Gabe Baltazar on saxophone, Noel Okimoto on drums and Benny Rietveld on bass | Photo © Sandy Tsukiyama

Hawaii jazz legend Gabe Baltazar rarely performs in public these days. But he’ll be making a special guest appearance in a reunion show with the popular jazz fusion band known as Topaz tonight in Honolulu.

Topaz, which formed in 1976, featured Benny Rietveld on bass, Noel Okimoto on drums, Carl Wakeland on keyboards and Allen Won on saxophone.

Noel Okimoto, Benny Rietveld & Gabe Baltazar

In the late 70s, when Baltazar was putting together a group to play jazz at the Cavalier, three members of Topaz, Rietveld, Okimoto and Wakeland, ended up in his famous quartet.

Looking back, Baltazar, who’s mentored many musicians along the way, says back then it worked both ways. “They were just out of high school, and they were into fusion jazz. So we played a lot of bebop things like Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker… And I learned from them, they brought in Chick Corea’s music… and today, they’re doing good.”

Okimoto, remained in Hawaii, and also played with Woody Herman for a while. Rietveld went on to perform with Sheila E, Miles Davis and Carlos Santana, and continues to be his longtime musical director. Won went on to perform in Broadway shows, the New York Philharmonic and artists ranging form Levon Helm to Isaac Hayes.

Benny Rietveld | © Erik Kabik

Tonight’s show marks the first time they’ll all be playing together in 36 years. For Topaz, it’s an opportunity to pay tribute to some of their mentors in Hawaii, including Gabe Baltazar.

The last time Gabe Baltazar performed in public was back in 2012, to celebrate the release of his autobiography “If It Swings, It’s Music.” In the book, Baltazar shares stories about Topaz, and playing with his rhythm section at the Cavalier.

In 2013, I did an NPR profile on Baltazar ‘If It Swings’: An Asian-American Jazzman’s Pioneering Career. In addition to recounting his amazing career, you can hear an audio clip of his group playing live at the Cavalier.

So, you don’t want to miss a pretty cool reunion and a great evening of jazz. It all starts at 7pm at Crossroads at Hawaiian Brian’s on 1680 Kapiolani Blvd. Admision is $20 general, $15 for seniors (65 & over), and kids under 12 are free.

 
Related

‘If It Swings’: An Asian-American Jazzman’s Pioneering Career (NPR profile)

Santana’s bass player Benny Rietveld returns home to perform in Hawaii