These Islands Played by Scott Villiger also Benny Chong and Bill Tapia featured

Last Update July 3rd Many ask us "Who is the person playing "These Islands" on Danny's Instrumental Version on the CD, Something To Remember?" A very talented gentleman who deserves being acknowledged.

Update from Scott... July 3rd: You might be interested in this; Raiatea Helm's new CD 'Hawaiian Blossom,' just came out, and I play with her on the cut "My Dede". Playing clarinet, a very uncommon occurance on Hawaiian Music / Hapa Haole Music.

This week July 4th, I am in the studio (Hawaii Theatre) again with Matt Catingub Orchestra recording his second CD.

Best to you ~ Aloha, Scott

Listen to 'MY DEDE'
Hawaiian Blossom is a stunning new collection of Hawaiian classics and original compositions by Raiatea Helm, the young woman whose talent and music continues to bloom in front of our eyes and who is known worldwide for her sweet falsetto voice and amazing stage presence.
"When I listen to the song, I think about when the military were coming here in the '40s. Lena Machado recorded it, and I loved the way she controlled her voice. I'm glad we put a clarinet on it ... because a lot of people will connect it to that era. ... (I haven't) heard clarinet in a Hawaiian song before. Dave (Tucciarone) is just crazy and comes up with all of these ideas. He was thinking about a song (by) the Beatles that has a clarinet ("When I'm Sixty-Four"). It has that same feel."

If you can't visit Hawaii, Come see our slideshow of some of some lovely Hawaii photos put to Danny's beautiful Ode to Hawaii "These Islands" instrumental version played by Scott Villiger in our Lyrics section. ~Aloha, Lea

Scott Villiger from Kailua, Hawaii is one of Hawaii's most versatile and accomplished woodwind artists, I noted in my research baritone sax, flute, clarinet were particularly mentioned. A member of the Royal Hawaiian Band since 1987, Scott is also in demand with the Honolulu Symphony as a woodwind specialist, performing on clarinet, flute, oboe, and saxophone. He was featured recently in concert with Arturo Sandoval at the Honolulu Symphony Pops' season opener.

Scott received his BM and MM from the famed Juilliard School of Music, where Wynton Marsalis was one of his classmates. Scott also studied privately with Lee Konitz and Adolph Sandole through a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Study grant. In 1982, Scott won first place in the Buddy DeFranco North American Jazz Clarinet Competition. Scott subsequently toured Japan with DeFranco and Eiji Kitamura. His professional experience in New York included performances with the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, jazz clubs such as Blue Note and tours as baritone saxophone soloist with famed Latin jazz artist, Machito.

In addition the Royal Hawaiian Band and the Honolulu Symphony, Scott performs and records with many of Hawaii's finest artists and can be heard on the Honolulu Saxophone Quartet's latest recording. Winner of (1982) Buddy DeFranco North American Jazz Clarinet Competition (Yamaha). Baritone saxophonist with Machito.

Scott can be found performing gigs throughout Hawaii and can be found listed in articles like TGIF Weekend Calendar on the pages of The Honolulu Advertiser Newspaper.

Aloha, Mr. Scott Villiger I would be honored to feature you if you would be interested. Your instrumental version of "These Islands" receives many comments here at our site, and it's a soothing way to end a beautiful Cd. Mahalo

-I'm not sure when & where we first met. My early relationship with him was as the saxophone player in his band, at Trapper's at the Hyatt Waikiki. We had a steady, one night a week gig there for several years in the mid-1980's.

Where have you been involved with music? Have you had an influx on the Mainland has your career had a big input?

I'm a Veteran of international tours with Machito, Buddy DeFranco and Royal Hawaiian Band. Mainland tours with Royal Hawaiian Band, Mana'o Company and Tapa Groove.

A note about the above photo. After 25 years of separation Scott heard from old friend Bob Renino (bass) due to his viewing this webpage.

" I see us doing a J-yard gig 25 yrs ago! You look great (like you live in Hawaii or something) I am doing the Original, Musical, NY. Comedy "The Producers" and we just finished doing the film dates." Ah the marvels of the Internet!

