KALAI: Acoustacism

Kalai

Acoustacism

© 2001 Treble V Music

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

An eclectic view into a young artist's, jawdropping vocal abilities and writing prowess.

notes

1979 to 1998
(Kaniela Ka lei ali’i O’kalani Kala’i December 18, 1979)
Kalai was born in Hawaii and raised in the A.K. Son of a Ke ho alu cowboy and mothered by a good woman with heavy burdens. Ten years of life, most of them spent as an Alaskan, yielded him a wisdom of wilderness and a man’s knowledge of hard times. He later left high school tooling a guitar at sixteen and building a recordable repertoir by age seventeen. The latter half of his adolescence becoming then devoted to the ironic expression of that which was passing him by.


1998 to 2000
Several explorative tangents dictated Kalai’s pace of life for the next few years although music remained a surviving therapy for him. At eighteen he relocated south with the intention of attaining a college degree in entomology. He completed one year of school working as a commercial fly tyer for international fly-fishing outfitters such as L.L. Bean and Cabela’s. He also wrote story-based and “How to” articles for several outdoor life publications such as Rod & Reel and Fly Fisherman.


2000 to 2002
Discovering that the exploitation of his wooded childhood nostalgia brought him no closer to returning to it, Kalai made a conscious decision to pave a career path in music. At twenty-one aided by friend, Sam Cardon, he began production on his professional debut “Acoustacism” on the Treble V Music label (Innovators, Digability, Soulmate, Innovators II). Acoustacism featured drummer Rick Sinese who would later become a regular member of Kalai’s band. Then at twenty-two Kalai returned home to Anchorage, Alaska to construct an in-house studio where he would produce his second album “Six Strings And The Rainy Day Man”, an album on which he would perform all of the instrumentation as well as engineering, mixing, and cover-art.


2002 to 2003
Since Kalai’s first two albums were recorded almost back to back he was unable to perform extensively until his second album was released. He then began to establish his live shows, sometimes playing acoustic but also joining forces with premiere bassist Eric Wallengren (Karizma, Louise Goffen, Poor Arnold). The two performed dozens of vocal/guitar/bass shows together. The duo was then joined by veteran drummer Rick “Sneez” Sinese (Sam Cardon, The Given, Dixie Chicks) adding a third dimension and a sense of foundation for larger shows. While still performing a twenty-three yr. old Kalai began work on his third record “Rebel Hands”.


2003 to 2004
His third Treble V Music release, Rebel Hands, was an undertaking from writing to printing. It became an eight-month, fifteen peice process that used music to bury bad memories and mourn family tragedies. The cover sports a tailored work from accomplished Painter, Graff Artist and Illustrator Ben McPherson. The material explores Kalai’s most intentional lyrics, original compositions, and savvy productions yet.

reviews

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  • Kalai
    author: Melanie Gregory

    Such a wonderful CD. Relaxing and beautiful!

  • Amazing
    author: Dan

    Guitarists will appreciate Kalai's creative and even brilliant use of the acoustic guitar. Awesome album!

  • author: Michelle

    This cd is awesome! It is so relaxing to listen to and Kalai's voice is really great as well. Highly Recommended!

  • Ben Harper meets James Taylor !!
    author: Diesel

    What a great artist !! A breath of fresh air. A great collection of soulful lyrics and amazing accoustic guitar. I have all his albums and they are all wonderful. Rebel Hands was in a different direction but still good. I cant wait to see him play in person. Thanks Kalai!!!

  • i love kalai the way they write music and the different lyrics!!!
    author: Tabatha

    I absolutely love this cd i have kalai's other cd the rainy day man and i wasn't sure i would like this cd as much as i liked the other one but i do! i just love the way that they have such different ways to express their music it is so different than what you normally hear and it is so powerful if you really listen to it. also the guy who sings, his voice is amazzzing i love it!!!

  • kalai is so sick
    author: chase

    kalai is the sickest artist out there. he has got the best and most origonal lyrics. no one tops kalai

  • Kalai is the best recording artist of this day
    author: d-mo

    Kalai's music has traveled from the heart of his guitar to my ears i love the music

  • Amazing artist, ranks right up there with David Wilcox
    author: Rob

    I am a die hard David Wilcox fan and when I heard Kalai I knew I had to have it. I think that I am now more of a fan of Kalai than of David. Kalai's mastery of the guitar and surreal voice combine perfectly with his meaningful and hearfelt lyrics to create a true masterpiece.

