Search - Kenneth Makuakane :: Makuakane

Makua¯kane, this self-titled CD, is aptly named for several reasons; it is the surname of one of Hawaii s most prolific songwriter/producer, it is the piko from which every man s genealogy stems from, and it is the gentleman from whom this CD is dedicated to his role model, his mentor, his biggest fan, his father, Kahu John P.C. Makuakane. From a whittled down list of fifty original compositions, this CD contains an amazing twenty (20) new songs. Included are songs that celebrate the best of our times, and others who ridicule the less admirable aspects of humanity. Hokualaka i was composed for the newly-built voyaging canoe. Manu Po ouli tells of the endemic po ouli bird who has recently become extinct because of man s encroachment on its environment. Wa awa aikina aupo portrays a pompous local politician as a barnyard rooster who lacks selfrestraint and dignity. Holo Paikikala tells of a truly enjoyable bicycle ride first appreciating the beauty of its form as you prepare to climb on, followed by the energetic peddling and skillful steering. Pua O Pauoa is a mele inoa (name song) for the famed composer and performer John Kameaaloha Almeida. I Puna Paia Ala, He Nani Moloka i and Aloha Ia O Makena celebrate life and love in those famous places. Take It To The Lord In Prayer, one of the few English language compositions on this release honouring the artist s father. The mele (Hawaiian language poetry) and leo (music) have been joined together like meticulouslyweaved lauhala mat. The songs take you on a continuous journey over mountains, under deep, dark oceans, and floating high above on invisible carpets of wind. What makes this release so remarkable is the fact that this masterpiece was composed, collaborated on every song, arranged on all music and vocal parts, performed, engineered and mixed by Na¯ Ho¯ku¯ Hanohano awardee and greatly skilled Hawaiian musician, Kenneth Makuakane. It was also spiced up with a cameo steel guitar performance by Greg Sardinha.