| Author |
Topic: listening to Jules Ah See |
Bill Creller
From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
|
Posted 24 Jan 2011 7:26 pm |
|
Someone gave me a cassette tape of Jules some time ago, and I just "re-discovered" it. Very good listening, and anyone who hasn't heard Jules would appreciate some real Hawaiian steel guitar. 
Maybe Cord International has some of his music (?) |
|
|
|
Don Kona Woods
From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
|
Posted 25 Jan 2011 1:03 am
|
|
Bill,
Cord nor Cumquat have any of Jules steel guitar instrumentals. You can hear some instrumentals on old Hawaii Calls radio programs and some albums of Hawaii Calls. He does backing on Alfred Apaka albums which are exquisite. He did make a couple of LP albums that are no longer available. I have some tapes of some of those numbers which were sent to me by friends and which I cherish.
The only album that I know of that may be available is an instrumental album, "Guitare Hawaienne Authentique," which I have heard and like very much which was made possible by Basil H. As you can see by the title, it was produced in France.
Basil might be able to help put on some of his MP3's of Jules so that all can hear what a great Hawaiian Steel Guitar player Jules is.
I think that Jules is the best Hawaiian Steel Guitar player ever. There are a lot of Hawaiian Steel Guitar players close to him in talent but nobody beats him. IMHO
Here are some samples of Jules Ah See but the audio is not real good!
On the list look for
15.Kohala March — Jules Ah See
16.My Rose of Waikiki — Jules Ah See
17.Hula Blues — Jules Ah See
18.Sand — Jules Ah See
19.Maui Chimes — Jules Ah See
Aloha,
Don |
|
|
|
Derrick Mau
From:
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
|
Posted 25 Jan 2011 3:33 am
|
|
| Quote: |
| Jules is the best Hawaiian Steel Guitar player ever |
And I agree.
I even had a chance to ask Sonny Kamahele who he thought was the best Hawaiian steel player (and Sonny has performed with the best of the best in Hawaii for decades), and he said without hesitation that it was Jules. |
|
|
|
David Matzenik
From:
Cairns, on the Coral Sea
|
Posted 25 Jan 2011 4:49 am
|
|
On the strength of Jules, I bought the CD Hawaii Instrumentally Yours by the Waikiki Serenaders. It is still available from Mele.com. Its nice, but it is not stunning, nor do I think it was intended to be. The original LP was a kind of novelty idea; music to play while watching your vacation slide show.
_________________
Don't go in the water after lunch. You'll get a cramp and drown. - Mother. |
|
|
|
Ron Whitfield
From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
|
Posted 25 Jan 2011 9:18 am
|
|
| Compiling the limited Jules library is not easy since like many musicians so much of his work went uncredited, but any fan of his or good steel has to have the hard-to-find collection of 'Tapa Room tapes' where he and the all-star band back Alfred Apaka on stage thru many different influenced styles of Hawaiian music. Jules really shines in this setting. |
|
|
|
Mitch Drumm
From:
Frostbite Falls, hard by Veronica Lake
|
Posted 25 Jan 2011 9:39 am
|
|
Don:
Is Jules on all of the tracks on "Guitare Hawaiiene Authentique"? I've heard he is on "Hula O Makee", but I'm not clear if he is on all the other songs?
The song that really attracted me is "Girl In The Yellow Holoku", from a late 50s Webley Edwards LP called "Hawaiian Shores - Favorite Instrumentals Of The Islands Volume 2". I think it is actually a duet with Jules and Barney Isaacs.
You can buy the whole LP for 6.99 or individual tracks for 89 cents here:
http://www.amazon.com/Hawaiian-Shores/dp/B004DG86Q2/ref=sr_shvl_album_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1295976931&sr=301-2 |
|
|
|
Don Kona Woods
From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
|
Posted 25 Jan 2011 9:42 am
|
|
Derrick says,
| Quote: |
| I even had a chance to ask Sonny Kamahele who he thought was the best Hawaiian steel player (and Sonny has performed with the best of the best in Hawaii for decades), and he said without hesitation that it was Jules. |
I can understand that because when I asked Barney Isaacs, who was a Hawaiian Steel player, he said Jules Ah See immediately without having to think about it.  Even Jerry Byrd commented once to me about how great Jules was, but I do not remember asking him precisely who he thought was the greatest.
As David says, Instrumentally Yours was not considered in the business as a credit because it was commercialized for tourists to play Hawaiian music with their slides of Hawaii. That album is better than nothing, but it is not vintage Jules Ah See.
Aloha,
Don |
|
|
|
Don Kona Woods
From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
|
Posted 25 Jan 2011 11:17 pm
|
|
Mitch asks
| Quote: |
| Is Jules on all of the tracks on "Guitare Hawaiiene Authentique"? I've heard he is on "Hula O Makee", but I'm not clear if he is on all the other songs? |
Jules is the steel player on "Guitare Hawaiiene Authentique."
