There's a video on YouTube that we return to over and over – Kalapana jamming with ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro to the ultimate jam, "Black Sand". The amount of joy and energy pouring from each musician is electrifying. Seeing Jake and guitarist D.J. Pratt together is a sight in itself!
Writer Jason Black asked Jake three questions about Kalapana's influence on him as a musician. Here's his answers.
What is your all-time favorite Kalapana track? Why do you love it?
This is a tough one because I have so many! But if I had to choose, I would say my top three favorite Kalapana tracks are “Night Bird,” “You Make It Hard,” and “Black Sand.” Those are classic tunes that I grew up listening to. “Black Sand” is one of my all-time favorite instrumentals! DJ Pratt had such an amazing tone and groove.
How has Kalapana and their music influenced you as an artist?
Kalapana was so influential. Their arrangements and compositions are timeless. It’s so rare to have a group of such incredibly talented individuals who brought such joy to people on and off stage.
Tell us your best classic Kalapana story — whether you knew the band personally, met them in person, or are just a fan of their music.
One of my fondest memories was sharing the stage with Kalapana back in 1999 at the Fourth of July concert event in Honolulu, Hawai’i. They invited me to the stage to play "Black Sand" with them. That was such a thrill! I was so nervous; it’s a night I’ll never forget.
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Find Jake Shimabukuro on Instagram: @jakeshimabukuro
Catch him on tour, March 10th to June 12th, 2022.
