First, let me give a GIANT mahalo to Dave Young, proprietor of On Stage Drinks & Grinds in Kapahulu for all the kindness, generosity and goodwill he has shown me and others fortunate enough to have the pleasure of playing on his stage. I owe you much, Dave. Thank you.
I owe Mark "Wildcat" Coleman a debt of gratitude as well, as he was the first musician on this island who gave me a chance to get up on stage with him when he and Mo, now of Chinatown Highjack, played there as "The Whaley Boys".
As the drummer for the Pau Hana Blues Band, I feel compelled to comment regarding some of the things said regarding it here lately.
I can only speak for myself, but I believe Mark would agree with me that the musical goal of Pau Hana Blues is simply to play fun and enjoyable music, share it with others and include others in the process and possibly meet new players and friends. I think we hit our mark every time we play, and for that I consider the Pau Hana Blues Band a success. Are we the best blues band? No. Do we have fun and give other musicians, better and worse, an opportunity to show off their talents and do some networking? Absolutely YES!
I suspect that when a good number of musicians show up to play there, there is some networking going on. This makes me happy, to know that connections are being made and new bands form from it. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that I, in some small way, facilitate this connectivity between musicians. It's just one way of many of supporting the music here on Oahu. Again, I thank Dave Young and Mark Coleman for allowing me the opportunity to serve the music community in this way.
The current line up for Pau Hana Blues is "Wildcat" on vocals and bass; me, Aaron "Hammerin' Hank" Henry, on drums; and Scottie "Pedro" on guitar. Scott will be the first to admit he is not a "blues" guitarist, and at one time, several months ago, he graciously refused our offer to play with us because of this. Scott is more of a rock guitarist, but he has been a very good blues rhythm guitarist for us, and more and more he hits the mark with his leads, too. The thing I like most about Scott, other than his good nature, is that he keeps his guitar in tune. Kevin "MojoKane" Coleman rounds us out most weeks with harp and vocals on select songs.
I would consider myself fortunate if I could recall all the names and faces of all the players that have been on stage with the PHB band. Unfortunately I can not recall them all, but here's some notable players that have been featured with the PHB band on Monday nights. My apologies to any I may have forgot or names I could not remember or if I associate you incorrectly with different bands. Good and bad qualities will be attributed, so take it like a man — or a woman, if that's what you are — and know it's not disrespect that I mean, but honest constructive criticism. Enjoy the praise too!
Ryan of "Burnin' Blue": Quiet, serious, attentive, good player with a kind heart, never heard him say a bad thing about another player.
Rick of ? with the rising sun painted on your guitar case: Man, you are the BOMB! Confident and commanding — authentic blues man. Come back any time!
Mike the sound guy of what band are you in?: Mike, I think you play well and have a nice clean sound and I would always be happy to share the stage with you. Above all I appreciate your honest opinions and constructive criticisms regarding both Pau Hana and Stratus Blue. When you speak, I listen.
Big Time Ray of "Burnin' Blue": Solid Bass player, no complaints, except maybe smile more. :) Think of Ernie from FOA and his "perma-grin"!
FOA, specifically to Ernie and Clay who joined the PHBB one night in August: Sorry I wasn't there as I was on the mainland that month. These guys are the "real deal", incredibly nice and play well with others. It would be a thrill and honor to have been on stage with you hep cats. Please come back some Monday night WHEN I'M THERE! Thanks.
Cello Joe: You played with us once and I loved it! You amazed me with your "hepness" and versatility.
Cello Joe's wife, Erika, on harp: Hey, she's pleasant to look at and a pretty good harp player too; always brings it home and never without a smile. How can you not like that?
The "Shimme Shimme Shake" singers: Three classy and lovely ladies singing three part harmonies all while doing the shimme shimme shake. Can you say, "Shawing"?
The lady singer from "Tell Mama". I should know your name by now. WOW! You could be Bonnie Raitt's sister. It's an honor and privilege to back you up. Are you single?
Louis "the Fish": harp player extraordinaire, usually hangs with Rick the Bomb. Authentic blues man.
Chris, formerly of "Crooked Halo": I love this cat! He's got spirit and dedication and brings a unique style to the vocals. Quite possibly the reincarnation of John Belushi without the coke!? Thanks for showing as often as you do.
Jimmy Bones, formerly of "Crooked Halo": You got up once that I recall and played, don't remember too much, but you were solid. Thanks for your support! I appreciate your cool headed tone when posting too. You keep it "matter of factly". Thanks.
Elika (hope I spelled it right): Shameless dancer and Hawaiian blues guitarist. You showed me a whole new door with the way you played....Nice! Thanks for your aloha.
Gene, the drummer from "Tell Mama": Nice guy, good player, good dynamics, nice closed roll and your meter was very steady. Any one from "Tell Mama" is alright with me.
Michael, the bass player from "Loud Milk": Respectable gentleman, dignified and confident. Keeps it at home with an occasional flare. A fine player. Always a pleasure to have you on stage.
Chuck, the sax player from "Stratus Blue". What can I say, the world needs more people like Chuck and so does the stage. He fits in nicely in almost any jam and reads other players well and knows when to lay back - all around great guy.
"Mad Dog" Brendan: He's the guitarist who saved our ass one night when the scheduled guitarist failed to show. He ran home, grabbed his ax and played the night with us -- all first take for him. It was awesome, and we are eternally grateful.
Art Stockwell of "Stratus Blue": A most unconventional player. That's what I like about him. He sounds like Art Stockwell and not Jimi Hendrix. ALWAYS IN KEY no matter how unusual his progressions are. He'll tell you it's purely a matter of physics. I believe him.
Seanster the Monster: Sean is a pretty good guitarist for his age and not a bad singer either. We learned and played some really cool songs with him. Sean's got raw talent and a lot of ambition. It's little wonder he left for greener pastures. I wish him all the best. You're always welcome to "share the stage" with PHBB anytime, Sean.
Kipp of "Chinatown Highjack": Good vocalist and solid rhythm player. Dedicated, motivated and focused. All around great guy. Check out his solo act at Planet Hollywood some night.
Todd the drummer: Obviously a rock drummer, but with some cool chops. Good attitude, solid beat. I'm more than happy to share the drumming with this guy when he shows.
Lori Coleman of "Hot City Blues Band": What a gem! Classy! Great voice. You are missed.
Chris Vandercook: Authentic local bluesman with roots in Chicago (plays every Friday at Mulvadi Cafe in Kaimuki). Excellent singer and sterling guitar work. Dude!
Mr. Ernie Cruz: Local legend country western guitarist and vocalist. I never knew I liked country as much 'till I played drums for you.
To all those that I just can't seem to recall or got your name wrong, you have my sincere apologies and and my invite to come make your presence known again at Dave Youngs On Stage Drinks & Grinds every Monday night, 6 to 9pm with the Pau Hana Blues Band.
Thank you and good day.
Aaron "Hammerin' Hank" Henry
of
Pau Hana Blues Band
and
Stratus Blue
- Location: Hammerin' Hank.
- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
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