Album - Homespun

Lance Takamiya
Releasing December 25, 2022

This album, appropriately titled “Homespun” is a collection of remastered original compositions released as singles in year 2022.

Sweet Ride

Single
Released September 16, 2022

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD), Capo 2nd fret
By Lance Takamiya

A song about navigating positively through life’s journey.  Just like the whales on its cover art who playfully swim the globe to reach their feeding areas and spawning grounds, we can also venture into the unknown, endure its challenges and stay the course.  It’s not so much the destination but the elation of getting there that makes the ride so sweet.

Calling

Single
Released November 18, 2022

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD), Capo 2nd fret
By Lance Takamiya

We all have an inner voice urging us to look beyond our situation, recognize our gifts and use them for the greater good.  This is our calling.  Though undertaking it presents challenges, they are overcome by our passion to prevail.  “Calling” is an intimate portrayal of the growth and bliss we experience when we heed our inner voice to fulfill our life’s purpose.

Fresh Start

Single
Released October 14, 2022

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD), Capo 2nd fret
By Lance Takamiya

A song about experiencing new life adventures that can be both exciting and challenging.  “Fresh Start”, a folk guitar original, joyfully exudes a hope and optimism that overrides our fears as we follow our dreams.

One Wish

Single
Released May 13, 2022

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD), Capo 2nd fret
By Lance Takamiya

“One Wish” is one of my better compositions with regard to emotional imagery of enduring life’s suffering and challenges. I hope “One Wish” offers you peace, fortitude and calmness for the challenges you face.

Your Touch

Single
Released June 10, 2022

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD), Capo 2nd fret
By Lance Takamiya

A soothing and romantic solo guitar original for spending moments in life with those who nourish our trust and wellbeing.

Cozy

Single
Released February 11, 2022

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD), Capo 2nd fret
By Lance Takamiya

A romantic and relaxing original classical guitar solo for Valentine’s Day and lazy, cozy mornings. Hope you enjoy this one.

Country Corner

Single
Released April 8, 2022

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD), Capo 2nd fret
By Lance Takamiya

Country Corner is a lively original composition celebrating country life.  I pictured friends gathering together in a backyard setting, taking their turns to jam out this song on slack key guitar.  The tune is catchy, endearing and joyful and I envision people wanting to dance to it.  Especially when the second guitar harmony joins in, and the traditional Hawaiian backyard jam is on!  I anticipate Bluegrass enthusiasts may enjoy this song as well.  

Ehukai

Single
Released March 11, 2022

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD), Capo 2nd fret
By Lance Takamiya

Ehukai translated from Hawaiian is sea spray.  I’ve spent much of my younger days fishing with my father and ehukai was always part of the experience.  Now when I’m near the ocean, the sea spray triggers memories of his hopeful perseverance, patience and peaceful compass that he instilled in me.  All of which has inspired my ability to learn and compose music.  Sometimes, when the sea spray is remarkably warm and comforting, I know that my father’s spirit is alive and well.

Album - Affinity
Slack Key Guitar Instrumentals

Lance Takamiya
Released December 10, 2021

This album, appropriately titled “Affinity” is a collection of remastered original compositions released as singles in year 2021.

Devotion

Single
Released October 8, 2021

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)
By Lance Takamiya

A solo slack key guitar classical crossover portraying the virtues that makes relationships stay the course.

The Gift Within

Single
Released September 10, 2021

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)
By Lance Takamiya

Solo slack key guitar with a classical touch and a soulful musical message. We all have a gift tucked away deep inside, wandering patiently, waiting to be recognized. Harness it and we become at peace with ourselves, allowing our true goodness to powerfully emerge.

Remembrance

Single
Released July 9, 2021

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)
By Lance Takamiya

A peacefully soothing and hopeful slack key guitar solo with a classical touch, conjuring wonderful memories of those we miss dearly.