-Danny's idea. Recorded to use as TV soundtrack Theme Song for the '98 Miss Universe Competition (taking place in Honolulu that year). It was the year following Brooke Lee winning (thus the contest held in Honolulu).

-Yes, a good friend. I have performed with him for many years. i.e. At Trappers. With Del Courtney, Honolulu Symphony and Hawaii International Jazz Festival, etc.

-Yes. Too many to name, so here are a few; Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, John Pizzareli, Diana Krall, Elvis The Show (2004), Arturo Sandoval, etc.

-The Best is I love to play music and I love to listen to music. The Worst is Difficult scheduling, having to be in two places at one time...

-Almost 20 years, I think. As I said, I was a member of his Band at Trappers in the mid-1980's.

- I have played for him in a show setting a number of times... always good fun and he has a lot of energy.

Have you seen Danny perform live outside the Luau? Princess Kaiulani? What are some of your favorite things about his performances?

In your opinion, why do you think Hawaiian music and it's artists have not yet been recognized through the Grammy Awards until this year.

What other activities do you enjoy? I should have mentioned to you that I used to surf and windsurf. I still enjoy paddling ocean kayak, bodysurfing, and bogey boarding with my kids. One of my other interests is hiking in these beautiful mountains of Oahu. I am a member of the Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club.

A photo would be ideal for the page if possible. -My wife's digital camera just broke. I'll try to send a photo later...

Is there anything else you want to add... anything you want your viewers to know about you or the artists you represent?

-I would like to add: I'm a Full time member of the Royal Hawaiian Band since 1987, woodwind specialist.

Recorded and performed with various Hawaiian musicians thru the years... Am also a jazz musician. Performed per service with the Honolulu Symphony since 1980's.

On the Scene John Berger

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GREAT SHOW, BILL!: Ukulele virtuoso Bill Tapia, third from left, relaxed backstage between sets with band members Byron Yasui, left, Noel Okimoto, Benny Chong, Lyle Ritz and Scott Villager during his sold out concert at the Paliku Theatre. Tapia, age 97, featured songs from his newly released album, "Duke of Uke," during the two-hour, 30-minute show, and entertained the crowd with some of his favorite stories about growing up in Hawaii and playing music on the mainland a man who might accurately be described as an "unknown legend" in ukulele history. From Tapia's whimsical rendition of "Little Grass Shack" to his encore performance of "The Lady is a Tramp" it was an excellent show. Tapia also allowed his celebrity musicians ample space --an ukulele duet by Chong and Yasui, and Ritz's solo on "Mack The Knife" were two of the highlights. More than 200 people were turned away.

With his jazz orientation, fueled by earlier gigs with Charlie Barnet, Billie Holiday, Fats Waller and more, Tapia has an incredible personal style with a sharp wit to match. He led his big band in the Islands and also played with early luminaries Johnny Noble and Solomon Ho'opi'i and he spends time in his Makaha condo when he's not on the road.

Tapia likely is the only musician who can boast, "Here's a song I performed in World War I," as he introduces his incredible version of "Stars and Stripes Forever," which he formulated in 1918 at age 10.

His Island pal, Mihana Souza, will be among the local entertainers in his DHT concert. Musicians will include Grammy-winning Jeff Peterson on guitar and Ernie Provencher on bass.

~ Ben Chong ~ Classic 'Ukulele Player
By the Way The Gentleman Back Center Benny Chong is one of the members of

Benny plays a baritone size, cutaway Ko'olau 'Ukulele. He has performed here in Hawaii and throughout the world with the Don Ho Band for many years, becoming one the classic 'ukulele players of our day.

The Ukulele Masters, playing Ko'olau 'Ukuleles, Lyle Ritz, Benny Chong, and Byron Yasui, along with 94 year old 'Ukulele legend, Bill Tapia.

