Review: Kurt Stapff’s 90th Birthday Celebration

[Written by Dale Butler]

The 90th birthday celebration of Kurt Stapff, organized by his wife Rose Ann and daughters Natalie and Joanna at a Warwick residence, was a magical, musical treat on Saturday, August 23rd. It brought back memories of the Waterlot Sunday brunches where they greeted patrons with the sounds of New Orleans from their band The Somers Isle’s Jazz Band. During its peak, the band members took great pride in their presentation of:

• Lose your blues in Bermuda [Released 1974. Album theme. Music Box. Sound Engineer, Ian Marshall]
• At the jazz band ball
• Tin Roof Blues
• Bourbon St. Parade
• Savoy Blues
• I wish I could shimmy Like my sister Kate
• Apex Blues, to name just a few

The main performers of the album were:

• Eddie Wright: trumpet and band leader
• Dr. Wolfgang Sterrer: clarinet
• Mike Parris: tuba
• Triscott Scott: trombone
• Peter Beckett:bass
• James Shannon: piano
• Kent Weiske: drums
• and the birthday celebrant of the night, Kurt Stapff on guitar.

The whole band had day jobs and Kurt, born in Munich, Germany first came to Bermuda to visit his brother who lived on White’s Island. Kurt loved sailing in Bermuda and being on the ocean.

After returning home, he applied for the job as Chief Engineer at Inveruie and designed the first revolving stage ever built in Bermuda and added a pull-out stage on their terrace which was a big hit for local and overseas legends who came to perform. Staff members recalled how he was such a “Teddy Bear” who could fix anything.

Years later, the Southampton Princess also benefitted from his expertise when he built their revolving stage. As Kurt got to know the island, and its people, he joined The Lions Club that aided many charities and helped the community.

A personable man who spoke with his smile and guitar, on Saturday evening he was very relaxed on the couch dressed in his blue and white Bermuda themed shirt, greeting family and friends. The evening theme was a mix of Bavaria, with Bermudian flair, from the fish chowder to Pretzels and German Beer just representing how this humble musical legend assimilated for 60 years in Bermuda.

While working at the Inveruie, he was always a huge supporter of live performances.

I loved the band in their heyday. Described on the record by Paul Smith as “gifted amateurs” who “from a modest start in private jam sessions, their reputation has grown to the point that they are now one the most sought-after groups on the island.” At the Waterlot I would often find myself taking photos for 30 minutes and enjoying their selections while the rest of the family entered for the brunch.

Much to our surprise, Bermuda and international singing star, Gene Steede was there as a friend and fellow entertainer who played with Kurt in The Somers Isle Jazz Band. They talked about the good old times and how music has changed.

Gene has not lost his voice and was happy when Raymond George, pianist, jumped into his repertoire as though they had practiced. Not so. Joining them was Tino Martinez [saxophone], Stefan Furbert [drums], and Torrey Tacklin [bass]. Having listened to the band all night Gene was determined to take advantage of their expertise when he took the microphone and knew he could not go wrong. Kurt was indeed happy to hear his voice and the positive reaction from those present, who have such fond memories of Gene, including his jokes: “Johnny Mattress” brought the house down.

The band, Tino Martinez Quartet, as stated, was first class and played cool rhythmic jazz of the Greats as German dishes were brought to the table. There was a slide show his eldest daughter, Joanna, gathered photos of Kurt since he was six in Lederhosen during WWII times to embracing the sun on Elbow Beach and playing his Gibson Guitar under a Waterlot Gazebo with Ghandi Burgess. Also included on the TV timeline was his life from 1940 to 1965 when he arrived…from snow to sand…black n’ white to a colourful, fully-filled island life.

Pastor Karsten Decker sang a German song he wrote in English especially for Kurt. We used a song sheet he handed out to join him. He also led the birthday song.

If you were present, you might have wondered what I presented to him in that big package. As the Professor of Bermuda Music I had already honoured 12 senior musicians on July 12th at Rosalie Gardens, Bermuda’s first and only House of Music. In that capacity, I used my skills as a researcher and a former school teacher to design a beautiful poster with his photo and numerous venues where the band performed like:

• Teachers Rugby Football Club: June 1970
• A farewell to Canon Peel: May 1972
• St. John’s Choristers’ June 1972
• Bermuda Branch British – Sub Aqua Club: Dec. 1972
• Waterlot Inn from 1974
• The Bermuda Squash Raquets Association: Feb. 1974
• Holiday Inn; Red Cross: 1975
• Command Performance: May 1976
• The Hog Penny: March 1978 to name just a few

What more can I say after a wonderful evening in a beautiful setting with his family and friends all enjoying the food, band and memories of Kurt as he relaxed for the celebration of his 90th birthday. May he live to see many more.

- Dale Butler is the Professor of Bermuda Music. The award winning Rosalie Gardens is his residence and is the first, and only House of Music in Bermuda. His current research is about Celeste Robinson, Bermuda’s Calypso Queen and Ernie Leader.

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