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Author | Topic: Bobby Nichols, Hawaiian steel great/info? |
Ron Whitfield Member From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA |
![]() Where are some good examples of Nichols playing, LP/CD/video? A talented player that gets little mention and less airplay. Was he a member of 'The Polynesians', or was this an LP title? What years was he with Hawaii Calls? I've seen him pictured with a Magnatone 2x8(Lyric), what was his prefered playing and recording guitar/s? ------------------ |
Rick Aiello Member From: Berryville, VA USA |
![]() TOOMBA It has Bobby Nichols, Andy Iona, Sam Koki, etc .... backing up Augie Goupil and his Royal Tahitians from the mid 30's .. This one's not for the .. lets say ... timid ... Lots of gruntin' and slappin' .... Tahitian .... I loved the Mel Gibson remake of "Mutany on the Bounty" I know it's Bruce Clarke's personal favorite of all his restorations. ----------------------------------------- [This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 11 February 2003 at 12:36 PM.] |
basilh Member From: United Kingdom |
![]() "Toomba" has NOT got Andy Iona on steel,(Bruce Clarke is mistaken),Andy didn't record with Augie Goupil. It was mostly Danny Stewart on steel AND vocals. Check Macolm Rockwell's new book a discography of ALL Hawaiian 78's ever recorded. "Hawaiian Records - 1890 - 1960 By T.M. Rockwell" published later this year.
Bobby, Sam Kaapuni and Hary Baty were the nucleus of the "Polynesians" who did a series of Lp's on Crown. Baz. www.waikiki-islanders.com
quote: [This message was edited by basilh on 06 February 2003 at 05:36 AM.] |
Dave Mayes Member From: Piedmont, Ca. |
![]() I'm fairly certain Bobby Nichols backed Lani McIntire for a number of years. Can't give you any titles of the top of my head. The liner notes on some of the Harlequin CDs might provide clues. |
basilh Member From: United Kingdom |
![]() He Did play with Lani McIntire in the mid 30's in LA and later in the Lexington Hawaiian Room in NY. He recorded with him in LA and New York and the New York sessions were with a big band and a smaller group. Baz [This message was edited by basilh on 06 February 2003 at 06:33 AM.] |
Rick Aiello Member From: Berryville, VA USA |
![]() Basil ... Could you identify the steel players from TOOMBA for me ... Faanavenave I'm extremely interested in this "Time Period" ... and my "Name that Steeler" skills are not that highly developed.
----------------------------------------- [This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 11 February 2003 at 12:37 PM.] |
basilh Member From: United Kingdom |
![]() Ok Rick The Bob Nichols sessions were :- Tauhere, Manue, Taata Hu'a, My Miri and Otea... Sol K Bright played on Faa Navenave and Papio Hope this is of some help. Baz |
Rick Aiello Member From: Berryville, VA USA |
![]() Thanks .... That should help with my "ear training" |
basilh Member From: United Kingdom |
![]() Rick, I couldn't tell by just listening... My source of info is my closest friend John Marsden who helped compile the relevant info for Macolm Rockwell's new book "Hawaiian Records - 1890 - 1960 By T.M. Rockwell" published later this year. This book was I believe the culmination of nearly ten years of research by various collectors around the world. Baz |
Rick Aiello Member From: Berryville, VA USA |
![]() They all sound so GREAT ... stunning stuff ... I have read about that Book ... I believe he was the guy who did the discography for that 100+ song ... mp3 compilation of those great 78's ... "Waikiki is alright with me" ... ??? |
basilh Member From: United Kingdom |
![]() Ric, as an insight into what sort of info John posseses, here is an article from the Feb issue of our UK magazine "Aloha Dream" DID YOU KNOW.......... HAWAIIAN MUSIC ON EARLY BBC RADIO. Thinking about Felix Mendelssohn in connection with yet another article request some three or four years ago, I began to wonder about his radio broadcasts. We all know there were many, and the Serenaders also appeared on early post-war television, but just how often were they heard, and when? I decided to find out, and so began my radio project, which is still ongoing. As back issues of the “Radio Times” are unavailable in Sheffield libraries, I’ve had to work through the daily papers, especially the “Times”, noting all programmes of Hawaiian or Polynesian interest. After covering Felix’s period, I decided to continue back to the very beginning of broadcasting in this country, and then work forward to the present. Eventually I’ll get all the results typed up and made available, but meanwhile I thought “Aloha Dream” readers might be interested to know about some of the earliest programmes and performers. The BBC was formed in October 1922, and radio licenses {10 shillings per annum} were issued in November. The “Radio Times” first appeared in September 1923. but programmes began to be listed in the newspapers from January, though not every day and just for a few hours in the evening. Early studios opened in London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Cardiff and Glasgow. On February 12th. there was the first broadcast from a theatre - “Cinderella” at the London Hippodrome. The first Hawaiian programme came from the Manchester studio on Friday, April 13th {!