Makapu’u Morning

Single
Released June 10, 2021

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)
By Lance Takamiya

I created this song after a day hiking the Makapu’u lighthouse trail on Oahu.  The cover art is a photo taken from the top of the trail.  A mesmerizing view of the deep blue water with whales and sea birds in clear sight.  All the while breathing in the crisp ocean air.  Visit this iconic landmark if you get the chance!

Beyond Love

Single
Released January 15, 2021

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)
By Lance Takamiya

A moving original slack key guitar classical crossover composition that ventures deep beyond the surface of love in a way that can only be felt through the vibes of a romantic guitar solo.

In This Moment

Single
Released March 19, 2021

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)
By Lance Takamiya

Solo slack key guitar with a suave pop guitar vibe.  A feel-good song for reminiscing special moments from the past and those soon to come.

Summer Serenade

Single
Released August 13, 2021

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)
By Lance Takamiya

Summer is the time when most of us are out and about, taking a break from work and school.  A season where memories are made, leaving us wanting more.  Perhaps “Summer Serenade” will extend that endless summer feeling long after the season is over!

Moving On

Single
Released April 16, 2021

With the release of vaccinations for the pandemic I was hopeful at the time that normal living was just around the corner.  I composed this piece “Moving On” to bid aloha (goodbye) to the pandemic with hope and exuberance.

Road Once Traveled

Single
Released November 5, 2021

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)
By Lance Takamiya

Sometimes looking back on our humble beginnings reminds us of how far we have come.  Therein lies the soulful and uplifting nature of this slack key guitar piece with a classical crossover.

Album
Resilience
Slack Key Guitar Originals

Lance Takamiya
Released November 27, 2020

In these challenging times …

…We have learned how resilient we are…

“This album, appropriately titled “Resilience” is a collection of my remixed and remastered original compositions released during the year of the pandemic. The music focuses on positive, comforting experiences that bring a sense of peace, joy and hope through trying times.”

Time Together

Single
Released February 5, 2020

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)
By Lance Takamiya

A charmingly sweet and melancholy guitar instrumental portraying our bonds with family and friends that make our lives so special. This song embodies the power and sanctity of true love that has survived the test of time. This single has surpassed 100K streams 7 months after release. As an artist, I’m grateful that listeners are connecting with this song. Hopefully, many more will discover it!

Pastel Paradise

By Lance Takamiya

Single
Released July 17, 2020

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning: Drop C (CGDGBD)

Beautifully elegant with a gentle sway, and a climactic layered bridge.  While picking a genre for this creation, I found that this song matches Bossa Nova.  It dawned on me that listening to Baden Powell’s Solitude on Guitar back in the 1970s may have influenced this fusion of Bossa Nova with Slack Key.

Lamalama I‘a

By Lance Takamiya

Single
Released May 1, 2020

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning: Drop C (CGDGBD)

The title, Lamalama I’a, means torch fishing. A very tranquil and relaxing activity of exploring the reefs with a lantern on a very calm Hawaiian night. It uses a traditional slack key rhythm and portrays the experience of wading in shallow water quietly with a lantern, never knowing what sea creature will suddenly appear in the circle of light around you.

‘Okika Honohono

By Lance Takamiya

Single
Released September, 25, 2020
Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning: Drop C (CGDGBD)

The Hawaiian translation of the song’s title, “‘Okika Honohono”, is Honohono orchid.  Honohono is a local term for a floriferous orchid with a distinct and sweet scent that goes beyond description.  When properly grown, its grandiose floral display is second to none.  This Hawaiian slack key guitar original honors this beautiful orchid, my wife and members of orchid societies who are dedicated to perpetuating orchid appreciation & knowledge in the passion of orchid culture.

Redemption

By Lance Takamiya

Single
Released June 19, 2020
Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar:
Tuning: Drop C (CGDGBD)
By Lance Takamiya

This layered guitar piece is one of my better pieces because it’s a musical rendering of frustration and hope related to the pandemic. Frustration as to how the pandemic was allowed to run rampant. Hope, in the form of under-supported health care and front line workers sacrificing their lives to keep our society functioning.

