Thoughts and ideas relating to the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago , especially the steelpan and the steelband
I recently celebrated my 76th birthday, and as a child growing up in Trinidad in the 1950s, I remember the sadness of children paralyzed by polio. I also remember outbreaks of measles and mumps and even chickenpox which , though not eliminated has been under control for decades, and it’s occurrence dramatically reduced.
Is Paris Burning? is the name of a 1966 movie of the same name based on the question reportedly asked by Adolf Hitler following his order to destroy the city rather than let it be re-captured by the Allies in late August 1944. The story was adapted into a feature film by the same name … Continue reading “Is Paris Burning?” A Trinidadian musical retrospective.
The fine documentary “ Fire in Babylon” tells the story of the West Indian cricket team tour of England in 1976.South African born English batsman Tony Grieg promised on television to make the West Indians “grovel”.Whether or not he meant it, the West Indians took it as demeaning and racist, and showed their anger in … Continue reading A Fire in Babylon
In Uncle Sam’s Concrete Jungle by panist and Vietnam veteran Dalton Narine Remembering Vietnam Buddies under Fire When World War II began, the Venezuelan military was badly in need of modernization, and the United States was eager to help in return for Venezuela’s support in the war. My grandfather, Federico Gonzales, volunteered and headed straight … Continue reading Panorama Skills on the Home Front? No!
From Buddhist to Warrior Fighting for Family By Dalton J. Narine (decorated Vietnam veteran) A heartrending story so painful you cannot bring yourself to put it down! ARVN (Army of the Republic of Viet Nam) soldiers in 1968 The AK-47 round that Nam Van Nguyen took in the leg wasn’t by happenstance. … Continue reading AMERICA REMEMBERS
A Carole King Tribute One of my all time favorite pop/rock performers from the 1970s was talented singer/songwriter Carole King. Probably her best work was featured in the 1971 album “Tapestry” , which is also one of the best selling albums of all time. One of the hits on that album was a personal favorite … Continue reading So Far Away….
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
Clarence Curvan was one of the top Trinidadian musicians / bandleaders to emerge from the Caribbean in the nineteen sixties. As the post war generation came of age, a fresh new sound of music emerged in Trinidad, and the Clarence Curvan Orchestra, featuring Clarence on drums, was at the forefront of that musical revolution. Clarence Curvan was born in … Continue reading The life and times of bandleader and Trinidad musical icon, Clarence Curvan
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 received some sad news today. My friend Errol Phillips , one of the most gifted and talented people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing has passed. His son Blayne notified me that he passed on Monday 1st July at 10:00pm, after a long struggle with prostate cancer. I met Errol a number of … Continue reading Remembering my friend Errol Phillips , a talented musician and steel-pan player
G R JOSEPH 