PO‘IPU — It’s a totally jazzadelic, funky and musically expressive experience. Keoni Loa Jazz Quartet plays Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 8 to 11 p.m. at Stevenson’s Library in the Grand Hyatt. The quartet offers a combination of the
PO‘IPU — It’s a totally jazzadelic, funky and musically expressive experience. Keoni Loa Jazz Quartet plays Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 8 to 11 p.m. at Stevenson’s Library in the Grand Hyatt. The quartet offers a combination of the best of straight ahead jazz standards with a blend of contemporary fusion and a Latin flavor.
Keoni Loa Jazz Quartet features Jeff Iglesia on guitar, Mike Latif on bass, Anthony ‘E’ Rodarte on drums and David Yukimura on saxophone. On Saturday nights Ron Margolis is featured on drums.
The quartet sizzled on stage Saturday night with engaging solo moments and a lot of grooving as a whole. The dimly lit ambiance and sincere staff at Stevenson’s Library, in the Grand Hyatt, added to the experience while a low chatter of contented patrons hummed in the background. If you haven’t been to Stevenson’s Library, Keoni Loa Jazz Quartet is a great reason to change that.
Guitarist Iglesia also plays with “Easy Living Jazz” alongside flutist Helen Turner, on Tuesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Huki Lau Lanai in Kapa’a. On Sunday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. Iglesia plays with “Titus and the Kaua‘i Boys” at Trees Lounge in Kapa’a. Iglesia has also played on O’ahu with Yvonne Elliman, a notable singer best known for her 1971 ballad “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”
Each musician was in a groove of their own, and an occasional smile or nod was exchanged between one another in recognition of solos or a change in the music. The quartet was truly inspiring to watch, and it is evident they love what they do.
Drummer Margolis was packing a powerful punch on the drums. Margolis also plays with “The Quake,” an R&B and funk band, at various venues including Tahiti Nui in Hanalei and Trees Lounge in Kapa’a.
Yukimura, who has been playing with the quartet since 2002, had a quiver of saxophones including soprano, tenor and alto sax ready to interchange between songs. “Depending on the song, each one has its own kind of personality,” said Yukimura.
Yukimura studied at the Berklee College of Music and received a Music Education degree, which led to becoming a band director for 20 years at several Kaua‘i schools. In order to spend more time with his daughters, Yukimura left full-time teaching, which also allowed more time to play music.
Latif’s jazz experience began when he was 12 years old selling magazines door to door. His boss at the time gave him a copy of Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew” and the rest is history. Latif was also influenced musically by early classic rock of the ’70s, “The Beatles,” and other British rock bands. Latif’s rubber-like fingers paraded up and down his bass with a groove of their own.
Rodarte, who plays drums with Keoni Loa Jazz Quartet on Thursday and Friday nights at Stevenson’s Library, created the group’s name in reference to the bay next to the Hyatt near Shipwreck’s Beach. On Tuesday nights the quartet becomes a trio with Rodarte, Latif and pianist Michael Ruff.
According to bassist Latif, a unique aspect of the group is that they never play the same way twice. “It’s more important how the band sounds than the individual,” said Latif.
Go out with your friends to enjoy a heel tappin’, shoulder dancin’ evening with “Keoni Loa Jazz Quartet.” Their music will fill your cup.
Keoni Loa Jazz Quartet plays from 8-11 p.m. Thursday, Friday,and Saturday nights in Stevenson’s Library at the Grand Hyatt inPo‘ipu. On Tuesdays the Quartet becomes a trio featuring MichaelRuff on piano and Anthony ‘E’ Rodarte on drums.
