I've known Makana for a while now, probably since around 1999, right around the time his debut CD came out but feels like it's been a little longer than that. Actually, at the very moment a friend was introducing us, "Only You" was playing on the radio right next to us, that was a trip. Here are some things people had to say about that first recording Makana:
"Makana's debut CD is simply fantastic. Having seen him play live for three years now, I can honestly say that the CD is a realistic showcase of his talents. "Jacked Up Slack" is a fabulous fusion of traditional slack key guitar and funky jazz tones--it's like sitting in on a hot jam session on a cool Hawaiian night."
"His music is heartfelt and growing. If you want to hear something different and reflective check this out."
"I bought Makana's CD recently and wuz blown away"
Now, 8 years and four CDs later, he's still going strong - booking most of his own gigs himself throughout Hawaii, the mainland and all over the world, as well as keeping up with his fans and supporters - and he's only getting bigger! What a monumental talent but with such a giving and humble spirit. Not afraid to branch out and experiment musically, he deserves all the good things that come his way. Even all the big dogs of traditional slack key like Dennis Kamakahi and Cyril Pahinui give him props and they show support for what he does, too.
On a personal note, I've always appreciated his support of the Southern California Slack Key Festival that I started in Los Angeles - which he'll always be welcome to be a part of - and of my endeavors in general. This coming Monday and Tuesday I'll be playing cajon (for the first time in a non-flamenco situation) behind him at Typhoon restaurant in Santa Monica. Had a fun time last night going over stuff with him and another friend Jim "Kimo" West, another slack key artist who lives here in L.A. who also happens to be the guitarist with Weird Al Yankovic so he is VERY versatile and will actually be playing a fair amount of bass for the Typhoon gig (my idea, pat myself on the back lol). Unlike most other people who, when they play cajon, just basically try to beat the shit out of it, I try to get as many sounds out of as I can which is why I also really like to use brushes for different textures. If you had to choose just one, I think the cajon is the perfect percussion instrument to accompany Makana's music, given its versatility. Anyway, for those who attended last week's Slack Key Festival, you will see some very different stuff at Typhoon's as well as some of the stuff you loved at the concert. For those not already familiar with Makana's music you should definitely try to make the show - you will see what you've been missing all these years!
Please leave some comments relating your experience hearing Makana's music and if, after reading this, you decide to attend the Typhoon gig, please come back here and tell me what you think!
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Aloha from myhonoluluharrys.blogspot.com. Once you visit my site, there should be no doubt about how much I enjoyed seeing Makana at the Slack Key Festival in Redondo Beach. He is beyond talented! He is fresh and creative, has a voice like an angel and a cutey, too! I will be very surprised if his music is not around forever. I hope to see him again but since my husband is a hard-working man, we don't do weekday concerts. But I did have visions of sneaking off in the night to see him in Santa Monica. Too bad our garage door is so squeeky! See you in July for the Falsetto Festival!
Once you see him play....buy one of his albums...hear him play the guitar, or watch him dance with her as he plays her....all of it is amazing! His spirit and drive...something that he identified when he was 11 years old....is unfolding and if you are lucky enough to be able to embrace, see, hear this talented man...you will consider yourself blessed in this lifetime.
Mahalo, Makana the gift
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