Winifred Atwell and the Pan Am North Stars Steel Orchestra “Ivory And Steel”

An unique and celebrated musical collaboration featuring some of Trinidad's greatest artists ever. In 1969, two of Trinidad's most renowned and legendary artists collaborated to create music, and to produce an album that was to become a musical milestone and a cultural phenomenon. Winifred Atwell Pan Am North Stars Steel orchestra, led by steelpan pioneer … Continue reading Winifred Atwell and the Pan Am North Stars Steel Orchestra “Ivory And Steel” →

When the Graf Zeppelin visited Trinidad (1933)

“One Sunday morning I chanced to hear, a rumbling and a tumbling in the atmosphere....." Calypsonians, especially in the early days, followed the tradition of the West African griot, commenting on everyday occurrences and memorable events. One such memorable event was the visit of the legendary German airship , the Graf Zeppelin to Trinidad , … Continue reading When the Graf Zeppelin visited Trinidad (1933) →

Fonclaire Steel Orchestra – Lord Kitchener’s “Pan Here to Stay”

An arrangement by Ken “Professor ‘' Philmore and Milton “Wire” Austin Panorama Finals 1986 featured this bouncy arrangement of Lord Kitchener's "Pan Here to Stay" arranged by the late Ken "Professor" Philmore and Milton "Wire" Austin, who has also recently passed.. This performance of the Grand Master's classic calypso remains one of my favorite Panorama … Continue reading Fonclaire Steel Orchestra – Lord Kitchener’s “Pan Here to Stay” →

Remembering Kim Loy Wong , the original leader of Hilanders Steel Orchestra .

On October 3rd, 2018 , we received the news from his son Michael that former steel-band leader, instructor and pan tuning pioneer Kim Loy Wong , had passed. He was the original leader of the legendary Hilanders (Highlanders) Steel Orchestra , and one of the first steel-pan tuners to introduce the world to the art … Continue reading Remembering Kim Loy Wong , the original leader of Hilanders Steel Orchestra . →

Five Takeaways from the 2018 Republic Day J’ouvert jump-up held in Woodbrook , Trinidad

1) Trinis love pan , and always will. It's in their DNA 2) Steelbands have their own rhythm and tempo , and that doesn't mean trying to keep pace with the DJs. (Incidentally , this was always the case . even when we had brass bands on the road , back in the day) 3) … Continue reading Five Takeaways from the 2018 Republic Day J’ouvert jump-up held in Woodbrook , Trinidad →

The sad story of a talented friend , musician and steel-pan player.

I first came to know Michael Alleyne around nineteen sixty one. I was still attending Naparima College in San Fernando when we moved to Marabella , and was fortunate to find that my friend and classmate Derek Greaves lived nearby. That year , we did what was to become routine for most of the early … Continue reading The sad story of a talented friend , musician and steel-pan player. →

The Lord Brigo, another unsung calypso legend

SAMUEL ABRAHAM , THE LORD BRIGO To those knowledgeable about the calypso art-form , the late Samuel Abraham, the Lord Brigo , was certainly a legend , whose unique style and delivery placed him among the greats , even going back to the golden age of traditional calypso , the sixties.Here is Brigo performing the … Continue reading The Lord Brigo, another unsung calypso legend →

Lord Commander ,”the thinking man’s calypsonian “

Alan Daniel, aka Lord Commander is a good example of the calypsonians of the fifties and sixties who placed as much emphasis on thoughtful lyrics as the did to music and rhythm. Commander was considered the "the thinking man's calypsonian", since his calypsos provided a thoughtful argument that reflected a distinct point of view. Here … Continue reading Lord Commander ,”the thinking man’s calypsonian “ →

The Mighty Cypher , aka The Clown Prince of Calypso

The great calypsonians of the past displayed style and wit that unfortunately is missing from many of today's singers, whose idea of political commentary is more like musical documentaries. One of the best of them all was the Mighty Cypher a.k.a The Clown Prince of Calypso, whose social and political commentary was filled with wit … Continue reading The Mighty Cypher , aka The Clown Prince of Calypso →

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 →