Vintage A Cappella
Soft Release Date: November 11, 2024 (Download Only)
In early November, I started releasing my new album Vintage A Cappella. The album is a collection of 10 a cappella songs recorded in studios in the late '80s and early '90s. Six songs were performed by the group 'FOUR', three by the group 'the delBecks!' and a single, "Why Can't We Be in Love" composed by my friend Kirk Livingston––performed by me and Kirk! My a cappella days were incredibly special to me. They began with me singing with and directing the UC Men's Octet while at University.
Many of these studio-recorded songs only existed on dusty cassette tapes that had been boxed up for the last 35 years! I wanted to remaster these recordings to capture all the beauty and complexity of the original arrangements and to share with the world the incredible vocal performances of so many incredible singers.
A cappella music allowed me to truly explore the art form of vocal harmony and balance, an element that I have woven into my Hawaiian music albums! I hope you enjoy!
Lanihuli
Release Date: April 22, 2022
"Lanihuli"- (swirling heavens) showcases Grammy winner Jim “Kimo” West’s masterful guitar and Leokāne Pryor’s angelic falsetto to capture the true romance of old Hawai`i in their debut duet album. Lanihuli features 12 songs that display a wide range of styles- from traditional Hawaiian- to contemporary Hawaiian -to Hapa Haole. But all very Hawaiian at heart. The rich and velvety traditional classics are mingled with 4 originals composed by Leokāne. Leokāne, involved for years in conservation efforts throughout Hawai`i and at his home in Hāna, Maui composed Ka Beauty O Maka`alae, Ku`u Pua Lani e, Kaimana and He Mele Aloha No Hāna - which capture his passion for celebrating and protecting native Hawai`i. Several ballads are embellished by the talented and renowned cellist Simone Vitucci.
Ke Ho`olono Nei - Demo Circa 1999
Release Date: April 25, 2022
I wanted to share this very early version of the song- an unpublished "draft"- that was never released. Recorded at my friend and engineer Brad Hopper's bedroom studio in San Francisco! We re-recorded it for “Home Malanai” because I had botched some of the phrasings. But THIS version- captures the beauty, spirituality, and rare true Hawaiian essence of Puna. His oli (chanting) gives me chicken skin every time I listen to it. So I wanted to share this special man- by releasing this demo on his birthday. If you would like to download the song- you can find it exclusively here on my website.
Hau`oli lā hānau e Puna.
Ka Beauty O Maka`alae
Release Date: April 8, 2022
“Ka Beauty O Maka`alae” was composed by Leokāne, a long-time resident of Hāna. It tells of his love for the breathtaking Maka`alae, Hāna coastline- recently put in conservation. If you watch the YouTube music video found on this website- you will understand why Leokāne fell in love with heavenly Hāna and why he is committed to conservation in Hāna and throughout the world!
No Ka Pueo
Release Date: 2012
Leokāne’s duet album with singer and recording artist CJ Helekahi. Leokāne and CJ have performed together for many years at the iconic Hotel Hāna-Maui and throughout Hawai`i and California. No Ka Pueo’s title song pays homage to Kapueokahi (Hāna Bay)- the heart of Hāna town. The album, a mix of traditional Hawaiian and contemporary Hawaiian, captures the special connection and friendship between the singers. It features the original song “Aloha Honokalani”- composed by the late Charles Ka`upu, and a strong line up of top musicians including Darin Leong, Jon Yamasato and Nathan Aweau.
Home Malanai
Release Date: 2007
Home Malanai, Leokāne’s second CD release in 2008 captures his love of Hāna, Maui with many original songs telling of his home in heavenly Hāna and his love for Hawai`i. Credited – “Leokāne and friends”- the album features many of Leokāne’s special talented musician friends he met while living for many years in Hāna, including Puna Keli`iho`omalu, CJ Helekahi, Lee-Ann Ka`ohelani Paman, Boise Kawaiaea, Jamie Lawrence and Hanohano Yung. Talented guitarist Erik Rader also returns to this album to add his magic. Home Malanai includes many original compositions by Leokāne, Kaliko Beamer Trapp, Suzanne Kamalei Case and Charles Ka`upu.
Maunahele
Release Date: 1999
Leokāne made his debut into the Hawaiian music world in 1999 with the success of his debut CD release Maunahele, which received wide radio play in Hawai`i, the mainland and internationally. The album is a wonderful mix of traditional Hawaiian and hapa haole classics as well as contemporary Hawaiian originals- including the title song “Maunahele” composed by Leokāne. Maunahele also showcases Leokāne’s angelic falsetto – especially his rendition of the classic Kīpahulu, a song very dear to him as he has family from Kīpahulu going back several generations. Leokāne’s close friend Puna Keli`iho`omalu lends his gorgeous voice to several songs, and Erik Rader’s melancholy guitar makes hearts weep.