} 1923, 9.20pm-10.00pm on 385 metres, and was by Bertie Howard’s Hawaiian Guitars. While this seems to have been the group’s sole appearance, Mr. S.A. Golden was playing Hawaiian Guitar in a varied musical Programme from London on Monday May 14th. Begining at 7.30pm, it also included Miss Guelda Dulay{soprano}, Mr Victor Courtney {entertainer} and an unnamed orchestra. Listings at this time often include the titles of pieces played, plus composers and arrangers. Mr Golden was joined by Miss Rhoda Freedman {ukulele} on June 16th. On Tuesday, July 24th 1923, the intriguingly named Anglo-Hawaiian players made the first of a dozen or so appearances, while regular orchestras and jazz bands were including in their repertoires such songs as “Hawaiian Rainbow” On Sept. 12th. 1924, Miss Greta Scott’s Hawaiian Quartet broadcast from Liverpool, and on the 26th., Mr. Frederick W. Warrender {pianist} played “Na Lei O Hawaii”, Kamehameha Waltz”,”Pua Carnation”, “My Dear Hawaii”, “The King’s Serenade” and “Aloha Oe” in the Nottingham studio. The Anglo-Hawaiian Players were in Bournemouth on Jan. 19th 1925, when they featured in a programme entitled “An Hour in Honolulu”. On Jan. 30th, from the same studio, Mr. A.F. Cramer participated with other performers and the Wireless Orchestra in a two hour musical feature, playing “Pua Carnation”, “Eastern Idyll”, “Reverie” and “Momi Waltz”. Mr. Cramer arranged most of these pieces for Clifford Essex, who also sold a tutor which he co-authored. He appeared in BMG concerts, and died in 1931, aged 66. On March 5th 1925, the Anglo-Hawaiian Players were in Newcastle, presenting “A Night in Hawaii” {7.35-9.30p.m.}, and they repeated the show in Manchester on March 7th. A full listing of the songs is provided by the “Times”. A particularly interesting programme is listed for April 1st. 1925, from Belfast. Commencing at 7.30p.m, a two-hour extravaganza entitled “April Folly” includes amongst the performers the Keech Brothers and “Kekuku” {Songs with the Banjulele, Banjo and Hawaiian Steel Guitar}.
Among the pieces they played were “Hawaiian Hula Melody”, “The Rosary”, “My California”, “My Hilo Girl”, “One two three four “ and “Follow the Swallow”. Joseph Kekuku, of course, is credited by many with inventing the steel guitar, and he had come to England with the Bird of Paradise show. He broadcast again from London on July 16th, 8.00-9.00p.m, in “Way Down South” - the Southern Trio in Negro Spirituals and syncopated songs; Kekuku in Hawaiian Steel Guitar solos, accompanied by Danglada. I found one further broadcast, also from London, on Monday Sept.21st, 1925, 9.45p.m.-10.00- Kel and Alvin Keech, assisted by Kekuku with his Hawaiian Guitar. He is always billed by his surname alone. Another pioneer, Segis Luvaun, is also just billed by his surname. He broadcast from London on November 7th 1925. Luvaun was an all-round entertainer, singing and playing both ukulele and steel guitar. The “Times” actually lists a broadcast by him from Sheffield on Aug.4th. 1926 - considerably before my time of course! {Oh yes John we believe you, honest} but our two local papers give a different billing, so perhaps there was a last minute cancellation . Luvaun was surely one of the most travelled early Hawaiian performers. He is believed to have been born outside Honolulu, and toured many of the larger U.S. cities before coming to London, where he was recorded in August 1916. He sometimes used the pseudonym “Juan Akoni”. around his neck. No money was taken, and he appeared to be advertising performances at a hotel or theatre, It sounded beautiful, and George remembers him playing “Somewhere in Honolulu” and Hawaiian Rainbow”. Luvaun was back in Berlin by March 1928. Many other names crop up in 1920’s broadcasts, and there was also plenty for ukulele fans. Public interest was clearly at a high level, and continued to be so during the following decades. I’ve found it extremely interesting to discover so many names, some familiar and some new , {as Frank would say, new to us for quite a while , sorry John carry on.} - and would love to know more about these early players, few of whom are represented on record. My earliest BMG is the October 1929 issue. Does anyone have older ones? I’m sure they would give coverage to some of these players. They are part of the history of our music, and deserve to be documented and remembered. And how about other countries? My good friend Gerrit Venema tells me that the first Hawaiian music programme in Holland was on Friday, March 20th 1925, and featured the Dutch Hawaiian Kwartet, led by Chris Vos. There were other programmes on Sept. 22nd and Nov. 17th. I think it would be very interesting to pursue this research, which seems never to have been tackled before. Anytime Harlequin or any other major company want info on a compilation, John is the man they use for the sleeve notes, and contents source. [This message was edited by basilh on 06 February 2003 at 12:00 PM.] |
