Terry Joseph Speak - Tells it like it is!

An Exclusive Interview

Terry Joseph is one of Trinidad and Tobago's cultural resource founts. Having worn many hats, from the well-known entertainment editor at one of Trinidad and Tobago's national newspapers, to his current undertaking as producer of the recent Panyard Sensations, Mr. Joseph has practically seen and heard it all. Always, insightful, informative and thought-provoking - Terry Joseph shares his thoughts on the recently-concluded Panyard Sensations, and some critical steelpan related-issues in this When Steel Talks Exclusive interview. Click for full interview

Link

Clive Bradley In Video

Link

The Greatest Steel Orchestras On 'YouTube' Channel

The Greatest Steel Orchestras On 'YouTube' Channel When Steel Talks will feature great performances from steel orchestras all over the world on our YouTube Channel. Some have already been featured on our own web site, and now When Steel Talks looks forward to expanding the performances to the additional global audience on YouTube. New performances will be added regularly.

View video channel

Link

New Dimension Steel Orchestra in the "Pan Classics" Performance Spotlight

Hailing from Grenada, New Dimension is one of the finest steel orchestras in the Caribbean. They are led by the charismatic, talented, respected musician and composer/arranger - David "Peck" Edwards. Equally comfortable in any genre of music, New Dimension is equally adept and at home on the panorama stage, as it is in the World Steelband music festival delivering the subtleties of a classical piece.

Full Story

Link

One Million Dollars (US) for New York Panorama Winner

One Million Dollars (US) for New York Panorama Winner New York - And why not? When Steel Talks has previously called for that first prize and much more for New York's pannists in competition. New York is, after all, the entertainment, media and financial capital of the world. The Big Apple always sees itself as a global artistic and cultural leader. And as quietly as it's kept, the steel orchestras of New York have been spear-heading and carrying the flame for the most vibrant, inventive, creative and socially significant music performing arts-based movement in the USA. The challenge in 2007 is for the managements of the New York steel orchestras to get their act together, and secure not only competent leadership, but also an able and progressive producer/promoter who can deliver the goods and take advantage of the vast talent the young people possess, in a time when NY is culturally and financially flourishing.

Full Story

Link

All Female Steelpan Ensemble

A "First" in Botswana's History Botswana - Friday 23rd February, 2007 will long be remembered in the lives of 14 new students of Rainbow High School in Gaborone, Botswana. The group made history by performing before their peers in the school's weekly assembly. They did this after only six weeks - following their registering for steelpan music as an extra-curricular activity. All but two of the budding pannists had played the traditional marimbas at primary school level.

Full Story

Link

Unheard Voices The Rise of Steelband and Calypso in the Caribbean and North America

Just Published...

The Rise of Steelband and Calypso in the Caribbean and North America

A. Myrna Nurse

Originating in the 1930s, the steelband (a.k.a. steelpan) movement began in the Caribbean, was transplanted to and grew in North America, and has transcended the boundaries of class, race, and gender. Based on a compilation of narratives from Caribbean and American members of the steelband movement, Unheard Voices: The Rise of Steelband and Calypso in the Caribbean and North America traces the history of this unique percussion invention of the twentieth century.

full story

Who is Ralph Ramsey?

Who is Ralph Ramsey? And why is this entrepreneur so important to Steelpan and Caribbean music?

New York - Who is Ralph Ramsey? And why is he one of the most important young figures in today's entertainment world - as it relates in particular to the promotion of live steelpan music performances? This young entrepreneur, in a relatively short time has found a niche within the entertainment industry and is intellectually and brilliantly strategizing and fueling his own engine. He is simultaneously creating the highway or route for that vehicle, by tapping into the global rising phenomenon/interest in the steelpan music and instrument.

Full Story

Link

ANNA RAFFOUL Steelband Personality of The Year

ANNA RAFFOUL Steelband Personality of The Year

Global - Our steelband personality award of the year goes to Mrs. Anna Raffoul, president of the Dominica Steelband Association. Anna Raffoul achieved through sheer determination and innovation, a steelband first in Dominica, W.I. She, along with her handpicked helpers and resources, organized and hosted the highly-successful inaugural OECS Junior Pan competition in Dominica this past April - with absolutely no intervention from her country's government. Mrs. Raffoul and her staff oversaw the efficacious mobilization and attendance of competitors from several other Caribbean islands.

Full Story

Special NY Panyard DVD 2005 Available

New York - 2005 was a year marked by historic highs and tragic lows for the Pan community. On panorama night, the late great Clive Bradley made history by achieving a feat never before accomplished. The bands for which he arranged placed first and second. Sadly, the joy would later turn to grief with the tragic news of his passing less than three months later.

Basement Recordings Productions presents NY Panyards 2005 which includes the final panyard recordings of Master Arranger Clive Bradley. Also included on this 2-Disc DVD set are arrangements by Pelham Goddard, Yohan Popwell, Arddin Herbert, Brian "Bean" Griffith, and Freddie Harris, III & Andy Akiho. The arrangements are performed by Pantonic, D'Radoes, Sonatas, CASYM, Marsicans, Crossfire and Sesame Flyers.

As an added bonus, this double-DVD package includes on the second disc, an exclusive one hour-long sit-down interview with Clive Bradley, Pelham Goddard and Yohan Popwell, and provides insight into the minds of these accomplished arrangers. The interview is historical, prophetic, educational and at times emotionally gut-wrenching, as we listen to and experience the humor, knowledge and fascinating episodes in the life of Clive Bradley that the master himself shares with us. That it takes place only a few weeks before Mr. Bradley pulls of one of his career's greatest musical feats, make this interview all the more remarkable. It takes place at Basement Recordings studios where almost every prominent, notable - or soon to be - steelband music figure has graced.

NY PANYARDS 2005 is part of the continuing series of stellar video and audio recordings by Basement Productions that provide a historical, educational and cultural perspective - without diminishing the entertainment value and musical integrity of the performers and performances.

NY Panyards is ideally suited for music educators, students, ethnomusicologists, music libraries, fine music collectors, historians and steelpan enthusiasts who are looking to experience authentic, passionate steelband performances without compromise as endorsed, validated, created and performed by the masters.

NY Panyards 2005 captures the spirit, pressure, fire and joy, and creative genius born out of the necessity of panorama competition, as can only be experienced within the sacred refuge of the steelbands and steelpan musicians - the "panyard". Basement Recordings again captures the sonic and visual components of the performances with unmatched clarity and fidelity, bringing the viewing and listening audience into the bowels of the New York panyards in a manner that allows you the reality of tasting and 'living' the panyard atmosphere and experience.

Indeed, it is a remarkable people who consistently overcome outside despair and hostility with the unique ability to conquer and transform their environment into a musical oasis (the panyard). The NY Panyard 2005 DVD again showcases a true working cultural melting pot, as we view and listen to the results of an open invitation that is extended to and readily accepted by, people of all ages and backgrounds, religions, nationalities and social status - to join the New York Steelbands in their annual arduous journey towards this (illogical, to some) musical summit called panorama.

That New York's Panyards can continue to produce musical gems that are of equal value in stature to the works of the Armstrongs, Bachs, Brahms, Ellingtons, Chopins, Gordon Parks, Monets, Picassos, Rembrandts and Beethovens (in terms that they can transform such an unfriendly milieu) is a testament to the timeless human spirit to engage, overcome and conquer, and enrich their time and space - to make better the human condition through the arts.

This DVD is a must for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of one of the greatest social, cultural and musical phenomena of the 20^th century, in addition as to why the steelband artform is currently sweeping the globe.

Click here to order your copy of NY Panyards 2005.

full story and video

Link