Simplifying Trade and Tariffs

This is how I understand it , and it seems kind of simple , really. A lot of the cheap stuff that people buy from places from Walmart are manufactured in China. When our government places an extra tariff (tax) on such goods , obviously the prices will increase. In theory , that should make … Continue reading Simplifying Trade and Tariffs →

When Steel-bands celebrated Queen Elizabeth’s visit to T&T, February 1966

Guinness Cavaliers Steel Orchestra - Lord Kitchener's "Ting Tang" (1966) Cavaliers playing for the Queen and the Duke Guinness Cavaliers performing at the reception in honor of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Trinidad in 1966 , which was held at the Governor General's house in Port of Spain . My dear friends … Continue reading When Steel-bands celebrated Queen Elizabeth’s visit to T&T, February 1966 →

Rupert Clemendore , a forgotten Trinidadian jazz master

Growing up in Trinidad in the nineteen fifties and sixties, we were exposed to many musical genres, from classics to jazz to country, via the local radio stations Trinidad's music in the twentieth century had multiple influences, including North American Jazz, and local jazz musicians were featured weekly on Sunday morning radio shows like Sunday … Continue reading Rupert Clemendore , a forgotten Trinidadian jazz master →

“Tan Tan” , and the fabulous Fitz Vaughn Bryan Orchestra

Fitz Vaughn Bryan was a highly respected , popular musician, composer, arranger and band leader from Trinidad and Tobago. He was born August 13, 1917 in Tunapuna, Trinidad, and formed the Fitz Vaughan Bryan Orchestra in 1955. "Tan Tan" by the Fitz Vaughn Bryan band was probably one of the biggest dance hall hits ever … Continue reading “Tan Tan” , and the fabulous Fitz Vaughn Bryan Orchestra →

The Dutchy Brothers of San Fernando , Trinidad

Pete De Vlugt and the Dutchy Brothers Band The Dutchy Brothers of San Fernando, Trinidad were the sons of an immigrant from a neighboring Dutch colony (Suriname), a saxophone player called Leonard "Dutchy " De Vlugt. As children, they were musical prodigies, regularly appearing on children musical radio shows (Auntie Kay's show, for example), and … Continue reading The Dutchy Brothers of San Fernando , Trinidad →

“Pal”Joey Lewis, a Trinidadian musical icon

The first Trinidad music band that I loved as a boy was the Joey Lewis Orchestra.

Ken “Professor” Philmore and his masterpiece, “Pan by Storm”.

Fonclaire's performance of "Pan by Storm" at the 1990 Panorama finals was one for the ages. This remains the high point of Ken "Professor" Philmore's career on the Panorama stage, and is definitely Fonclaire's best Panorama outing. As a matter of fact I happen to think that the composition and arrangement were Professor's best Panorama … Continue reading Ken “Professor” Philmore and his masterpiece, “Pan by Storm”. →