Swinging Bridge

By Lance Takamiya

Single
Released May 29, 2020

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar
Tuning: Taro Patch (DGDGBD)

Cane field workers used the Kapaia Swinging Bridge on Kauai to get to and from work when the Hanamaulu Stream flooded. This traditional, serene and relaxing style of Slack Key with its driving low end alternating base appropriately captures the unassuming essence of this bridge now swinging quietly alone.

Easy

By Lance Takamiya

Single
Released November 13, 2020
Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning: Drop C (CGDGBD)


After nearly a year of Covid 19 anxieties, I needed to compose something positive and uplifting and this tune seemed to be the answer. A “feel good” guitar instrumental that offers some therapeutic relief from the maddening isolation with an uplifting feeling of hope, joy and happiness… during what has been a difficult year for many.

Day Break

By Lance Takamiya

Single
Released March 13, 2020

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar
Tuning: Taro Patch (DGDGBD)
A light and breezy tune for taking a break or waking up rested and ready to start a fresh new day of hope and exciting possibilities.

Dream Tide

By Lance Takamiya

Single
Released April 10, 2020

Instrumental
6 String Nylon Guitar
Tuning: Drop C (CGDGBD)

Experience the ebb and flow of the ocean on a calm and clear evening, lying on the sand of a deserted Hawaiian shoreline. I’ve spent many nights fishing and on certain occasions, where conditions are right, my senses experienced the tranquil sounds of the water rolling in over the reefs, the warm sea breeze and the scent of Limu or seaweed. At the same time I am always aware of the formidable power of the ocean, nearly losing my life to it in the past. Hopefully, you will experience this mysterious serenity I call Dream Tide.

Album
Elua, Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar

Abe Lagrimas Jr. and Lance Takamiya
Released August 23, 2020

Experience a mixed plate of varying acoustic textures emanating from two very different types of instruments. Both played in the spirit of their indigenous Hawaiian folk art heritage; all in one album! My tracks in this album are entirely originals.

This album was nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year for the 2020 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards!

Track 2: Ka‘apuni Honua

By: Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)

The Hawaiian title of this song means, “Travel the World”. I composed this song to evoke the hope and happiness seen in the eyes of my children as they discovered more of the world and experienced their wonderful journey through life.

Track 4: Ho‘onanea

By: Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)

The Hawaiian title of this song means “Relax” or chill.  I love to fish and nothing gives me greater peace and happiness than fishing on a beautiful and quiet beach on Oahu where I live.  Of course, anticipating a big catch also brings a feeling of hopefulness.  This very health activity and way of life here in these islands inspired me to create this song. 

Track 6: Hali‘a Loa

By: Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)

The Hawaiian title means, “Memories of Long Ago”.  As a child my family lived where the Aloha Stadium now stands.  Back then it was all sugar cane and a few small mom and pop stores and none of the big freeways that now stretch across the island.  Life was slow and simple then, and as a child, it was safer to wander about and go discovering.  These long-gone island memories are what I wanted to portray in this song!

Track 8: He Lā I Mahalo Nui Ia

By: Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning: Taro Patch (DGDGBD)

The Hawaiian title of this song means “Grateful for this Day”.   During my teenage years I nearly lost my life in a near drowning incident.  I was told that it was a miracle I survived with no serious complications.   Ever since, I realized the fragility of life and to not take it for granted.  I’ve made it a practice to recount all that I’m grateful for when I wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night.  That’s my story behind creating this carefree and traditional sounding Hawaiian Slack Key tune.

Track 10: Le’a Le’a Wale

By: Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning: C6 or C Maunaloa Tuning (CGEGAE)

The Hawaiian title of this song means, “Pure Joy”.  This song was a real pleasure to create and is my favorite to play.  It’s truly my unique style and interpretation of delivering a feeling of pure joy through the use of traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar embellishments that are relaxing and pleasing to the ear.  The C6 or C Maunaloa tuning allows the song to flow freely throughout the piece!