Special Follow up: Uncle Bill Tapia inducted into the Ukulele Hall of Fame

The Los Angeles Edition of the L.A. Times featured an article of an Ukulele legend still going strong. Bill Tapia, who turned 97 on New Year's Day, enjoys his longevity and recent fame but doesn't think pushing 100 is a big deal. After celebrating a rousing kanikapila style 97th birthday party on New Year's Day, he prepared to return home to Honolulu to release his latest CD, Tapia's second uke CD, "Duke of Uke" "Bill Tapia has no plans to slow down. With the release of the new album on February 8th, more concerts, and a forthcoming PBS documentary about his amazing life, 2005 promises to be an even bigger chapter in the improbable resurgence of this national musical treasure." He still gives lessons at his home in Westminster, California. Besides the concert mentioned above, he will soon launch a promotional tour in Northern California. His fame has spread nationwide, and reviews and articles about him have been published in the Los Angeles Times and other publications."
He was one of the first to play jazz standards and improvise on the ukulele and he was doing it when both jazz and the ukulele was new. He entertained sailors riding out the war in Pearl Harbor and during his long musical career on the mainland, sat in with the likes of Louis Armstrong and taught ukulele to stars like Clark Gable and Jimmy Durante. As a kid he strummed for tips on the streets of Oahu, wowing the tourists by holding his uke behind his neck and playing his trade mark "Stars and Stripes Forever" in rapid cadence.

Eventually Bill settled in San Francisco and carved out a niche teaching, doing studio work, playing in TV orchestras and working as a sideman in band after band. A few years ago, Bill and wife moved to Orange County, California. Several years ago his daughter and wife passed away leaving a grieving father and husband. One day in 2001 he wandered into a music store thinking that maybe he would get his old guitar fixed. He started fooling around with the ukulele, throwing in elegant jazz riffs that transfixed the music store crew. Soon he began attending uke sessions at a senior center and teaching again. At a Fullerton museum show about Hawaii, he ran into Buck Giles, leader of a Hawaiian Band.
"Ever hear of Bill Tapia?" Bill asked shyly.
"I think he's already passed away," Giles responded.
Tapia let him know otherwise. He took Giles up on an invitation to sit in for a song or two and quickly became the star attraction. From that came a CD "Tropical Swing" a production of a small Hawaiian label called Moon Room Records.

In 2002, Bill was invited to play at the 75th anniversary of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the grande dame of Waikiki hostelries.
At the celebration Bill was the only musician who had played at the Royal Hawaiian's grand opening in 1927. Tapia had been one of a half a dozen "musical drivers" uniformed chauffeurs who convoyed wealthy guests around the island in gleaming Packards. With Diamond Head as a backdrop, the drivers would break out their instruments and croon Hawaiian songs to their delighted guests. Tapia also gave a few lessons to Arthur Godfrey, who later became a popular TV talk-show host whose trademark was his ukulele.

"Bill Tapia is a self-taught musician who has made a living playing the guitar, banjo and 'ukulele. The uke was his first instrument, which he bought for 75 cents as a youngster and played at the train station for coins."

Uncle Bill Tapia will be admitted to the Ukulele Hall of fame at a convention in Santa Cruz. A portrait of Tapia has been commissioned, one day it will hang next to those of Godfrey, and other ukulele celebrities, such as Manuel Nunes. Nunes was a Portuguese craftsman who brought the forerunner of the uke to Hawaii in 1872. When he was a boy, Tapia said, he lived across a dirt lane from Nunes and bought his first uke from him for seventy five cents.
"When I lived there, I could not wait to go live on the mainland. But I was a fool. I'd love to be back and look out at the beach, and rest under the coconut trees and watch the pretty girls pass by."

• "The outlook: Tapia is a founding virtuoso, finally earning a place in the hall of fame of uke strummers."
• "Our take: Easygoing and mellow, this Tapia disc is a treasure box of memories. For those who don't know of him yet, get on the bandwagon"
-Wayne Harada February 13, 2005 Honolulu Advertiser

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Bill Tapia is a pioneer of the little stringed instrument. Ninety-seven years old and still a concert-caliber performer, ukulele virtuoso Bill Tapia is not your typical old-time Hawaiian musician. Born in Honolulu on New Year's Day 1908, he's been playing the ukulele for 89 years, and playing professionally for almost that long. Tapia's playing style may differ from those currently in vogue, and surprisingly little information is provided on Tapia's first 90 years. One reason for that may be because he spent most of his life playing jazz and swing music, and because he left Hawaii for good in 1948 -- out of sight, out of mind, as far as the local music scene was concerned.

http://starbulletin.com/2002/11/18/features/berger.html
To hear an audio of Bill Tapia on ukulele, go to www.latimes.com/tapia
http://www.walkingiris.com/films/UkuleleMan.html
Also available at http://www.amazon.com Uncle Bill's new CD "Tropical Swing" ....

