Steelpan & Parang at St. Gregory’s


 

New York, USA - Well it’s that time of the year again. When Steel Talks finds itself in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York.  And if you are going to spend the holiday season in New York, you are sure to be able to catch a steelband music concert.  The first of a series of such concerts took place at St. Gregory’s in Brooklyn on Sunday on what was an abnormally warm November night. A packed house of steelpan music enthusiasts got into the holiday sprit as they took in the performances of ADLIB Steel Orchestra, Utopia Pan Soul: the Next Generation, Steel Sensation, Dem Stars Steel Orchestra and a Parang ensemble.

Getting off to a late start, the program was one well worth the time out on a Sunday evening.  It played to a standing room-only auditorium, where patrons also had the opportunity to sample the culinary fare available as musicians set up for what promised to be hours of great musical entertainment.

The bands performed very well and delivered a wide variety of music that included interesting variations on traditional holiday songs and popular music pieces. The Queens-based group of musicians known as Steel Sensation again demonstrated why they are simply one of the most versatile steelband ensembles in the USA, in addition to displaying their skillful musicianship.  ADLIB showed that it is always ready for prime time - smooth, tight and balanced. The Long Island-based orchestra did not disappoint. The group, made up of mostly young panists, performed flawlessly.

Utopia Pan Soul: the Next Generation - showcasing seasoned veterans, produced a line up which included a virtual New York All-Star Team with Sheldon Elcock on bass, Marlon aka Goose on tenor, Curt Rodgers - usually on four pan but this time on double second, and Iman Pascall on drums.  Mr. Elcock again reminded us why he is one the finest bassists that New York has ever produced.  Utopia dropped a few infectious musical treats that had the audience going.  Also on hand was Dem Stars Steel Orchestra. With several familiar faces from New York’s steelband scene in their crew, the group opened up with a holiday selection that put the audience in the spirit of the season.

The New York steelpan music fraternity displayed an uncommon sense of unity at this show as representatives and members of many of the other New York organizations and franchises (such as Keith Marcelle and Albert “Bing” Reid, pictured)  were on hand to lend support. The show was an excellent beginning to the holiday season of steelpan concerts.

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