Ledward Kaapana and The New Ikona's album Nahenahe is a delightful collection of traditional Hawaiian music that will transport listeners to the sunny shores of the Aloha State. The album features Kaapana's masterful slack-key guitar playing, which is matched by the skilled musicianship of his bandmates.
The opening track, "Wai'alae," sets the tone for the album with its gentle melody and Kaapana's soothing vocals. Other standout tracks include "Koke'e," a lively instrumental piece that showcases the band's tight harmonies and intricate guitar work, and "Koke'e Slack Key," a hauntingly beautiful solo guitar piece that highlights Kaapana's virtuosity.
Throughout the album, Kaapana and his bandmates infuse each track with a sense of joy and reverence for Hawaiian culture. The album's title, Nahenahe, which means "soft and sweet" in Hawaiian, perfectly captures the mood of the music.