Mana, the new album by Kalia Vandever, is named after a Native Hawaiian term for spiritual energy or sacred power. It’s an intentional gesture from an artist who has always had the instinct of a shape-shifter. In addition to trombone, Vandever works with electronics and synths on the album, as well as vocals — a first, inspired by their experience with Haley Heynderickx, Japanese Breakfast and Harry Styles. Before a mesmerizing solo performance at Solar Myth, Vandever joined Nate Chinen for a conversation about myth and mystique, collaboration and solitude, and what it means to open up in new ways as an improvising artist.
The Power of Presence, with Kalia Vandever
