Soca music in the mainstream

Many Trinidadians have been hoping / expecting that Trini style soca will eventually "cross over" into mainstream music as an identifiable genre , like calypso or reggae. Well , IMHO , I think they will be disappointed , because soca is already mainstream , but as a sub-genre of modern pop music. So you hear … Continue reading Soca music in the mainstream →

Remembering Ken “Professor” Philmore

Dalton Narine pays his respect to the late steel-pan legend , Ken "Professor" Philmore I’ve learned that both Pan by Storm and Pan Ecstasy became favorites of Panorama enthusiasts over the years. For me, it has been instant gratification that both back to back performances (1990-1991) have taken a-hold of the culture, and so Panorama audiences … Continue reading Remembering Ken “Professor” Philmore →

Let’s get steelbands in T&T back to the business of Carnival.

I am beginning to think that part of the problem with steel-bands in T&T is what conservatives would describe as the ills of "socialism". Now , I'm no conservative , but I know what they mean. That dependence on the government check has become an anchor on the growth and development of the art-form , … Continue reading Let’s get steelbands in T&T back to the business of Carnival. →

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 →

“Tan Tan” , and the fabulous Fitz Vaughn Bryan Orchestra

Fitz Vaughn Bryan was a highly respected , popular musician, composer, arranger and band leader from Trinidad and Tobago. He was born August 13, 1917 in Tunapuna, Trinidad, and formed the Fitz Vaughan Bryan Orchestra in 1955. "Tan Tan" by the Fitz Vaughn Bryan band was probably one of the biggest dance hall hits ever … Continue reading “Tan Tan” , and the fabulous Fitz Vaughn Bryan Orchestra →