musicians including Nakazawa, violinists Eric Silberger and Mann-Wen Lo, and violist Duane Padilla--enlisted the help of world-renowned local artists to explore the answer, and determine how a collaboration may be able to contribute to the rich music culture already thriving in the islands. Through thoughtful partnership and innovation, the quartet and nine guest artists recorded an album that highlights the places, sounds and sights of Hawai'i.
Tracks include the following:
¯ Frontier ft. Jake Shimabukuro
¯ Halona ft. Raiatea Helm
¯ Time ft. Keilana
¯ Ka Wai O Kaupo ft. Jeff Peterson
¯ Sing To Me Hawai'i ft. Kelly Boy De Lima, Kapena De Lima and Lilo Tuala
¯ Kuini ft. Kalani Pe'a
¯ Sands of Old Lahaina ft. Kala'e Camarillo
¯ ʻĀmama ft. Kimié Miner and Hāwane
"We began creating the album just over a month before the Maui wildfires," shares Nakazawa. "A couple of the tracks capture the emotions felt by much of the community during that time, the artists' love for Lāhainā, and seek to serve as a source of inspiration and hope as the island recovers."
Following the release, Mana Music Quartet will be joined by some of the album's featured artists for a special concert on August 29 at Hawaii Theatre in downtown Honolulu. Additional details to be announced. For updates and tickets, visit https://hawaiitheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SUl000001ahHBMAY.
'Journey Through Hawai'i' continues a celebrated recording legacy for Mana Music Quartet. In 2021, their first album 'Queen Lili'uokalani' won the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Instrumental Album of the Year. 'Journey Through Hawai'i' will be available for purchase beginning August 8 on most music streaming platforms, including Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube Music, Amazon, iHeartRadio, Pandora and others, or online at www.manamusichawaii.com.