October 24th, 2009 Jazz Peace Concert with Legendary Tennyson Stephens

Tennyson Stephens offers harmonic convergence in Sarento’s trio

October 28th, 2010 4:39 am ET

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Not much is known about piano sideman and occasional vocalist, Tennyson Stephens. He maybe hailed from the Bay Area and found his way to Oahu, playing gigs here and there, for favored singers and the tourists in Waikiki.

Stephens paired up with guitarist Phil Upchurch back in the ‘70s for a seminal jazz-soul album entitled, “Upchurch/Tennyson.” Much has been made of Upchurch’s rise as a busy Chicago session player who managed to produce his own sound throughout the works of John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Ramsey Lewis, the Staple Singers, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, as well as come out with his own 1960s hit single, “You Can’t Sit Down.” Upchurch kept it going on for various record labels and still tours with several bands, including his own, today.

But Stephens – known by fellow musicians simply as Tennyson – pursued a more laidback, Hawaiian lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle—and renowned unfortunately—of the Mainland. It didn’t mean he retired from jazz.

Early on, Tennyson made the rounds, from recording projects, to regular gigs. He slowed down some, because of health problems, like gout, which would flare up now and then. By the ‘90s, his appearances were few and far between.

So, when you saw him at, say, Duc’s Bistro in downtown Honolulu, accompanying Azure McCall, or at Halekulani’s Lewers Lounge with bassist Bruce Hamada, it was a real treat—for him and those he played with.

Tennyson gained a cult following for many reasons. He was exciting and mysterious. He could block chords in odd harmonies like nobody’s business. He enjoyed arranging and composing as he played his solos. And he made those he performed with work a little harder, play a little better.

While he’s onstage a lot less lately, he will still do the rare gig. Coming up tomorrow (Thursday, October 28) at Sarento’s—Top of the Ilikai Hotel, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Tennyson will do his thing on piano and vocals, with top musicians, Stephen Jones (bass) and Rocky Holmes (sax/flute). There’s only a $10 music charge.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Tennyson Stephens offers harmonic convergence in Sarento’s trio - N... http://www.examiner.com/jazz-music-in-national/tennyson-stephens-of...

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Comments

Claudette Hopkins June 1, 2012 at 2:06pm

I just viewed the concert with Tennyson Stephens. I remember him well from J. W. Ray. We were good friends and I often wondered where he was. Thanks
Carolyn Hill Morris March 23, 2011 at 8:33pm

Join you where may I ask. I would love to hear some great Jazz. Holla back
Juanita Bradley March 23, 2011 at 5:27pm

Hey Mike, thank you for the post. I often wondered what happened to Tennyson, I remember playing the chimes, and zylephone with him at BF Darrell. Would love to talk with him. If you are able to reach him, please give him my email address..juanitabradley@earthlink.net Luv Ya Bro!
Charles Richard Wilson March 17, 2011 at 9:48pm

Good post Mical....putting to rest all inquiring minds on where is or what ever happened to........Does Mark know his brother Tennyson is featured on your campus comment? Ditto Clyde
Clyde C. Coger, Jr. March 15, 2011 at 2:34pm

Good post Thomas, thanks for sharing this jewel of information. Tennyson has reserved himself well over the years with his laid-back lifestyle, reflected through his form of Jazz... Rose Mary will love this...Peace In
Thomas M. Chambers (MicalC) March 15, 2011 at 2:03pm
Tennyson Stephens offers harmonic convergence in Sarento’s trio

October 28th, 2010 4:39 am ET
Do you like this Article?

Not much is known about piano sideman and occasional vocalist, Tennyson Stephens. He maybe hailed from the Bay Area and found his way to Oahu, playing gigs here and there, for favored singers and the tourists in Waikiki.

Stephens paired up with guitarist Phil Upchurch back in the ‘70s for a seminal jazz-soul album entitled, “Upchurch/Tennyson.” Much has been made of Upchurch’s rise as a busy Chicago session player who managed to produce his own sound throughout the works of John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Ramsey Lewis, the Staple Singers, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, as well as come out with his own 1960s hit single, “You Can’t Sit Down.” Upchurch kept it going on for various record labels and still tours with several bands, including his own, today.

But Stephens – known by fellow musicians simply as Tennyson – pursued a more laidback, Hawaiian lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle—and renowned unfortunately—of the Mainland. It didn’t mean he retired from jazz.

Early on, Tennyson made the rounds, from recording projects, to regular gigs. He slowed down some, because of health problems, like gout, which would flare up now and then. By the ‘90s, his appearances were few and far between.

So, when you saw him at, say, Duc’s Bistro in downtown Honolulu, accompanying Azure McCall, or at Halekulani’s Lewers Lounge with bassist Bruce Hamada, it was a real treat—for him and those he played with.

Tennyson gained a cult following for many reasons. He was exciting and mysterious. He could block chords in odd harmonies like nobody’s business. He enjoyed arranging and composing as he played his solos. And he made those he performed with work a little harder, play a little better.

While he’s onstage a lot less lately, he will still do the rare gig. Coming up tomorrow (Thursday, October 28) at Sarento’s—Top of the Ilikai Hotel, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Tennyson will do his thing on piano and vocals, with top musicians, Stephen Jones (bass) and Rocky Holmes (sax/flute). There’s only a $10 music charge.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Tennyson Stephens offers harmonic convergence in Sarento’s trio - N... http://www.examiner.com/jazz-music-in-national/tennyson-stephens-of...

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