Benny Chong.....Ukulele Virtuoso....

Ben E. King, Benny and the Jets, Jack Benny. Lots of Benny's out there but none as well respected as guitarist/ukulele master Benny Chong. Currently a fixture with the Don Ho show, Benny Chong was once a member of the legendary Hawaii group "The Aliis". My friend Aaron Aranita has nothing but good things to say about Hawaii music legend Benny Chong.












JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Robert Shinoda, left, Benny Chong and Byron Yasui
Vol. 11, Issue 214 - Wednesday, August 2, 2006

On The Scene

Benny Chong, Byron Yasui join Robert Shinoda on 'Jazz Wednesday'
By John Berger
jberger@starbulletin.com

Jazz fans got something special when Benny Chong and Byron Yasui joined Robert Shinoda for "Jazz Wednesday" at the Honolulu Club last week. Chong has been known for more than 40 years as a guitarist, but since the release of his first solo album, "Ukulele Jazz," last fall, he's been recognized as an ukulele virtuoso as well.

Chong's ukulele was the featured instrument on an impressive set of pop classics and jazz standards that included "Stella By Starlight," "The Very Thought of You" and "Have You Seen Miss Jones." Chong displayed his command of the instrument throughout the set. Yasui was excellent on acoustic bass and guitarist Shinoda, host of the weekly event, stepped forward for a few solos as well.

John Berger has covered the local entertainment scene since 1972. Contact him at jberger@starbulletin.com.

-posted by Cool Tropical Jazz LLC @