Posts Tagged ‘Jazz’

Hawai’i’an Artist Willie K is determined to explore new musical territory. Towards that goal he has founded Lima Wela, “Hot Hands,” combing his considerable talents in guitar & voice with the equally impressive talents of Joe Canno and Avi Ronen.

Together they forge what Willie K calls Mediterranean Pacific Jazz.  A hyper hybrid with elements of Latin, Hawai’i’an, Jazz, Rock, and Rhythm & Blues.  Most likely the fastest guitar trio in The Pacific or perhaps the World.

They will perform the McCoy Studio Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center Saturday, March 13^th and Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 7:30.  An acoustic orgasm certain to thrill audiences another excuse for venturing too Maui during the weekend chock full of fun things to do on the Valley Isle.

Tickets are available for $35. To order by phone call 808-242-7469.

Ingredients for an exotic cocktail: elements of classical jazz, lounge music evoking Hollywood in the 1940s & 50s, World music ranging from Brazilian Samba to Parisian Pop, ten to twelve classically trained musicians, and a vocalist whose ethereal voice is delightful playful insightful.

Add all of these together and you get Pink Martini.  Beloved as Portland Oregon’s ‘Little Orchestra,’ Pink Martini was assembled in 1994 by the wonderfully eccentric bandleader/pianist Thomas Lauderdale.

A World Class orchestra needs a distinctive voice and that is supplied by China Forbes, a true delight, her phrasing sends shivers along the spine.  In keeping with their eclectic nature Pink Martini first found fame in France when the French embraced their 1997 debut album, Sypathique.

The title tune with its haunting refrain “Je ne veux pas travailler”(”I don’t want to work”)” was nominated for “Song of the Year” and “Best New Artist” in France’s Victoires de la Musique Awards, and the album  went on to Platinum sales in France and Gold in Canada, Switzerland, Greece and Turkey.  They have achieved considerable success as well in their native America but their reach is global, their multinational line up of tunes and ability to deliver them in a variety of languages clearly defines them as a World class act.

In support of their latest release the aptly entitled ‘Splendor in the Grass’ Pink Martini graces the wonderful Castle Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 7:30 PM.  Tickets can be purchased in advance for $37 or on the day of show for $45 (plus applicable fees). Tickets go on sale to members January 26 and for the public beginning on February 4. You can also call 808-242-7469.  For more info about the truly unique Pink Martini go to check out their site and have fun running your mouse across the entry page and see what surprises pop up!

One of Britain’s best Jazz Vocalist Liane Carroll will be performing at The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Kona Coast of The Big Island of Hawai’i on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 6:30PM.  The Big Islands’ “Olliephonics” join Liane Carroll for an elegant evening of “Jazz, Big Band, Dancing and Love.”

London born Liane Carroll began her musical odyssey at age three tinkling the ivory keys under the tutelage of concert pianist Phyllis Catling, developing a passion for Jazz and Soul and much more.  Her professional career began at age fifteen in her native Hastings, appearing with various bands as a pianist, vocalist and composer.  In 1998 Liane Carroll  joined Trevor Watts’ ‘Moire Music’ featuring Liam Genockey, Nana Tsiboe and Simon Picard, where they would embark on several world tours.

Experimenting and experiencing a variety of musical line-ups, Liane joined the ‘Dave Holdsworth’ band where she met Bassist Roger Carrey, who she married in 1990, he has become a vital part of her life & career, through the many diverse musical lineups she has joined.  An impressive list of Jazz greats as well as musical legends from various genres; Sir Paul McCarthy, Long John Baldry, Gerry Rafferty, many others.  Along the way Liane Carroll has snagged two BBC Jazz awards in the same year, and a loyal Global following.

Liane Carroll’s Thursday February 11 2010 concert doubles as a benefit for “Hawaii Performing Arts Festival scholarship fund for young artists from Hawaii to attend the summer festival in Waimea. Cost is $45 per person or $80 per couple.  Tickets are available by calling 808-333-7378 or online at Hawaii Performing Arts Festival. For more information, call 303-221-0399 or email .

For more information about Liane Carroll scope out her website.

Cerro Negro is A)  One of Nicaragua’s Most Beautiful yet Potentially most Destructive Volcano, or B) A truly distinctive unique ‘flamenco jazz’ trio, or C) all the above.  All of the above and so much more, providing those fortunate enough to witness their activities a lively evening of entertainment that provides a World tour within the confines of club.

Cerro Negro the band, John Martin III percussion & vocals, Frank Giordano guitar & piano,  Dusty Brough guitars & more, provide a volcanic joyride incorporating elements of Brazilian Bossa Nova, Gypsy Guitars, Peruvian Rhythms, Balkan Folk, Turkish Karsilama, toss in a bit of Irish Bodhran, German Melodica, and electric synth controllers for a modern dance vibe hard to resist.

