Thoughts and ideas relating to the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago , especially the steelpan and the steelband
"Tan Man " Horsford - A true Trini "mas-man" Speaking to an old friend recently brought to mind another old friend , who passed away several years ago.Owen "Tan-Man" Horsford was a fixture in Marabella in the sixties and seventies, and a lifelong member of the Southern Marines Steelband family.After a long struggle with prostate … Continue reading Remembering Owen “Tan Man ” Horsford
One of my takeaways from the ongoing arguments over gun control is the lack of empathy of each side for the other. I live in New Hampshire , where the gun laws have always liberal , so it is no surprise that open carry laws have passed in the state with hardly a murmur of … Continue reading Guns , Open Carry , and The Old West
Written by Candice Maharaj Image: Melton Prior, Carnival in Port of Spain Trinidad, 1888, Illustrated London News. Carnival is a festival that is celebrated annually during the weeks leading up to Lent. It is a period of celebration that involves music, costumes, processions, feasting and a lot of alcohol. Traditionally, during Lent people had to … Continue reading The Origins and Evolution of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago — Retrospect Journal | History, Classics and Archaeology Magazine
On November 11th we annually celebrate Veterans Day in the US, and in some countries Remembrance Day. It is a day we honor our veterans , and current members of the Armed Forces.However we cannot forget the special significance of this day. A little over one hundred years ago, on November 11th 1918 the First … Continue reading In Remembrance – Veteran’s Day , November 11th.
And while we're keeping it real , here is some more food for thought... I am of the opinion that the government of T&T is reasonably happy with Pan Trinbago , even though of course they would like it to be run honestly , efficiently and with transparency. Because ,unlike some of the crazies on … Continue reading More thoughts on a steel-pan players union in T&T
Kelvin Pope aka the Mighty Duke was born in Point Fortin , Trinidad in 1932. He was a former school teacher who left a career working at Shell Oil to perform as a calypsonian. He began his career in the 1950s at the Southern Brigade Calypso Tent. and relocated to Port of Spain in 1964 … Continue reading A Pope , A Duke , A King – The legend of calypsonian Kelvin Pope , The Mighty Duke
We Trinidadians always seem to be seeking international recognition for our stars , yet the best of them from yesteryear are soon forgotten.Talented jazz and classical pianist , movie star , singer and bandleader Hazel Scott is such a one.Hazel was born in Port of Spain,Trinidad in 1920 , and her parents moved to Harlem … Continue reading Hazel Scott ,an iconic Trinidadian star of yesteryear.
Audie Murphy goes "To Hell and Back"" Audie Murphy was a popular star of western movies in the fifties and sixties and one of my favorites , as a lover of westerns.Audie Murphy was also the most decorated American soldier in World War Two , and the recipient of America's hightest military award , The … Continue reading Audie Murphy , American hero
One of the top rock groups of all time, featuring my favorite lead rock singer/guitarist, Mark Knopfler! DIRE STRAITS Many believe that Hendrix, Clapton , Keith Richards, Jimmy Page and the recently deceased Eddie Van Halen are among the greatest rock guitarists of all time. Can’t disagree with any of those, but my personal favorite … Continue reading Dire Straits : Alchemy Live (1983)-My favorite rock concert video !
In the 1950's and 1960's, the smooth sounds of the Sel Duncan Orchestra , featuring his sweet, silvery toned alto saxophone were the preferred soundtracks for formal and semi-formal parties and dances , and his was a household name in T&T. Highly respected and admired for his skill withthe saophone , he was awarded the … Continue reading The Sel Duncan Orchestra of Trinidad
G R JOSEPH 