Hawaiian 70s legends KALAPANA To Release Box Set & Best Of via Manifesto

On November 30, Manifesto Records and Kalapana Music will release Kalapana: The Original Album Collection, a definitive 9-CD boxed set containing the influential Hawaiian pop/rock group's first seven albums including three albums (Many Classic Moments Original Soundtrack, In Concert, Northbound) previously never released in the US, as well as a 40-page booklet offering detailed liner notes and archival photos to take fans through every stage of their incredible journey.

Additionally, for those who are seeking a more concise introduction to the band, Manifesto is offering the single-disc release Black Sand: The Best of Kalapana, which collects 20 of the group's greatest hits and fan favorites spanning their most definitive period, 1975-1983. The songs are digitally remastered from the original tapes, and the album is accompanied by a 20-page booklet providing an overview of Kalapana's career.

While most music fans have a preset notion of "Hawaiian" music-generally falling into the traditional Hawaiian genre-Kalapana's legacy uniquely stands as a groundbreaking modern pop and soft rock band representing the 50th state. The group's regional status and rich songwriting history has even led them to be called "the Beatles of Hawaii." A well-deserved designation: Radio eagerly lapped up Kalapana's infectious, smoothly grooving singles of the era, including classics "The Hurt," "Naturally," "Nightbird," and "Alisa Lovely."

The origins of Kalapana are much like any other band in America that found its niche in an inspired grouping of perfectly matched friends/musicians-just in a scene that was absolutely thrilled to recognize their talents and crown them as well-deserving regional heroes. In 1973, original members Malani Bilyeu and D.J. Pratt met while auditioning to play a local club. After being encouraged by a management team that, at the time, oversaw Cecilio and Kapono-the first Hawaiian-based group to land a major-label record deal-Bilyeu and Pratt set about building their own group. They added Kirk Thompson and Mackey Feary, settled on a quintessential Hawaiian name (it's a town on the east side of the Big Island), and quickly found themselves to be exactly what music fans in Hawaii were craving.

The local success of Kalapana's eponymous debut album, released in 1975, was so pronounced-regionally outselling albums by America, Chicago, and Earth, Wind & Fire--that the band was destined for mainland success. To that end, the four young men traveled to California, leaving their families, girlfriends, and familiar places behind, to prep for further recording and touring.

The experience, although straining, set the inspiration for an eventual catalog of emotionally affecting compositions-all with an inimitable touch of Hawaiian vibes throughout--that would carry the band through two decades of steady releases and considerable critical acclaim in the U.S. and, later, Japan. It also paved a path to darker chapters in their story, including the addiction-related death of original co-lead singer Feary, as well as a stunning tale of mismanagement resulting in the band not receiving any royalties for their work up to 1981.

Kalapana persisted through their challenges, and the group has reconvened in various configurations to play together for more than 40 years to date. They've retained their well-deserved status as Hawaiian legends, and maintain a loyal fanbase in Japan. Up until now, however, their albums have been out of print and difficult to find, making it a challenge for pop and rock fans to discover their legacy.

Kalapana: The Original Album Collection presents the band's cohesive body of work, digitally remastered for the highest sound quality, and beautifully packaged for collectors to enjoy.

Finally, Hawaii's best-kept musical "secret" is fully revealed for all to experience!

Kalapana: The Original Album Collection Boxed Set Includes the following releases:

-Kalapana

-Kalapana II

-Kalapana III

-Many Classic Moments

-Many Classic Moments Original Soundtrack (2CD)

-In Concert (2CD)

-Northbound

Black Sand: The Best of Kalapana track listing:

1. The Hurt

2. Nightbird

3. Naturally

4. Dorothy Louise

5. (For You) I'd Chase a Rainbow

6. Moon and Stars

7. Black Sand

8. Songbird

9. Another Time

10. Alisa Lovely

11. Many Classic Moments

12. The Water Song

13. Inarajan (The Village)

14. Girl

15. Rainy Day

16. Hard Times

17. Runnin' Hot in the Street

18. How Does it Feel

19. Northbound

20. Going Going Gone