Mitch further comments:
| Quote: |
| The song that really attracted me is "Girl In The Yellow Holoku", from a late 50s Webley Edwards LP called "Hawaiian Shores - Favorite Instrumentals Of The Islands Volume 2". I think it is actually a duet with Jules and Barney Isaacs. |
You are correct Mitch, it is Jules and Barney. Jules is the principal steel player on this album with Barney doing backup and fills. Jules does some classic vintage Hawaiian steel playing on Mauna Kea, Sand and Hawaiian Shores in this album, which everyone should take a listen. I have this album and it is a great album.
If you want to take a listen, click on the website posted by Mitch or do it the easy way and PUNCH HERE
Aloha,
Don |
|
|
|
basilh
From:
United Kingdom
|
Posted 26 Jan 2011 3:50 pm
|
|
OK, I've just started to upload the Album.. Do you know the story ?
Just "For Educational Purposes" and NOT to be downloaded  I've put these two for you to hear.
Guitare Hawaienne Authentique
Hawaiian Shores
The French one is Jules and his trio, the second is Jules and Barney with the Hawaii Calls Ensemble.
When "Viewing" , try and avoid "Right click and 'Save as' " this would inadvertently download the file(s)
`A`ohe lokomaika`i i nele i ke pâna`i
Nana ka maka;
ho`olohe ka pepeiao;
pa`a ka waha.
Also there is an interesting story about the one "recorded in Tahiti" in the August 2004 issue of Aloha Dream.
The vibes and percussion were overdubbed and the vibes were played by the producer (Yves H. Roche) who also MIXED ? the album. That would explain the totally intrusive tasteless vibes parts.
_________________
Steelies do it without fretting
CLICK THIS to view my tone bars and buy——>
Last edited by basilh on 26 Jan 2011 4:07 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
|
Don Kona Woods
From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
|
Posted 26 Jan 2011 3:59 pm
|
|
| Quote: |
| Do you know the story ? |
Basil, tell the story because most will not know about it!!
Aloha,
Don
Last edited by Don Kona Woods on 26 May 2013 8:29 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
|
basilh
From:
United Kingdom
|
Posted 26 Jan 2011 4:13 pm
|
|
Here IS the story about The Hawaiian TRIO's album :-
Please note that in future ANYTHING you want to know about Hawaiian Music can be answered by Yves Roche, because according to Michael Goldsen of Criterion Music , He is the "Final Authority on South Sea Island Music"
Please note the address given IS current if you want to write to Yves Roche and compliment him on his vibes playing and production. !
 |
|
|
|
David Matzenik
From:
Cairns, on the Coral Sea
|
Posted 26 Jan 2011 6:47 pm
|
|
Basil kindly made this material available once before on the HSGA Forum. At first I was not put off by the vibes, but the more I listened the more the addition grated on my nerves. It is as though the vibist is rushing at the fills determined to show off his playing instead of hanging back where he should be. It is a shame really because vibes are such a wonderful accompanyment for Hawaiian Steel Guitar. By comparison the many recordings of Benny Rogers have very appropriate vibes in most cases. I am interested to find out who that was with Benny.
_________________
Don't go in the water after lunch. You'll get a cramp and drown. - Mother. |
|
|
|
Mike Neer
From:
NJ
|
Posted 26 Jan 2011 8:29 pm
|
|
Basil, thank you. That is some great stuff I haven't heard before and now I feel educated. 
_________________
Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
|
|
|
basilh
From:
United Kingdom
|
Posted 27 Jan 2011 4:11 am
|
|
Thanks Mike, our magazine is FULL to the brim with info like that. Quarterly issues 28-30 A4 pages in full colour, AND we're taking subscriptions for 2011 now..
Click HERE for more info.
With regard to Jules Ah See, I'm convinced he's on the RCA album "Hawaiian Steel Guitar" by the 'Stars of Hawaii Orchestra' (RD-27029)along with "Barney" Alvin Kalanikau Isaacs and Danny Stewart.
He's also on these instrumental albums,
"Authentic Music from the Kodak Hula Show" Waikiki Records TERK 102 (RED vinyl)
"Hawaii Calls: Favourite Instrumentals of the Islands"
Capitol T-715
"Webley Edwards Presents: Hawaiian Shores Favourite Instrumentals of the Islands: Volume 2"
Capitol T904
"Hawaii Calls: Hawaiian Strings Favourite Instrumentals of the Islands: Volume 3"
Capitol ST-1152
"Hawaii Calls: Exotic Instrumentals Favourites of the Islands: Volume IV"
Capitol ST-1409
"Webley Edwards Presents: Hawaii Calls: Soft Hawaiian Guitars Favourite Instrumentals of the Islands: Volume 6 (recorded in Hawaii)"
Capitol ST-2917 (SM-11895 reissued abridged.)