     Heard of Trappers? Continue to boogie, jam session followed The Jazz Fest April 1 at the old Trappers lounge in the Leahi Room. Formerly known as Trappers nightclub, unquestionably The “In” place in the 80’s, Trappers was a well-known hotspot in Waikiki. It once again became Hawaii's hot spot for late night jazz, bringing people from around the globe to gather and bind together. The show also celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the end of WWII through Swing music and dance. This show brought back jazz to the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, which for years was the jazz anchor in Waikiki. Veteran jazz trombonist and promoter Abe Weinstein and Halekulani Chief Operating Officer Peter Shaindlin have a common devotion to the music and a common goal: Bring back the beat.
     In an experiment meant to draw local jazz lovers out of the woodwork, Weinstein has arranged with the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa to reopen the legendary Trappers lounge for one day, Friday, April 1. The event coincided with the 12th annual Hawaii International Jazz Festival's "Swingtime in Hawaii Part II," which Weinstein is promoting.
A jam session at the old Trappers venue followed an 8 p.m. big-band concert in the Regency Ballroom.
Trappers, which closed in late 1991, is now known as the Leahi Room and is used by the hotel's catering department for lunches, dinners and briefings.
     "We're going to bring in comfortable sofas to place near the old bandstand, round tables on the lower level, and there will be a bar on the upper level," Weinstein said. He has even arranged to bring back former Trappers manager Mai Tai Sing and several of her bartenders and cocktail waitresses. Singer Jimmy Borges, the Rich Crandall Trio and other musicians will sit in for the jam session. "To bring back lounges like Trappers would be a great way to bring back the kamaainas," said Scott Kawasaki, the Hyatt's director of public relations and advertising. Weinstein wants to see Trappers reopen permanently. "Right now, if somebody invested in it they would own jazz here," he said.
Jazz pianist Betty Loo Taylor is skeptical. " I don't think it ever will be the same as it was," said Taylor, who performed with Borges at Trappers for a decade and now plays Tuesday through Saturday at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii.
Jazz at Lewers Lounge
     The Halekulani's Shaindlin enjoys a passion for jazz that complements Weinstein's. It's a passion he wants to see in the hotel's renovated Lewers Lounge, which reopened on Valentine's Day and will feature jazz nightly.
"I want some of the spirit of the cafe society, like the old clubs in New York," he said. "A kind of exclusivity."
Shaindlin cites the Cloud Room, a speakeasy on the top floor of the Chrysler Building in the 1930s, as an example of the setting he'd like to achieve. Rather than appealing only to hotel guests, he intends to reach out to jazz fans in the local community. "Some jazz people don't come out," he said. "There is a group of very sophisticated jazz lovers who won't go to a casual place."
Jazz in Chinatown Honolulu's jazz revival is not confined to Waikiki.
Gelareh Khoie, who owns a downtown club called thirtyninehotel in Chinatown, presents the Newjass Quartet every Tuesday night in what she describes as a "seedy" environment. "It's a dark setting with candles and soft couches," she said. "This is where jazz belongs."
      Honolulu has perhaps a dozen venues, such as the nondescript Studio 6 at the Musicians Association of Hawaii, that regularly present what purists would consider "true jazz." With so few options, some musicians say it's hard to make a living playing jazz in Honolulu. "You have to be totally resourceful and you have to be passionate," said two-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning vocalist Azure McCall. "Our community does not support jazz," she said.
But even a skeptic like McCall is excited by the ideas Weinstein and Shaindlin have hatched to stimulate a jazz revival.
"I'm glad someone is doing something," she said.

Mahalo goes to Mr. Scott Villiger: woodwind specialist, performing on clarinet, flute, oboe, and saxophone for taking the time to be part of our Featured Distinguished Fanaddicts.

My Sincere Mahalo to Mr. Scott Villiger for taking the time for this interview and updates.

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