Grant Haua - Mana Blues (2023) [Official Digital Download 24/48]

Those familiar with my music will notice this album is a lot different from previous releases which were written around the acoustic guitar. I often ask myself if it is a mistake to release an electric album (and a pretty heavy one at that) but in the end I thought what the hell you only live once ! Being Generation X these songs are heavily influenced by that period which I consider in pop/rock history, musically arguably the best. I know it will probably be criticized for being too “old fashioned” by some but I can honestly say I’ll take that as a compliment as my musical “D.N.A” is defined by that period in time.

The songs about war on this album (“Pukehinahina” and “Embers”) are also a departure from the norm as a writer for me. These are serious topics which I normally steer clear of having not known the horror of it personally, but I’m glad I did. Researching the battle of Pukehinahina filled me with a sense pride that brought me to tears on occasion from the sheer badassery of what my tipuna (ancestors) achieved. In regards to Embers, walking the war museums that laid bare the atrocities of the Holocaust and standing on the beaches of Normandy I felt an incredible mix of sadness, loss, but also pride, awe and respect for men long in the ground, many of whom are tipuna as well-now. If that’s not worthy of a song I don’t know what is ! As I’m writing this the war in Ukraine rages on : when the fuck will we ever learn ! The rest of the album is my standard fare all be it electrified, hope you enjoy it ! Take it easy, nga mihi.

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” – Bob Marley

Tracklist:
01. Pukehinahina
02. Billie Holiday
03. Blame It On A Monday
04. Jealousy
05. Good Stuff
06. Embers
07. Time of Dying
08. Aches
09. Bad Mofo
10. To Be Loved


Thanks to the Original customer!