The Ozzie concert at Stanford today was such a pleasure. Ozzie played solo for two sets then had Steve Sano join him to do a couple of Christmas tunes from "A Taropatch Christmas." Ozzie explained that Keola Beamer had been his first influence (The "Real Old Style" album) and the link was clear tonight. Ozzie's arrangements were wonderfully full and rich, with sophisticated harmonies used very subtly to enhance the songs.
We saw lots of folks from the workshop and get together the previous day and I sat next to the one and only Frank Ford, instrument repair wizard of Gryphon Strings.
Ozzie says he's taking a break for the rest of the year, but I hope that means he's planning on another tour next year. He's a joy.
Good news for mainland fans of Ozzie Kotani -- he's been asked to join Led Kaapana early next year. Only 2 gigs announced so far:
Saturday, April 12 -- Tacoma WA Sunday, April 13 -- Santa Rosa CA
-- auntie maria HAWAIIAN MUSIC ISLAND www.mele.com
Auntie Maria =================== My "Aloha Kaua`i" radio show streams FREE online every Thu & Fri 7-9am (HST) www.kkcr.org - Kaua`i Community Radio "Like" Aloha Kauai on Facebook, for playlists and news/info about island music and musicians!
Ozzie did some wonderful stuff that he has never played in concert before and/or recorded, which was a real treat. He kept apologizing for playing with one broken nail but I certainly did not notice any effect!
We are very thankful that Dr Stephen Sano invites Ozzie over occasionally to teach a masters class to some advanced Stanford music students at the University. Then we all get the side benefit of a good workshop a Gryphon followed by a wonderful concert. (Please keep doing this Steve!)
Santa Rosa's close enough for me! Hopefully there'll be another workshop. Ozzie is a real joy to take a workshop from. Wish he could come around more often but as we all know "real musicians have day jobs".
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Posted - 11/18/2002 : 01:08:35 AM