Cerro Negro’s “waves of change” Tour 2010 is “a musical celebration of the coming solutions to the problems faced by humanity. —–  With constructive collaboration, listening, and jamming we will handle and overcome the challenges facing us today,” assures John Martin III, lead vocalist and percussionist for the group.

Cerro Negro joins forces with Ryan Felthouse ‘morphing’ into La Caravana on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at the fabulous Dragon Upstairs from 7PM To 9PM. Cover is a screamingly modest $5 for an evening billed as “a Global Gypsy Band two parts Flamenco, one part Brazilian Jazz, and one part crazy Turkish gypsy.”

Right around the corner is Mardi Gras, the Arts District Honolulu being the hub of Universal excitement Tuesday February 16 2010, after scoping out the street festivities drop into The Dragon Upstairs and join Cerro Negro from 9PM to 11PM, once again a mere $5 gets you in the door and chances are your feet will rarely touch the floor.

Scope out Cerro Negro’s Site for some videos that will get you in the mood.

International Jazz Ukulele Artist Benny Chong headlines this one of a kind event at the Aloha Theatre, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Hwy. Kainaliu, The Big Island of Hawai’i, accompanied by University of Hawai’i Professor of Music Byron Yasui on Bass, at 7PM on Friday January 22 2010.

Benny Chong was once the guitarist for the famed Ali’i s the band that backed up Don Ho, a self taught musician widely respected by his peers, Benny Chong first picked up & plucked away on a ukulele when he was eleven years old, only to put away the instrument nine years later.  After a thirty five year hiatus, Professor Yasui reintroduced Chong to the ukulele in 2000, requesting Chong be one of four artists in ‘The Art of Solo Ukulele’ a concert series that rekindled Chong’s interest leading to a CD and a Public Television Special.

Chong’s CD ‘Ukulele Jazz’ is a rarity, an eclectic mix of Jazz standards, pop favorites and musical musings marking Chong as a truly original Jazz & Ukulele Artist.  The opening act is a Big Island favorite, “Mili Nanea” featuring Randy Lorenzo, Darrel Aquino, and Christy Lassiter.”

Tickets are $25 presale or $30 at the door, open seating. Tickets available at apachawaii.org, Aloha Theatre Cafe from 7am-2pm, or at the door 1 hour prior to showtime. Or, call 808-959-8869.

Way back in 1973 when Russia was ‘the’ Soviet Union young Valery Ponomarev escaped to America for his love of Liberty & Jazz.  Landing in New York City with fake documents it is proof of his talent that within three months Ponomarev was invited to sit in with the legendary Art Blakely & the Jazz Messengers, within three years he was an official member of the Messengers, going on to record nine albums with the group and touring the World.

Cut to 2010 and New York resident Valery Ponomarev headlines his own Quintet and to the delight of Jazz Aficionados will perform in Honolulu, Hawai’i.

Nestled above the venerable Hank’s Café, 1038 Nuuanu Avenue, The Dragon Upstairs has established itself as a haven for Jazz and many other more esoteric forms of music & performance.  The Valery Ponomarev Quintet presents a ‘Hard Bop Night’ Saturday January 16^th and Saturday January 23 at 9PM.

In addition to Valery Ponomarev and his trumpet, the impressive line up includes Jason Gaye on Sax January 16, Reggie Padilla on Sax January 23,, Satomi Yarimizo on Piano on both days, Jon Hawes plays Bass January 16, Steve Jones plays Bass on January 23, and Darryl Pellegrini, drums both gigs.

Cover is $10 and the concert runs from 9PM To Midnight.  For more info about Valery Ponomarev scope out his biography and Mars Jazz take on him .

Jazz Aficionados often complain about the lack of Jazz here in Honolulu. Complain no more, there is a home for Jazz above the venerable Hank’s Café in the heart of the Arts District Honolulu also known as Chinatown. The Dragon Upstairs (1038 Nu’uanu Av. Ph 808-526-1411) is host to an amazing variety of artists whose music will carry you through the week and into the weekend.

Every Thursday The Ross Nakamura Quartet fill the intimate space with Jazz from 7PM to 10PM. Ross Nakamura, Bass, Chris Yeh, Sax, Denny Ouichi, Guitar, Scott Takata, Piano, and Chris Clark, Drums, know how to please the crowd, here is a rave about Chris Yeh; “Here’s an alto player you’ve just got to hear. He’s got the chops of a Charlie Parker and the tonality & embouchre of a Paul Desmond. When it comes to be-bop, Chris rips!, and if you’re a discerning listener – and who among us cats isn’t – you’ll be awed by his masterful, moving, and incredibly sensitive rendering of ballads. Chris plays regularly with the Mahealani Jazz Quartet and gigs around town with other top-notch artists.” Mo’ bettah, no cover on Thursday!

