Thoughts and ideas relating to the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago , especially the steelpan and the steelband
CALYPSO: a Brief History by Philip W. Scher . . . CALYPSO is a style of Caribbean music associated with the nation of Trinidad, and is linked to the annual celebration of the pre-Lenten Carnival. The music, as well as the name itself, has a myriad of roots, and although there is no general agreement […]Kaiso … Continue reading Kaiso to Soca: a brief history of Calypso music — Zócalo Poets
Whenever I think of the Steelband Panorama competition of 1966 I think of the preliminaries, rain , sweet pan, Guinness Cavaliers - and Desperadoes! It was a rainy day , and people were sliding and playing in the mud , a little preview of young Americans antics three years later at Woodstock. Guinness Cavaliers had … Continue reading Panorama 1966 -Pan and Rain
Good day my friends.In keeping with the somber nature of the times, I would like to present a soothing piece of spiritual music that is a personal favorite.Since most of my posts have stories I would like to also tell my memories associated to this beautiful piece of music.I know that we’re proud of the … Continue reading Handel’s Largo, And a Clash of Steelbands
Tthe Foreign Ministry of Trinidad and Tobago has told the world that the steelpan is the National Instrument of the country , and that's good enough for me. As they say in legal terminology, this is “de facto “ not “de jure”. That the steel pan was created in Trinidad is an historical fact. Because … Continue reading The National Instrument of T&T (the steel-pan) and the Law
If I had my way , I'd discourage steelbands from setting up on truck beds , and have them use mobile platforms, built as low to the ground as possible, instead. Of course these platforms would be drawn by trucks , tractors etc. (Even speaker and amplifiers could be added to the platform, but that's … Continue reading THOUGHTS FOR TODAY… About Steelbands on truck beds.
Love to my All Stars people from a Sando man , with a special nod to arranger Leon" Smooth" Edwards This is a salute to my favorite steelband, Trinidad All Stars, Now , I'm not saying that these are their best arrangements or even best performances. I'm just selecting them as my favorite performances. And … Continue reading My Top 10 Trinidad All Stars Panorama Performances
I happen to believe that the steelband is our most valuable cultural asset , capable of attracting foreign tourists to Trinidad and Tobago to experience the best steelband environment in the world , and even capable of encouraging them to consider purchasing a pan from the world's best steelpan makers on their departure. Since Panorama … Continue reading Why I support Pan Trinbago’s Tobago initiative , and other thoughts