  • kalai's best cd (acoustacism-rebel hands)
    author: maddskeou

    well, not much more to say. if you like kalai, you love this album, the beginning and best of the first 3 cds (i havent heard any of his other albums, but i bet this one is still better)

  • I love this CD!
    author: Ashley

    I first heard this CD from a guy friend of mine. He was singing along with one of the songs, and I was blown away by the melody and the harmony. Even though I didn't know the song, within seconds I was humming along. The song felt so unique, yet so familiar. Every time I listen to this CD, I feel the same as I did when I first heard it...happy and content.

  • Incredible
    author: Erica

    I had heard "on my mind" and didn't know who it was. It made such an impression on me that I searched the internet with the few lyrics I could recall exactly until I stumbled across Kalai's name. I liked "on my mind" so much that i bought the cd from cdbaby immediately. The rest of the cd was amazing; it didn't take long for me to get hooked. "divide me" quickly became my 2nd favorite track on the album. A definite must-reccomend to friends.

  • A freakin awesome CD!
    author: Christa

    I love the CD! It is sooo good. I listen to it all the time!It is the perfect music for relaxation...it't just awesome!

  • its absolutly amazing beyond words!
    author: Nicole E

    I think that this CD is just amazing! i heard about him from a friend who told me he using "divide me" as his wedding song, and from then on I was hooked! I cant get enough of his voice and that guitar! It's deffinatly my favorite cd!

  • its absolutly amazing beyond words!
    author: Nicole E

    I think that this CD is just amazing! i heard about him from a friend who told me he using "divide me" as his wedding song, and from then on I was hooked! I cant get enough of his voice and that guitar! It's deffinatly my favorite cd!

  • Love it, love it, love it!
    author: Madelene

    I can not get enough of this CD! I love everything about it--his voice, his lyrics, the musical arrangments, the rich beats...Kalai's music is poetic, and full of the rhythm of life. And it's not bogged down by heavy electrical intruments and monotone tunes. His songs give Kalai a chance to let his voice and guitar work their magic. All I can say is GIVE ME MORE!!!!!!

  • His best work yet
    author: molly

    I heard about him from my nephew, SEAN, who is also a musician. Got his other 2 cds and after haring "Six Strings.." decided to try this one. It is, by far, his best work and I don't want to listen to anything else. I'm addicted!!!!

  • awesome!!!!!
    author: katie pax

    i first heard kalai's patience lies in my modern class at schoola nd my whole dance company is IN LOVE with it. I LOVE KALAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • I love, love, love this CD.
    author: mickensi

    I loved this CD so much that I used one of the songs off of it for me and my husband's first dance at our wedding. I would highly recommend this CD and any other of Kalai's CDs to anyone.

  • author: camille

    I've become obsessed and just ordered his other 2 cd's. I can't stop listening to acoustacism. It gets better each time.

  • Kalai is Amazing
    author: Missy

    Kalai's music is relaxing and just way chill.. he is also the coolest guy i know! :) hes amazing!!

  • Perfection!
    author: Mike Prisbrey

    This CD is one of my favorites! His skill with the guitar is matched only with his vocal prowess and his unique style!

  • absolutely amazing music!!
    author: Erin

    Once I started listening to this CD I could not stop! Every song is amazing and contains the most incredible lyrics, instruments, singing and all! Everyone should grab ahold of this CD!

  • extraordinary! very rad music
    author: kate

    this cd is so wonderful! the vocals, lyrics, drumming, and other instrumental elements make this one of my absolute favorite discs. it is relaxing, yet insightful. i would recommend it to anyone, specifically ben harper and james taylor fans.

  • Fantastic for all occasions
    author: Jon T

    this cd is amazing! So relaxed yet deeply stirring. Gets me going no matter where I am.If you like this then you should listen to Jack Johnson!

  • author: siostrakjell

    This cd is rockin!! Everyone needs to have a copy!

  • it is an awesome cd
    author: Colton Avery

    it is an awesome cd and he is an incredible musican

  • AMZING, SOULFUL and ROMANTIC
    author: Luba

    I've had this CD since the first week it came out, i cant describe how much i love it, though the songs are very calm they make you feel so happy and alive...everyone should own at least one copy of each album!!! I love you Kalai :)

  • AWESOME
    author: Jen

    Once again, Kalai never ceases to amaze me. I wonder if he knows how good he is?

  • I beg to differ
    author: Lambchops

    Actually, Kalai is not underated at all and all the glowing reviews on this page prove it. It's just a matter of time until he's as well-known as other popular artists.

