Thoughts and ideas relating to the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago , especially the steelpan and the steelband
“Pan night and day “ is one of Lord Kitchener’s best, most musical steelpan related calypsos. Indeed, in 1985 it featured at panorama in an unusual tie for first place between Desperadoes and Renegades. However, even as far back as 1985, The Grand Master was concerned about the absence of the steelband from the streets … Continue reading Pan Night And Day
When we old timers talk of the greatness of calypso music from the latter third or so of the last century , we're sometimes accused of being nostalgic.However, that isn't the case . Much of the popular music of that bygone era were well crafted lyrically and musically , with outstanding accompaniment, arranged by the … Continue reading Pan in Danger by Merchant
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
Pan Trinbago is Trinidad and Tobago's steelpan governing body OK folks , time for a reality check .Pan Trinbago doesn’t have to listen to anyone carping on social media. Oh , I’m sure they’re quite aware of what’s being said to a certain extent , but they don’t have to listen. Because Pan Trinbago is … Continue reading Decision Making at Pan Trinbago
