Kit Ebersbach - Ala Pōʻai (2026) [Hi-Res]

Kit Ebersbach, who has lived in Hawaiʻi for sixty years, is a producer and multi-instrumentalist behind countless milestones in the islands’ music and a collaborator with its most important voices. Only now is he releasing his first physical record: Ala Pōʻai, a limited-edition 12" vinyl. The album was captured over two days of spontaneous improvisation with friends and combines Hawaiian musical tradition, spiritual jazz, gospel, funk and experimental ambient. Despite the range of influences, the sound is cohesive, shaped by the musician’s deep connection to the land.

The record plays as a living link to pre-tourism Hawaiʻi. Its tracks are like postcards from a journey along Ala Pōʻai, a circular road that returns to its starting point, much like the groove of a record that always leads back to the center. Ebersbach puts his philosophy this way: “Music is sound manipulated by spirit.” The release embodies it through restless curiosity and playful, wide-eared openness, and marks a notable moment in Hawaiian music history.

Kit Ebersbach—piano and rhodes
Abe Lagrimas, Jr.—drums
Mark Tanouye—bass
Gustavo DʻAmico—saxophones
SHIZUE—vocals
Deborah Harada—spoken word

Tracklist:
1. Kit Ebersbach - Calling out
2. Kit Ebersbach - Short cut (Cliff Street)
3. Kit Ebersbach - Māmane (Puʻu ʻŌʻō Trail)
4. Kit Ebersbach - Ua lani haʻahaʻa (Hāna Highway)
5. Kit Ebersbach - Hele on, boomer
6. Kit Ebersbach - Where are you (Lake Drive West)
7. Kit Ebersbach - Wild with no compass
8. Kit Ebersbach - (Is this) the way home