And of course any of the Hawaii Calls records of that era.
Also,
"Echoes of Hawaii" Benny Kalama and the Hawaiian Village Seranaders. Decca DL-8261
"Aloha Oe, Hawaii" Background Music for Showtime.
49th State Record Co. Instrumental Hi-Fi LP-3427
All the listing above are quoted VERBATIM from the sleeves.
As far as I know, the Stars of Hawaii Orchestra recording was recorded in stereo (as were most recordings from then) but only issued in mono.
The version linked to above is slightly processed by myself from the vinyl. I intend to do it again and use my CEDAR system and make it more listenable.. |
|
|
|
basilh
From:
United Kingdom
|
Posted 27 Jan 2011 5:06 am
|
|
The 'Hawaiian Trio & Takiti' album saddens me somewhat and I've vowed that if ANYONE does that kind of thing to any of my work I'll come back and haunt them, not that I don't haunt some people already. 
There's no question that the addition of the vibraphone takes the gilt off the gingerbread.The percussion is acceptable albeit mixed badly and placed at strange places in the arrangements at times.
We have tried to cajole the owners to let us have the original for issue on another label, but they won't license it or even consider releasing it themselves. So they don't think it's marketable by them, and at the same time refuse to make money by leasing out the product.
Not only are they semi ignoramuses about Hawaiian music but their business acumen leaves a lot to be desired. IMHO
Jules should consider haunting THEM as well as "Takiti" |
|
|
|
George Piburn
From:
The Land of Enchantment New Mexico
|
Posted 27 Jan 2011 6:17 am Great Music -
|
|
I agree with Mike Neer , -- Thanks a lot for sharing all of the awesome music and education.
I spend my time doing other things than listening , and thought well - maybe one or two of the MP3's and ended up listening to every one of them intensely with great pleasure.
Thanks so very much Basilh for your endless efforts that benefit so many folks.
MR.Boards
_________________
GeorgeBoards S8 Non Pedal Steel Guitar Instruments
Maker of One of a Kind Works of Art that play music too.
Instructional DVDs
YouTube Channel |
|
|
|
basilh
From:
United Kingdom
|
Posted 27 Jan 2011 10:34 am
|
|
My pleasure to do so George, from a copyright point of view there really isn't much of a problem, because it's just for "Educational Purposes" and the recordings themselves are almost out of copyright, being nearly 50 years old.
I am glad to post this "hard to find material"
Betwixt myself and John Marsden we have nearly all of the Vinyl Hawaiian Recordings and Malcolm Rockwell has the majority of the shellac stuff.
As well as quite a comprehensive collection of tapes and "Shorties" etc..
All this effort to post material about the Hawaiian Guitar from a guy whom SOME call "A cheater" because I use pedals.
Well, IF THIS and THIS is cheating, I'll keep doing it.
_________________
Steelies do it without fretting
CLICK THIS to view my tone bars and buy——>
Last edited by basilh on 6 Jul 2014 5:50 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
|
Bill Creller
From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
|
Posted 27 Jan 2011 9:50 pm
|
|
| I sure wouldn't consider it "cheating" Looks like a lot more effort to play a pedal steel that a lap or console. And your talent is way above the idea of whatever guitar you are inclined to use. |
|
|
|
Ray Shakeshaft
From:
Kidderminster, Worcs, UK.
|
Posted 28 Jan 2011 5:58 am
|
|
Whilst I love vibes in jazz I cannot believe that they do much for Hawaiian music and would prefer they were not there in recordings.
Another reason for my liking Jules Ah See is that he either left his volume pedal at home or used it judiciously so that I did not notice it.
_________________
www.ukuke.co.uk
Rickie B6 and Ace, 'Jerry Byrd' Frypan. National 'New Yorker', Harbor Lights Frypan. Guyatone D8 etc. |
|
|
|
Alan Brookes
From:
Brummy living in Southern California
|
Posted 28 Jan 2011 8:23 am
|
|
| Bill Creller wrote: |
| I sure wouldn't consider it "cheating" Looks like a lot more effort to play a pedal steel that a lap or console. And your talent is way above the idea of whatever guitar you are inclined to use. |
I agree entirely. With pedal steel you have to learn everything you would on non-pedal PLUS the use of pedals. I always think of the pedal steel as being like a typewriter where a push of the pedal will move a row of keys to the right or left. Imagine typing on such a keyboard. 
If what Basil does is cheating then more power to him. He's one of my favorite Hawaiian guitarists and knows more about Hawaiian music than almost anyone. |
|
|
|
Ron Whitfield
From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
|
Posted 28 Jan 2011 10:42 am
|
|
| Vibes can be a real asset to Hawaiian music, I've heard far from enuf of the good stuff, but like anything, even steel, it can be over/misused. |
|
|
|
