From Kalapana's music to vinyl, we could only imagine the impact it would have. The band is composed of composers Mackey Feary and Malani Bilyeu, with guitarist DJ Pratt (recently deceased, RIP) and keyboardist Kirk Thompson (Lemuria legend), and their debut album shaped the sound of contemporary Hawaii in the 1970s, a sound that still resonates in our islands. To this day, Kalapana's music is hard to categorize: is it jazz? Rock? Pop? R&B? The band has created a space that is all their own. Kalapana has always been difficult to define, especially their first album, which remains the pinnacle of modern Hawaiian music. The band was so devoted to their own style and highly motivated to live up to the songwriting and recording standards of the time (think The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, CSNY, Eric Clapton, Hall & Oates, James Taylor), that the resulting LP was an instant success that left a lasting impact on local artists.
The eleven songs represent Kalapana's unique style, and we are so proud to re-release this masterpiece on vinyl. Our greatest hope is that this official vinyl reissue will continue to perpetuate Kalapana's musical legacy for Hawaii and the world to enjoy. The record label Aloha Got Soul is celebrating with the release of its third and final installment of reissued Kalapana music on vinyl in the form of a box. The pop-up includes an installation of original Kalapana memorabilia sent by friends and family for viewing, as well as a new special edition of Kalapana products for purchase. HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) — Attention all Kalapana fans! It's time to pay tribute to the iconic band from the 70s that has captivated both old and new generations of Hawaiian music lovers. Kalapana has been an integral part of Hawaiian music since its inception in the 1970s. The band's unique blend of jazz, rock, pop, and R&B has made them one of the most influential groups in Hawaiian music history.
With their debut album setting a new standard for modern Hawaiian music, Kalapana has left an indelible mark on the islands' musical landscape. The influence of technology on Kalapana's music has been immense. From their first album being released on vinyl to their recent box set reissue on Aloha Got Soul Records, technology has enabled Kalapana's music to reach a wider audience than ever before. With streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music making it easier than ever for people to access their music, Kalapana's influence continues to expand. The band's influence can also be seen in other ways. Their unique sound has inspired countless other Hawaiian musicians over the years.
From up-and-coming artists like Jake Shimabukuro and Henry Kapono to established acts, many have been influenced by Kalapana's sound. Even today, their influence can be heard in modern Hawaiian music. Kalapana's legacy is one that will live on through their music and influence. With technology continuing to evolve and make it easier for people to access their music, their influence will only continue to grow. As we celebrate their legacy with the release of their box set on Aloha Got Soul Records, we can only hope that more people will discover the magic of Kalapana's music.