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Isle band
By John Berger
Bodhisattva
riding high on
Steely Dan revival
Special to the Star-BulletinThe release of "Two Against Nature," the first studio album in almost 20 years by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker -- better known as Steely Dan -- could hardly have come at a more challenging time for Bodhisattva. The Honolulu band was formed three years ago by local musicians who shared an interest in perpetuating Steely Dan's legacy at a time when it seemed Fagen and Becker weren't going to be recording any new material.
The new album changes that equation, heightening interest in Steely Dan and its music.
That's the good news for Bodhisattva. Guitarist Zanuck Lindsey says the new disc stands up to the rest of the Steely Dan catalog, and the group is busily learning the new songs.
The bad news is Bodhisattva drummer Jess Gopen is moving to Sweden with his girlfriend, singer Elisa Randolph. One of his last appearances in Honolulu will be with Bodhisattva tonight at the Pier Bar.
"Jess has been a mainstay in the music scene for a long time, and we're going to sorely miss him, so this is an opportunity to get together one more time before he leaves," said Bodhisattva guitarist Zanuck Lindsey.
Days before the show, Gopen headed to Lanai for another gig and was not available for an interview, which continued without him, as will Bodhisattva.
"It's a love band," Lindsey said, explaining Steely Dan was one of the groups that inspired him and other group members to look for new ideas as musicians and songwriters.
"That music makes us remember high school days and each song triggers a lot of memories for each of us. We were blessed with hearing this kind of music -- Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire. Music that is harmonically very interesting. Steely Dan's material is so rich, and you'd be surprised at how many people here are craving that kind of music."
Lindsey has been most visible in the past year in his swing band persona of Hula Joe in Hula Joe & The Hutjumpers. His long-time significant other, vocalist Ginai, performs as Gin Rummy with him and the Hut Jumpers and adds the backing vocals behind Tim Garron in Bodhisattva.
Bodhisattva also includes David Choy (reeds), Noel Okimoto (percussion), Glen Goto (keyboards) Steve Jones (bass), Bryan Kessler (guitar), Tim Tsukiyama (horn), Larry Cook (second horn) and Rob Prestor (keyboards).
Okimoto's numerous other commitments preclude him taking over Gopen's duties so Bodhisattva is looking for a drummer.
Lindsey says Garron picked the group's name because of its spiritual qualities. He explains a Bodhisattva is a Buddhist who has achieved enlightenment and therefore qualifies for a state of existence known as Nirvana, but elects to help others find their way.
The song "Bodhisattva" was released on the 1973 Steely Dan album, "Countdown to Ecstacy."
The album was one of eight released by Steely Dan between 1972 and 1980. Two were certified gold with sales of more than 500,000 copies. The others went platinum, selling more than 1 million copies each. One of them, 1977's "Aja," sold more than 2 million copies.
Bodhisattva performs a cross-section of Steely Dan material that includes "Do It Again," "My Old School," "Rikki, Don't Lose That Number," "Peg," "FM (No Static At All,)" "Hey Nineteen" and "I.G.Y." The band's set list now includes, "Cousin Dupree," a song off the new album, which Bodhisattva will premiere at the Pier Bar tonight. Other songs will be added later.
"There are a lot of people in Honolulu that are craving what Ginai calls 'serious music' -- a level of excellence and sophistication," Lindsey says. "I'm fortunate to be working with some of the best musicians in town playing some of the most challenging and classic pop-rock music of all time."
Listen up
What: Bodhisattva's "Aloha, Jess Gopen" performance
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