This piece was nominated for Instrumental Song of the Year for the 2020 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards!

Aloha, This is Who We Are

Lance Takamiya
Released May 31, 2017

An imagery of life in Hawaiʻi played through the strings of a Slack Key guitar.
https://open.spotify.com/album/04aBp4CL95INigbKB1ncY0?si=3YWpKPZsQwqiCZ4vsZuOIw

My first solo Slack Key (Ki’hoalu) album, “Aloha, This is Who We Are” featured all original compositions. The music and lyrics in this album lead you to understand the island lifestyle and its reliance on the natural beauty of the islands. This relationship creates an energy that permeates through our being, lifts us up, kindles the Aloha Spirit and sets the framework for Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural heritage that attracts so many visitors from around the world. The songs pay homage to Hawaiʻi’s way of life and serve as a reminder that we should cherish and preserve Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty.

This piece was nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year for the 2018 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards!

Track 1: Hoʻolaulea Slack Key

By: Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  Taro Patch (DGDGBD)
I was asked if I could compose a song for use on a Hawaiian Airlines video for their May Day parade float building project.  I composed this piece and named it Hoʻolaulea (celebration) Slack Key. It’s an appropriate song to start off this debut album! 

Track 2: Paniolo Slack Key

By Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  Taro Patch (DGDGBD)

In year 1830, King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) sent his emissary to California to make arrangements for Mexican Cowboys (Vaqueros) to come to Hawaiʻi to teach the Hawaiian cowboys (Paniolo) how to herd cattle.  The Vaqueros brought with them the guitar and taught the Paniolo how to play the guitar.  It is assumed that the Paniolo slacked certain strings possibly to match their vocal style, make it easier to play or the Vaqueros were not around long enough to teach them the standard tuning.  This instrumental is a tribute to the Paniolo and the origin of slack key in Hawaiʻi.

Track 3: Haleʻiwa Town

By Lance Takamiya

Vocal
Nylon String Guitar, Vocal: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  Taro Patch (DGDGBD)
Visit Haleʻiwa Town and you fall in love with its old Hawaiian charm.  This fishing village has many estuaries flowing through it from the water shed high above. Annually, thousands of visitors and residents paddle-board or canoe the famous Anahulu stream, home to giant sea turtles, crustaceans and bait fish that provide food for the bigger fish in and around Hale’iwa Harbor.  Hawaiʻi has lost many of its natural estuaries due to over development.  Let’s vow to keep Haleʻiwa a living and breathing ecosystem for all to enjoy.  

Haleiwa Town (Lyrics)

Drifting underneath the old Rainbow Bridge
I’m a paddling Anahulu Stream
Turtles bobbing by, I hear peacocks cry
I’m floating in a fantasy

In Hale’iwa old folks say the best in life are free
Just leave your worries in a jar and toss them out to sea
With friendly faces all around
They’d lift me up, they’d never let me down
In Hale’iwa, life is right somehow

 Welcome to a world where there ain’t no walls
Just the rhythm of the surf and sea
Enticing one and all I feel its charm
And local hospitality

 In Hale’iwa old folks say the best in life are free
Just leave your worries in a jar and toss them out to sea
With friendly faces all around
They’d lift me up, they’d never let me down
In Hale’iwa, life is right somehow

 May your innocence live on to guide your destiny
Like your river flowing on forever
Down to the sea

 In Hale’iwa young folks say tradition here runs deep
Our promise thrives on fields of green we forever vow to keep
With friendly faces all around they’ll lift us up, they’ll never let us down
In Hale’iwa life is right somehow
Down in Hale’iwa Town

Track 4: Naha

By Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  Taro Patch (DGDGBD)
Lanai is a small and relatively undeveloped island in the Hawaiian chain.  In our younger days, our family would take the long ride on the dirt road to a part of the coastline called “Naha”.  There, I would walk the reefs and whip for papio (jacks) and ulua (giant trevally).  All you can hear there is the rolling surf, the rubbing of kiawe tree branches and chirping of the resident cardinals.  The peaceful and unspoiled beauty of Naha inspired me to compose this slack key instrumental done in the traditional Kiʻhoalu style. 

