Amphion presents… Hilton Hotels and Resorts “100-Years of Hospitality” anniversary

Hilton Hotels & Resorts celebrated its “100-Years of Hospitality” anniversary with the main global party held at the prestigious Conrad Tokyo, Japan

In early 2019, Amphion’s Asia-Pacific Representative, Michael Di Stasio, was invited to produce the entertainment for the Hilton’s global party set for June 6 later that year – arranging NY-based “Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Band” led by John Lee for the main stage; Jazz/Soul/Funk pianist Philip Woo to provide opening entertainment; and securing the extraordinarily-talented Japan TV producer and entertainer Dave Spector as the MC for the evening. The main ballroom was filled to capacity with 200+ guests – governement officials, diplomats, corporate sponsors, media, celebrities, and hoteliers from so many of the Hilton’s locations – domestic and international – all there to celebrate an enterprise started by Conrad Hilton back in 1919.

First wowed by the jazz-groove of veteran pianist Philip Woo in the entrance-promenade – an artist who has performed with world-greats such as Whitney Houston, Grover Washington, Stevie Wonder, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny G, Roy Ayers et al, the audience were then totally blown away by the raw power and virtuosity of “DGAS”. The energy and tightness of their sound stunned the very appreciative large audience. It was a rare musical treat experiencing such virtuosic artists so close up. And here’s some background on the artists themselves, who were individually presented to the audience prior to performing:

The legendary Dizzy Gillespie All Star Band: The Dizzy Gillespie Bands range from Big Band to Afro-Latin to All Stars ensembles, and carry the tradition sonically and musically performing the charts of the 40s and 50s – “A Night In Tunisia”, “Anthropology”, “BeBop”, “Birks Works”, “Blue ‘N’ Boogie”, “Con Alma”, “Dizzy Atmosphere”, “Groovin’ High” “Hot House”, “Oop-Pop-Sh’-Bam”, “Ow”, “Salt Peanuts” and so many others. It was the All Star combo that wowed the Hilton crowd that night.

John Lee: Dizzy Gillespie Bands’ leader, bassist, producer, composer, and audio engineer, John also performed and recorded with the trumpet virtuoso himself, and continues Dizzy’s legacy to this day. After Dizzy’s passing, his family asked John to create an ongoing tribute to the great man and his music, and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars was born.

Alex Collins: Pianist, composer, arranger, and vibraphonist, Alex performs extensively at various premier hotels and notable jazz clubs, as well as at some of the most prestigious concert venues in the United States.

Bobby LaVell: A true master of the saxophone, flute, clarinet and piano, Bobby has served long stints as a regular with phenomenal musicians and orchestral bands such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington for more than 20 years.

Bruce Harris: Bruce earned a reputation as one of the “most important and emerging voices in jazz”, appearing on CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Freddie Hendrix: Considered one of the most in-demand solo trumpeters in jazz and beyond. Freddie has been working with a wide range of artists – Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys.

Mark Gross: A two-time Grammy winner, he credits his prolific saxophone sound to a rich appreciation for Gospel music fostered by his parents. Mark has toured the world with artists such as Jimmy Heath, Wynton Marsalis, et al.

Roberta Gambarini: Surprising the jazz world in the 1998 Thelonious Monk Vocal Competition barely 2 weeks after arriving in the USA from Italy, Roberta appears at major concert halls, festivals, and clubs globally.

Ron Wilkins: A consumate musician, Ron been performing tenor and bass trombones, euphonium, tuba, bass trumpet and vocals for over forty years. He a member of two big bands as well as his own New York City big band.

Steve Davis: Is a leading voice in the trombone world appearing on The Jimmy Fallon Show; recording with iconic artists such as Steve Wonder, Art Blakey, Chick Corea, Freddie Hubbard et al; and performed in the White House Tribute to Ray Charles.

Vince Ector: A jazz drum giant, Vince has been featured on 50+ recordings, and performed with such greats as Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter, Grover Washington, et al; a lecturer in jazz persucssion at Princeton University and Founder of Arts For Kids.

June 6, 2019 was truly a momentous evening, with superb cuisine, historic tales, and exhilarating entertainment. Amphion was very proud to have been a part of the event production. Conrad Hilton Hotel’s GM was very grateful for our support, and provided an executive suite for Amphion to run a “micro-show” the next day. Local audiophiles were treated to a fabulous and private surround-sound listening experience, as well as refreshments – all on-the-house ! And finally … Just how good is Dizzy’s band ? There’s possibly no greater testimonial you could receive than from the late, great singer/songwriter:

“Oh man, they are so good it’s just ridiculous… ” ~ Aretha Franklin