music
In the space of just a few years, Kalia Vandever has gone from rising trombonist to one of the leading names in the new North American jazz-ambient scene. Without announcement or label support, they released In Bloom in 2019, an album that quickly reached the ears of the jazz community. High praise followed, as did concerts across avant-garde music circuits and invitations from names such as Japanese Breakfast, Haley Heynderickx and global superstar Harry Styles.
The promise had been made; confirmation came soon after. Regrowth (2022) showed that Kalia was preparing to soar. We Fell In Turn (2023), which they presented at Semibreve festival in 2024, confirmed it. Now, they return to Braga to present the brand-new Mana (2026). Released in late June by International Anthem, this new work reflects on their connection to Hawaiian mythology, their ancestry, and the ways in which all of this relates to the music they create. In Hawaiian, mana means power and supernatural or divine force. In the album’s accompanying notes, Kalia writes that they carry with them the stories, wisdom and care of their ancestors as they navigate grief, love, community and exploration. The trombone, their faithful instrument, remains at the forefront, bathed in reverb and polyphonic pitch shifts, but it is now shaped by piano triads, with voice and words taking on an increasingly prominent presence. This is music that asks to be listened to with close attention, as we are guided into Kalia Vandever’s most intimate world. And there is no better way to listen than in a live concert, where memory is shared.
supported by portuguese republic – culture, youth and sports / general direction of the arts / network of portuguese theaters and cinemas (rtcp). portuguese contemporary art network (rpac).