Track 5: Beach Walk Slack Key

By Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
Nylon String Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)
This instrumental describes without words the excitement and spirited atmosphere of visitors and residents traversing the glamorous Waikiki Beach Walk.

Track 6: Aloha, This Is Who We Are

By Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
Nylon String Guitar, Vocals, Orchestra: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)

Aloha is such an important ingredient in this special place called Hawaiʻi.  The Aloha spirit encompasses one of compassion, grace and love permeating from our experiences with the beauty that surrounds us and tantalizes our senses.  As long as we retain the beauty of our land and sea, the Aloha spirit will remain in us all.

Aloha This is Who We Are (Lyrics)

Romantic as a Rainbow ‘round the moonlight
Alluring as a sweet pikake lei
Embracing all with truth and warmth and wonder
This is Hawai‘i nei

Woven through the fabric of these islands
Is a spirit of compassion, grace and love
Warm enough to touch the heart of heaven
Here lies the meaning of

 Aloha, in our thoughts and all around it makes us see
Aloha, this is who we are, our fate was meant to be
The salt of summer bathes us by the seashore
Where fish are feeding gently in disguise
Serenity of rings upon the water
This is our paradise

Sacred are her valleys and her forests
Protected through a million years of rain
Breathe her, touch her hear her voices calling
Her love runs through our veins

Aloha, in our thoughts and all around it makes us see
Aloha, this is who we are, our fate was meant to be
She gently calls us closer, we’re enchanted by her spell
And we will share her stories through our breath of life we’ll tell

Aloha, in our thoughts and all around it makes us see
Aloha, this is who we are, our fate was meant to be
Forever we will feel the spirit of
Hawai‘i as she greets the world with love
She reminds us in her very special way
Aloha

Track 7: Heihei Waʻa

By Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  Taro Patch (DGDGBD)

This instrumental depicts the coordinated efforts of canoe paddlers during an outrigger canoe race or “Heihei Waʻa”, where paddlers stroke in unison through ocean swells with fierce determination to challenge their abilities, defeating the elements in order to reach their destination.

Track 8: Green Room Rapture

By Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
Nylon String Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  Drop C (CGDGBD)

A surfer once explained to me what it’s like to surf waves at the Banzai Pipeline and riding through the tube, termed as the Green Room.  This song epitomizes the exhilaration and euphoria I could only imagine one must feel when experiencing the Green Room.

Track 9: Rush

By Lance Takamiya

Instrumental
6 String Steel Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  Taro Patch (DGDGBD)

So many activities experienced in Hawaiʻi bring a rush to our senses.  This sprightly composition played on slack key guitar epitomizes this feeling. 

Track 10: Liliʻu's Waltz

By Lance Takamiya
Instrumental
Nylon String Guitar: Lance Takamiya
Tuning:  C6 (CGEGAE)

A number of years ago, I went through a period of illness that floored me. Alone at home and unable to do anything but hold a guitar, I decided to compose a song to make the best of the situation. At the same time I was learning the history of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy that took place in year 1893 by a group of sugar planters and businessmen. Hawai'i's Queen Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned within the confines of her own home, the Iolani Palace and forced to abdicate her throne. I decided to spend this time writing a piece to describe this period in her life. In this bittersweet composition, I hope you will hear the sounds that describe her elegance, her grace, the agony of losing her throne, and through it all maintaining her dignity and earning the respect and love of her people.

Artist's Note: I copyrighted Liliʻu's Waltz years ago and failed to recognize an editorial error involving a missing ʻokina in this song's title.  This website has been corrected to reflect the proper spelling.  My sincere apologies for this oversight.