Ron Whitfield Member From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA |
![]() Basil, thank you for posting the info from Mr. Marsden! That's some effort he put in to get it, and hope to hear more. Concerning Bobby Nichols, I had heard he was with the Hawaii Calls show on standard guitar, and have seen a great shot of him, David Kelii and Barney Isaacs all on the Moana stage, and all with Magnatones! But maybe he just sat in. ------------------ |
Frank Novicki Member From: San Francisco, CA |
![]() So Basil, who is publishing this book and how do we go about buying it? Thanks! |
basilh Member From: United Kingdom |
![]() Hi Frank, Regarding quote: I do believe the publisher IS at the moment a problem. More on this at a later date. On the other hand If you want anymore information of the type I posted from John Marsden,.... then maybe "Aloha Dream" would fit the bill. Check out the info regarding this enthusiasts magazine @ www.waikiki-islanders.com Mahalo Nui, |
Derrick Mau Member From: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
![]() Hi Baz, What is the current status of this book? Thanks |
c c johnson Member From: killeen,tx usa |
![]() the last time I saw Bobby was in 78 I believe. He was playing on the sidewalk in front of the International Market place with Bobby hew lin on guitar and a singing bassman whose last name was Peterson I believe. Bobby was also doing some singing but he had a hard time remembering the lyrics and he would make them up as he went along. I was standing next to him and I started laughing, so did he, and it was a blast. CC |
Ron Whitfield Member From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA |
![]() CC, that most likely was Buddy Hew Len, w/Mel Peterson, not that I was fortunate enuf to have witnessed it like you did. However, I was present last year when this type of nonchalant event was replicated at the same spot by Derrick on uke, Jeff Au Hoy on doghouse bass and Bobby Ingano on steel. |
c c johnson Member From: killeen,tx usa |
![]() You are right Ron. I couldn't think of Buddy and Bobby sounded close, That same yr I saw David Kelii at the same location playing with Eddie Kekaula. Jerry was with me and David played his heart out. CC |
Ron Whitfield Member From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA |
![]() Just simply friggin WOW! |
basilh Member From: United Kingdom |
![]() Derrick, give Malcolm a shout, malcolm@maui.net Should get him. |
Mike Neer Member From: NJ |
![]() Pound for pound, I think that the early sides featuring Bobby Nichols are just about my favorite. There was a quality about his playing that no one else had. I really love the stuff he does with fourths and his feel was incredible. |
Don Kona Woods Member From: Vancouver, Washington, USA |
![]() Ron says, quote: You are correct about Bobby Nichols being on Hawaii Calls and playing standard guitar. Although he was not a regular on steel guitar, sometimes he was a fill-in. Aloha, |
Derrick Mau Member From: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
![]() Thanks Baz! ![]() |
Ron Whitfield Member From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA |
![]() Thanx Don! Mike, |
George Keoki Lake Member From: Edmonton, AB., Canada |
![]() There are those who have the impression Lani McIntire, (who was the brother to Dick), played steel on all the great recordings with his group when in fact it was Bobby. Lani was a talented rhythm guitarist and singer. (A third brother, Al played upright bass). To my understanding, other than puttering around on steel, Lani never played steel with his group....perhaps I stand to be corrected ? |
Rick Aiello Member From: Berryville, VA USA |
![]() He Mana'o He Aloha
[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 13 November 2006 at 12:00 PM.] |
Ron Whitfield Member From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA |
![]() Very sweet. |
Don Kona Woods Member From: Vancouver, Washington, USA |
![]() Great expressive playing by Bobby Nichols on He Mana'o He Aloha, but I enjoyed the choral group alot also. This is one of the great classic Hawaiian songs. Aloha: |
Bill Creller Member From: Saginaw, Michigan, USA |
![]() That was GREAT!!! Sure sounds like a frypan to me. |
Derrick Mau Member From: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
![]() Bobby Nichols is certainly one the best who never got much recognition as the others. Check out the Cumquat recordings with him on the Tri-Cone. |
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