  • I beg to differ
    author: Lambchops

    Actually, Kalai is not underated at all and all the glowing reviews on this page prove it. It's just a matter of time until he's as well-known as other popular artists.

  • MOST UNDERATED ARTIST!
    author: Tyler

    I think Kalai is awesome. Better than Jack Johnson, and all of those other artists. He is so underated!

  • A cd Stealer!
    author: Cass

    This is a cd I can lend to anyone and never get it back. I've had to buy more of this cd just to keep it in my collection. Acoustacism is what brings you back to buy his later cds.

  • This CD is great, What a great guitar player and singer
    author: Corey

    i saw him at a little show at Gladis Knight's house. It was one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen.

  • awesome cd
    author: Adam

    First time I listened I was hooked. I knew my fiancee would love it so we're both hooked up now. Wonderful tunes.

  • I totally love it!
    author: Paige

    I love this CD. It just puts me in a certain mood that makes me happy all day. The songs gets stuck in my head and I am singing them in the car, at school, and everywhere else. It is a very awesome CD and I'm glad I came to CDBaby.com for it!!

  • Beautiful!
    author: Luckyfawkes

    Beautiful, eclectic, and talented! The music is so sweet, and it makes you want to sing along, and go to sleep to.

  • One of my favorite CDs
    author: Rachel

    This CD is amazing-I listen to it when I am giving professional massages, and keep it in my car the rest of the time. The lyrics are so potent and real . . . I'm in love with this artist.

  • Better than Jack J!!!!
    author: BJW

    This CD is my favorite now! I have given it away as gifts and have many friends because of it! Excellent songs and lyrics. Brightens the day and makes me smile! So good...I even brought it on my honeymoon! We even used a few songs on our wedding video and so many people ask who the artist is. Kalai's music has a lasting effect, and this CD will change your life!

  • the music is penetrating, and the story reasonates deep
    author: Anu

    every time I listen to this CD, it stirs something inside...and I am applauding the fact that someone has the ability to express themselves and their stories so uniquely.

  • the music is penetrating, and the story reasonates deep
    author: Anu

    every time I listen to this CD, it stirs something inside...and I am applauding the fact that someone has the ability to express themselves and their stories so uniquely.

  • Awsome cd! I love every song!
    author: Catherine

    I love the cd! It is amazing! Ill be dancing to it at my wedding! Thank you!

  • ALOHA!!!!!
    author: Molly Malia

    I just saw Kalai at a house jam... amazing! I was totally loving it!

  • Kalai is a prodigy. He has a unique style. He is amazing.
    author: Andrew

    This CD and the others he has produced are on the top 10 of my list. His slow music makes you feel so warm. He has an extremely unique talent on guitar and an awesome range for singing making his music on this CD so much more enjoyable. I recommended it to anybody who likes Acoustic music!

  • Aloha
    author: J~Luv

    This cd evokes a range of emotion from love to loathe.

  • it is amazing
    author: kell

    It is an amazing cd its helped me through some hard times. I love it.I want more of his music. thanks kalai

  • I love this CD! The only thing I love more, is the guy who turned me onto Kalai
    author: Sharlen
  • One word : UNIQUE
    author: Joshwake

    Incredible. I recommend getting all the CDs. I can't believe such talent has gone untapped for so long. No doubt that Kalai will be nationally acclaimed one day.

  • you think the c.d is good and it is.
    author: jake

    If you think the C.ds are good wait till you see him live its an experience to remeber. Thank you kalai.

  • IT ROCKS
    author: Jamshyde

    This Cd rocks it doesn't get old i had it for quite awhile and i still don't get board of it On My Mind is my favorite track it rocks go Kalai

  • I love it. I listen to it every week and I've had it for a year.
    author: Brian Mulholland

    It's so relaxing that when I get a chance, I kick back by myself and listen to this awesome artist. I take it wherever I go, especially on road trips.

  • It's the first CD in a very long time that I have connected with. Absolutely Fa
    author: Wendi

    I love this CD! It's the kind of music that you can listen to on any occasion. Absolutely fabulous!!!

  • WOW!! WORDS CANT EVEN EXPRESS HOW GOOD THIS MUSIC IS
    author: HEZZLE

    This music is a style all it own and an incredible one at that! Its the shit that never grows old and is timeless music that kicks ass!

  • AMAZING CD AND AMAZING ARTIST!
    author: Luba

    The best CD I own, I can listen to it forever, Thank you

  • an all encompasing pleasure
    author: jayme

    This is a fabulous slew of culture that needs to be shared!! good on yah Kalai!

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