Younger "Lion" on Tube

[Jackiso]

A student of Kiyoshi "Lion" Kobayashi posted on You Tube many Lion's videos aired quite a few yeas back. The one I like most is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdIhe4-983k

It's a 1991 broadcast clip and collaboration with a swing jazz band/singer. You see Lion busying himself to put together music sheets while he was playing. He says he had to pay attention to the music sheet because the jazz arranger gave different chord progression from the normal one Lion was familiar with.

Another video you shouldn't miss is this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PwsEWC6R6U
He plays the song he wrote. Lovely and lively tune.

Shortly he will join 2009 Honolulu-Waikiki Convention. Some of you lucky guys may enjoy his playing there.
Aloha,
Jack Isomura
Yokohama, Japan

[Scott Thomas]

Just watched these again--they are great.

Another video you shouldn't miss is this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PwsEWC6R6U
He plays the song he wrote. Lovely and lively tune.

I've never heard a better Hawaiian tone out of a Stringmaster--I'm so impressed with his playing. Thanks for sharing these!

[Ron !]

I've never heard a better Hawaiian tone out of a Stringmaster

Maybe you didn't but I sure did.Way back in the 80's.By a guy named Rudy Wairata.He used a Fender Stringmaster in his late years.
I still consider him the biggest one that ever lived.

For a sample of Rudy's playing please listen.
Click here<-----

Ron

[Bill Creller]

Lion is a great player alright. A few years ago he brought a steel to Hawaii with a "shift lever" to switch tunings! Can't remember the brand. Maybe an Excel ??

Rudi was sure a wild man on steel , and like you say Ron, nice tone.

[Bill Hatcher]

I like that Rudy fellow!!