Thoughts and ideas relating to the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago , especially the steelpan and the steelband
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
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
Calypsonian Carlton Joseph,The Lord Blakie was born on November 3, 1932 and died January 6, 2005. CARLTON JOSEPH , THE LORD BLAKIE One of the greatest of our old time calypsonians and an all time favorite of mine, he was also known as The Warlord.The sobriquet was no accident since as great a calypsonian as … Continue reading Remembering another calypso legend , Mr. Carlton Joseph , The Lord Blakie.
I happen to believe that the steelband is our most valuable cultural asset , capable of attracting foreign tourists to Trinidad and Tobago to experience the best steelband environment in the world , and even capable of encouraging them to consider purchasing a pan from the world's best steelpan makers on their departure. Since Panorama … Continue reading Why I support Pan Trinbago’s Tobago initiative , and other thoughts
Pan Trinbago is Trinidad and Tobago's steelpan governing body OK folks , time for a reality check .Pan Trinbago doesn’t have to listen to anyone carping on social media. Oh , I’m sure they’re quite aware of what’s being said to a certain extent , but they don’t have to listen. Because Pan Trinbago is … Continue reading Decision Making at Pan Trinbago
The closest I've ever got to playing the bass in a steelband was the tenor bass ( I also played the cello pan ), but I've always loved the bass section, admiring the beautiful, fluid movements of a skilled bass player, and the powerful sound of the bass as it vibrated in your body. For … Continue reading The beauty of a skilled steelband bass player featuring Kwesi Moore.
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
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
(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.
Many of us may not realize the critical nature of accurate sound reproduction, to the understanding and appreciation of orchestral music,for example Panorama music, when played by the steelband. This is even more applicable to people relatively unfamiliar with the steelband, it's culture, its makeup, and the different tonal qualities among the pans. With any … Continue reading THE PANORAMA STEELBAND- Sight and Sound
