A once in a lifetime gathering of Calypso Kings of the past occurred at Dimanche Gras , Carnival 1988, when they gathered together to honor the first calypso Monarch, the Growling Tiger , the Calypso King of 1939. Among the artists featured were The Mght Duke (Kelvin Pope) , The Mighty Sparrow ( Slinger Francisco … Continue reading A gathering of Calypso Kings
Category: Trinidad and Tobago
The Origins and Evolution of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago — Retrospect Journal | History, Classics and Archaeology Magazine
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
Hazel Scott ,an iconic Trinidadian star of yesteryear.
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.
The Sel Duncan Orchestra of Trinidad
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
GRATEFUL FOR GRAVEDIGGERS
A TALE FOR HALLOWEEN BY DALTON NARINE Ah ketch him hanging out like a bride and groom with a female jumbie inside a tomb Lord Christo, Jacob From Panama (1956) It is very much alive, the cemetery, gravediggers and all making a quarry there day after day to inter … Continue reading GRATEFUL FOR GRAVEDIGGERS
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”
IN THE MIRROR OF VIOLENCE
THE BLOODY ART OF LONGTIME BADJOHNS By Dalton Narine Blade it was in that period to survive, for blade walked the gun talk of yesteryear. Blade that would butcher a gutless man’s back, cracking open skin like fine leather and pumping blood dark and horrid down … Continue reading IN THE MIRROR OF VIOLENCE
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 .
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