In the days when there were only three terrestrial TV stations in the country, the Kupa Big Band (鼓霸樂團) was one of the hottest local musical ensembles playing in musical variety shows, night clubs and state banquets. Well-known band conductors such as China Television Company orchestra’s Lin Jia-qing (林家慶), Taiwan Television orchestra’s Hsieh Li-sheng (謝荔生) and late composer and jazz master Kenneth Lee (李奎然) all formerly played in the band.
Conducting a routine practice in their basement studio in Taipei City’s Wanhua District (萬華) last month, band leader Hsieh Shou-yen (謝守彥) said that in the old days, they had about 15 to 20 engagements a month, but now that number has dwindled to four or five.
“At times, I thought of quitting, but such a thought did not last long,” he said. “I must keep the promise I made to my uncle.”
PHOTO: KO SHU-LING, TAIPEI TIMES
Established in 1953 by Hsieh Shou-yen’s uncle, Hsieh Teng-hui (謝騰輝), the Kupa Big Band was an instant sensation during the post-World War II era when Taiwan was receiving economic and military aid from the US.
In contrast to smaller jazz combos, in which most of the music is improvised, music played by big bands is prepared in advance. A big band typically consists of 12 to 25 musicians.
Kupa began playing at the Ambassador Hotel in 1964. The Ambassador was one of the city’s ritzy hotels frequented by American soldiers, foreign visitors and diplomats. The band played there for 24 years.
It also played in various music variety shows on terrestrial TV stations. At its peak, Kupa had five bands playing regularly in hotels, night clubs and dance halls. In 1992, Hsieh Teng-hui was honored by the Golden Melody Awards for his contribution to Taiwan’s popular music.
Hsieh Shou-yen joined the band about 30 years ago during its heyday. He started out playing the saxophone and clarinet. During his compulsory military service, he played drums and the saxophone so well that his supervisor offered him a job, but the promise he made to his uncle held him back.
“The one thing my uncle worried about on his sick bed was whether the band would fall apart,” he said. “He told me to take good care of it, so I did and I still do now.”
Over the years, the band has transformed itself from a house band to a 22-person jazz band. Its repertoire includes jazz covers of a variety of songs ranging from classical Mandarin, Taiwanese, country and even Taiwanese opera. The band is also good with Latin music, classical, ballads and dance music.
Talking about the contemporary music, Hsieh Shou-yen frowned and said “young people do not seem to understand what music is.”
“Music is not a shouting contest. Music does not have to involve drugs or booze,” he said. “Music is something that makes you feel good and does not screw up your body and soul.”
At the age of 70, Hsieh Shou-yen said it was time to look for a successor. His ideal candidate must be skilled at musical crafts, inter-personal relations and leadership.
Most of the band members have passed their prime, and while a few are in their 20s or 30s, they all have side jobs.
Saxophonist Wu Jen-yi (吳貞儀) is the only woman in the band. The 35-year-old graduate of National Chengchi University’s English Department does English and French translations on the side.
She joined the band in 2002 and the person who introduced her also plays in the band. However, being the ensemble’s only woman, she said, does not give her any special status.
“I thought I could have worn a beautiful gown or skirt on stage, but I have to wear a suit, a tie and long pants like everybody else,” she said.
Little did she know that the job also involves a lot of traveling, she said, but fortunately, most of the trips are one-day journeys. Wu said she loved the crowd and cheers and that is what makes the hard work pay off.
Trumpet player Hsu Chih-ping (�?�) began playing when he was in junior high school. He joined Kupa in 1983 when he was in senior high school. Although he majored in art in high school, the school band he joined kept him busy. Most members of the school band played in Kupa and most Kupa members later became band members of the three terrestrial TV stations.
After graduating from high school, Hsu landed a job in the porcelain industry, but his love for music brought him back to Kupa six years after he finished his compulsory military service. He started out as a part-timer and then became full-time about 10 years ago.
During the golden days, he said the job at Kupa was sufficient to lead a decent life, but business began to deteriorate about five or six years ago. Now he teaches music in elementary and junior high schools in Kaohsiung once a week.
“I will take whatever music job that comes along,” he said.
One of Hsu’s most memorable moments with Kupa was a performance at the Taipei Guest House in 1999. The crowd loved their performance so much that they played three extra hours.
“That was the most exhausting performance we ever did,” he said. “It was also the most satisfying and the least profitable because we didn’t get paid extra.”
In addition to Kupa, saxophonist Hsieh Ching-feng (謝青峰) performs elsewhere, with about 15 to 20 engagements a month.
Despite his tight schedule, he said he always comes to Kupa’s bi-weekly practice session because the band is his main focus.
The 32-year-old joined Kupa in 1994 when he was a college student. He said his worst fear was that Kupa would disband, but as one of the youngest band members, he s not in a position to say much.
“It will be a shame if it happens,” he said.
Bass guitarist and composer Lin Jih-hsiung (林吉雄) is one of the oldest members. The 65-year-old played in a rock band and sang English songs before he joined Kupa in 1970.
Chemistry is what holds the band together, Lin said, and the band leader directs it.
Lin said he would like to see more younger players join them so the band will prevail. If Kupa were to disband, Lin said, it would be very hard to get it back.
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