On Friday The Dragon Upstairs roars to life at 7:30 PM with Chris & Friends (no relation) and then at 10:30 PM by popular demand the neo-jazz quartet Quad-Pod takes the stage, performing to 1:00 AM. QuadPod features the fantastic DeShannon Higa on trumpet, the equally amazing Reggie Padilla on piano & sax, Jon Hawes on Bass, and Konrad Kendric on drums. All of this amazing talent for a modest $5.

Saturday, Reggie Padilla returns, playing piano accompanied by a special female vocalist. August 15, a true star, Starr Kalakahi performs, the next week (8/22) the stellar Willow Chang, August 29th the fantabulous Erin Kim. Gilbert Batangan anchors with his Bass Guitar, his contribution can be summed up by this review: “This is a man of many talents. You might catch him in his tuxedo blowing jazz bass at one of the up-scale resorts in Waikiki, or hear him spinning discs on the radio and sharing his musicological knowledge with his audience, but more likely you’ll hear him playing jazz guitar at any number of clubs around town. Gilbert’s mastery of the guitar is always evident. He makes it seem so easy and casual, but the music coming from his axe is some of the finest, most creative jazz you’ll ever hear. Be-bop or ballads, trio of big band, Gilbert’s guitar delivers!” Five Dollars Cover is a steal.

Every Sunday The Dragon Upstairs features Ke Kauoha The Jazz Project at 7PM. “Formed by Hale & Kapono 4 months ago with the idea of fusing Traditional Hawaiian music with Jazz there is a unique difference between Ke Kauoha The Jazz Project and those that have come before us. With every member in the group singing lead/backing vocals, we also feature the traditional falsetto style of singing witch no Hawaiian Jazz group has ever done.” Ke Kauoha features the talents of Kapono Nailiili on drums & vocals, Halehaku Seabury Akaka on guitar & vocals, Ione Burns Bass & vocals, and Jeff Au Hoy on piano and vocals. The cover charge will set you back $5.

Whew! So much to do on Maui at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center that it takes three articles to list all of them. For tickets & more info check out their website http://www.mauiarts.org/ or email them boxoffice@mauiarts.org or call 808-242-SHOW (7469).

Dance is on tap, literally, at 7:30PM on Thursday March 19th when The MACC Dance Series presents “India Jazz Suites: Chitresh Das & Jason Samuels Smith,” a unique collaboration between Chitresh Das one of India’s foremost Kathak masters and Jason Samuels Smith tap dancer extraordinaire whose fast flying feet have earned him an Emmy. Together they “converge in the intricacies of each other’s footwork! The result is high entertainment which crosses all boundaries of age, race and culture, a blast of incredible speed and power, grace and beauty, epic storytelling, and the pure joy of dance. Both are traditionalists, yet both are innovators, and together they bring the house down!” Tickets range from $12 to $22 to $37, with special half price admission for youth under age eighteen. (Supported in part by National Endowment for the Arts, State Foundation for Culture and the Arts County of Maui, Capezio Ballet Makers Dance Foundation, Inc., Jhamandas Watumull Fund, and KISS Radio)

On Saturday March 21 2009 at 7:30 PM Grammy Award Winning singer/pianist Diane Krall will enthrall the audience with her alluring voice and “strikingly sensitive piano playing.” Diane Krall has more fourteen CDs to her credit with her newest, ‘Quiet Nights,’ to be released at the end of March. Diane has a gift for rediscovering songs, bringing Jazz classics into the 21st Century with a seductive energy that is utterly captivating. This is one concert you will not want to miss (in my humble opinion). Tickets are Tickets: $55, $65, $85, $125, $150. (Supported in part by National Endowment for the Arts, State Foundation for Culture and the Arts, County of Maui and KAOI Radio Group.)

After a night of Jazz & Pop, a return to dance at the Castle Theater at 7:30 PM On Sunday March 22 2009 when the Tau Dance Theater presents “presents SLAM 2009 5th Annual Hawai‘i-Japan Youth Exchange Concert, “Raiatea Helm headlines an exciting showcase of dance and music with the youth dancers of Tau (y2), HITS Dance Space, Yuko Anami Ballet from Japan, Kapolei Choral, Tau Dance Theater, and the winners and competitors of the 4th Annual Earnest T. Morgan Choreographers’ SLAM.” Tickets are a terrific deal, $20 or $10 for students, military, and senior citizens.

Chase away the Monday Blues with an Incredible Journey on Monday March 23 2009 at 7:30 PM at the MACC Amphitheater when veteran band Journey lands on Maui with their new lead singer, Filipino sensation Arnel Pineda who joins a line-up that includes founder guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Jonathan Cain, bassist Ross Valory, drummer Deen Castronovo. Arnel Pineda made his debut in February 2008 and with the release of the CD Revelation in June of 2008 Journey has had a resurgence that affirms their standing in the Hierarchy of Rock n’ Roll. Reserved seat tickets on the lawn: $55, $65, $75, $125 (plus applicable fees).

Just when one might think that the crew at the MACC has exhausted the list of big name acts and ran out of Maui this March!