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| Photo by Mikel Patrick Avery |
Trombonist, composer, and vocalist Kalia Vandever has announced Mana, their debut album for International Anthem, scheduled for release on June 12 across LP, CD, and digital formats.
The project marks a new creative chapter for Vandever, whose work has drawn attention for blending jazz, ambient textures, and experimental composition. On Mana, Vandever combines solo trombone processed through live effects with minimal piano arrangements, creating an electroacoustic soundscape that moves between calm reflection and emotional tension.
The album’s first single, “Hubbard Road,” has been released alongside both an animated visualizer and a live performance video filmed in Chicago. The track introduces listeners to the album’s atmospheric tone, with layered brass textures and repeating piano motifs forming the foundation for expressive improvisation.
According to the announcement, Mana also represents a deeper exploration of Vandever’s connection to Hawaiian ancestry and mythology. The title references a Hawaiian concept associated with spiritual strength and inner power. Themes of longing, grief, love, and self-discovery are said to shape the album’s lyrical and instrumental direction.
Vandever noted in the album’s liner notes that the record reflects a growing connection to ancestral stories, community, and identity.
The inclusion of vocals is another significant development in Vandever’s music. While previously known primarily for instrumental work, recent touring experiences outside traditional jazz settings reportedly encouraged a more lyric-focused approach.
In support of the release, Vandever will tour throughout 2026, with album release performances planned in New York and Los Angeles. Additional appearances include participation in the Wehiwehi Residency at Shangri La in Honolulu from June 17 through June 28. More North American, European, and UK dates are expected to be announced later.
LIVE DATES
May 3 - Brooklyn, NY - Long Play Festival
May 16 - Keene, NH - The Thing In the Spring Festival
June 10 - New York, NY - Le Poisson Rouge - Mana album release show w/ eucademix
June 12 - Philadelphia, PA - Solar Myth
June 14 - Washington, DC - Rhizome
June 16 - Los Angeles, CA - 2220 Arts + Archives - Mana album release show
June 17-28 - Honolulu, HI - Wehiwehi Residency at Shangri La
July 1 - Montreal, QC - Montreal Jazz Fest
September 4 - Chicago, IL - Sound & Gravity Festival