Monday night Hector Olivera was in our town doing a concert. I had the night free so I went. All I can say is what an awesome performance. He had two instruments with him, a 4 manual Rodgers and a 2 manual Roland Antilier.

He did about half the concert doing classical stuff on the Rodgers. He really has fast fingers and feet and the Rodgers sounded very good.

The second half of the program was done on the Roland. He did orchestrial stuff, some jazz, movie and theater material. All I can say is that Roland sounded like a whole symphony, plus a B3, plus saxophone and drums. He did a drum solo on it that was pretty darn good.

One of the things that impressed me the most were the bass lines done with both feet. He was every bit as good as most string bass players. I've kicked bass for our band for the last 30 years and this guy makes me feel like giving up.

My only disappointment with the program was that our theater has a fully restored and fully functional Barton theater organ that he didn't play.

It was still an evening to remember.

Tom

tom. I agree, we have seen him many times here in the UK.

I had the pleasure of working with Hector a number of times. Great guy and fantastic player.

I've seen Hector play several times and it is a real treat. I also found and bought a CD on eBay that he did - which is also very awesome.

Hector is not only a great player, but also a very funny guy.
His demos at Frankfurt Musik Messe are always a big show.
I particularly like his way of playing Bach, and I'm waiting from long time for the Bach Favourite CD that he told me he was going to record.

Scott can you elaborate on your show with Hector? any pics?

I remember someone telling me back in the 70's that Hector could play Flight of the Bumble Bee on the pedals of the organ. My reply was BS.

Then I finally get to see Hector on Mr Rodgers a lo & behold here is Hector explaining the organ to the Kiddies. Yep then he peels of the Bumble Bee on the Clavier like childs play.

I've not had the chance to see him live but If I'm within 300 miles of him doing a concer I'll be there.

I don't think the Roland corporation would like him playing the House T.O. pipe organ because it does not have the Roland name on it.

I have never been able to play the FIGHT of the Bumble Bee - not a misplelling!!! LOL

Jerry

Jerry,

His foot work was fantastic. Like I said he played the string bass stop with his feet better than most string bass players do.

He also had the 4 manual Rodgers on stage with him. Roland didn't seem to care about that.

Tom

Rodgers and Roland are the same company.





[This message has been edited by pasadoble (edited 10-20-2005).]

Yes they are. You learn something everyday.
Thanks,

Tom

Hi Donny

I worked with him when I worked for the largest Yamaha piano and organ dealer in the country in the Largo, Florida area.

He also did the styles for the Estey home organ line that Fletcher Music Centers put out a few years ago as their own brand. They are the largest home organ dealer in the world, selling only home organs.

Tom: As far as his foot work, he was outstanding to say the least. It seems to me I saw him do Flight Of The Bumblebee on the pedals.

Best
Scott

Donny

I might have pics but I'm sure I'd have to dig. If I ever come across any I'll post them.

Scott

Thanx Scott It must have been a very special event for you...hope to see them soon....