Thoughts and ideas relating to the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago , especially the steelpan and the steelband
Nineteen eighty-six was a memorable year; two incidents made that year unforgettable to me. The date was January 28th, 1986, and I was at Logan Airport in Boston on my way to Trinidad for the Carnival, when we got the news that the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, killing all … Continue reading 1986 , The Year of The Hammer
For the longest while I've wanted to create a post featuring the Panorama Story, as seen through the eyes of The Grand Master of Calypso , Lord Kitchener. However , I was struggling to find the appropriate words , until I realized there was no need; I would let the Grand Master speak for himself … Continue reading The Panorama Story as told musically by The Grand Master , Lord Kitchener
(Courtesy Gypsy Jazz UK) Fitzroy Coleman - Jazz Guitarist Fizroy Coleman, 76, was born in Alfredo Street, Woodbrook. His father, a steamroller driver, played the guitar for amusement, but did not want young Fitzroy to touch his prized instrument. So, he improvised one by nailing a flat pan to a piece of wood and stringing … Continue reading Remembering Fitzroy Coleman, a legendary Trinidadian jazz guitarist.
Over the years I've seen many exotic hand percussion musical instruments which, like the steel-pan are members of the idiophone family. Though interesting and unique in their own ways however, none of them can compare to the steel pan, with its culture, history and acceptance as a legitimate musical instrument. Indeed, I would suggest that … Continue reading Our incredible musical creation,The Steel Pan
I still maintain that modern soca music, while quite enjoyable as party music is not quite suited to bring out the real sweetness of the pan , leaving it up to the arrangers to almost perform musical miracles to create a pleasing panorama performance. Having said that, I must compliment the soca artists of today … Continue reading Soca ,Music videos and the steelband panorama
On the subject of bands being not allowed to change their tune in later stages of the panorama competition ,I hate being a contrarian, but even if it was allowed in the past, that rule makes sense to me. Because it’s not just the band that got the judges nod in the preliminaries and semifinals, … Continue reading On the subject of bands not being allowed to change their tune in later stages of the panorama competition
My dear friends and pan lovers , some more thoughts on the progress of our beloved art-form. Whenever we discuss the panorama , I always advocate that we remove all restrictions from arrangers as far as their choices of their selections whether old or new , foreign or local. This is not meant to disrespect … Continue reading Panorama music and Progress
It began in the 1950s when a foreign tune called "The Happy Wanderer " won the road march in Trinidad. Instead of using the opportunity to inspire our artists to work harder at being competitive, in response we banned foreign competition for the Road March. Over the years , whenever our artists were challenged by … Continue reading Mediocrity and competition
On November 11th we annually celebrate Veterans Day in the US, and in some countries Remembrance Day. It is a day we honor our veterans , and current members of the Armed Forces.However we cannot forget the special significance of this day. A little over one hundred years ago, on November 11th 1918 the First … Continue reading In Remembrance – Veteran’s Day , November 11th.
Audie Murphy goes "To Hell and Back"" Audie Murphy was a popular star of western movies in the fifties and sixties and one of my favorites , as a lover of westerns.Audie Murphy was also the most decorated American soldier in World War Two , and the recipient of America's hightest military award , The … Continue reading Audie Murphy , American hero
G R JOSEPH 