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August 2011


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“The Bradley Years”

The Bradley Years represent the definitive collection of steelband music arrangements and performances for a large steel orchestra. This collection showcases seven classic arrangements from the master arranger Clive Bradley.  Bradley is considered to be the best steelband music arranger ever by many, including his peers.  In addition, the arrangements are performed by one of the finest steelbands in the world, New York’s Pantonic Steel Orchestra. Clive Bradley had a very special relationship with Pantonic.  This orchestra clinched the title of panorama champions five times in seven years - performing Bradley’s musical works.  The performances were captured by Basement Recordings days before, and in one instance, mere moments before they took the stage for the prestigious annual steelband music panorama competition. 

The recordings capture, reproduce and present an unrivalled clarity with sonic realism, of a large steel orchestra fielding between one hundred and one hundred twenty musicians - unlike any other steelband music recordings in its class.   

This body of musical work is a sterling addition for all fans, educators, players, historians and fine music collectors.
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 Pan in New York 2009

Global - Experience the beauty of the steelpan instrument through the two latest CD releases from Basement Recordings.  Three-minute samples from the Pan In New York 2009 CDs - of both regular and slow tempo performances - are being featured.  Content is being added, so keep checking regularly.   Both “Pan In New York 2009,” and “Pan In New York 2009 - The Cooldown Versions” are a continuation of the Pan-4-Life series from Basement Recordings.
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Web Posted - August
When Steel Talks

New York Panorama 2011 - Arrangers, Order of Appearance and Tunes
 

New York, USA - New York Panorama 2011 - arrangers, order of appearance, tunes and information.
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Web Posted - August, 2011
When Steel Talks

New York Pan Yards for 2011
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Web Posted - Wednesday August 31, 2011
When Steel Talks

August 31 - The ‘Pan Buzz’ to date:  A Patriot Falls...
 

Pan Buzz iconGlobal - If you see the Pan Buzz with a sad face, it has nothing to do with the State of Emergency [in Trinidad & Tobago]; and everything to do with the death of Pan patriot, Pat Bishop, a proud daughter of the soil. I find that every time I turn my back, somebody dear, gives us cause to shed a tear.

Several times I talked to this patriot who loved the Pan like cooked food. Her most famous statement about the sorry disrespect of Pan and the Panman was: “Trinidad and Tobago don’t deserve The Pan.” Foolish people get vex when they hear it, but it is true..
read more


Web Posted - Thursday August 25, 2011
The Observer

Halcyon wants investigation
 

St. John’s, Antigua, W.I. - Veteran pannist and arranger for the Hadeed Group of Companies AMP Halcyon Steel Orchestra Victor “Babu” Samuel has put the Carnival Development Committee on notice of possible legal action if it fails to adequately address the dispute over points distribution for Panorama.

“We’re going to go further than this because justice must be given where justice is due. This will go further than here. It is totally unfair,” Samuel said.

Halycon – the 2010 champion – lost the title to LIME Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra. It has now asked the Pan Association to investigate why they were not awarded the top spot despite accruing the highest total points on Panorama night.

Patrick ‘Stone’ Johnson, first vice president of the association, said the request came from Executive Member of Halcyon Dwayne Mussington on Tuesday evening.

He said the request was made for the association “to go and sort out the controversy as to how they arrived at the winner because the band that scored the highest points in the aggregate system was not announced the (winner), but the winner from the merit system was announced the winner based on that two out of three judges saw Hell’s Gate as the winner.”
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Web Posted - Friday August 25, 2011
When Steel Talks

UK 34th Steelband Panorama 2011 - BAS Notting Hill
 

Ebony Steelband from the UK's 2010 Panorama
 

United Kingdom - This year’s Notting Hill Panorama will be held on Saturday 27th August 2011 at the Horniman’s Pleasance, Kensal Road off Ladbroke Grove. The event is scheduled to be hosted between 3:00-7:30 p.m. The ‘Drag’ where the bands practice on Kensal Road before the competition, will be open from 1:00 p.m. Panorama is a focal point for all Carnival celebrations globally where top steel bands come together in a musical battle for supremacy.

The UK’s juggernaut steel band, Ebony, acclaimed to be Europe’s finest, has won the UK Panorama nineteen times, placed second eight times and third twice, giving a grand total of twenty-nine (29) [appearances] in a competition that is only 33 years old.
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Web Posted - Wednesday August 24, 2011
When Steel Talks

Meet Terrance “BJ” Marcelle - Arranger for D’Radoes Steel Orchestra - Up close!

Terrance 'BJ' Marcelle
 

New York, USA - In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - well-known steelband panorama arranger Terrance “BJ” Marcelle - no stranger to winner’s row in the small conventional steel orchestra category in Trinidad & Tobago - speaks about his present position as arranger for New York’s D’Radoes Steel Orchestra. Marcelle is looking to take the band to the top with his arrangement of “Trini.”
click for interview


Web Posted - Wednesday August 24, 2011
When Steel Talks

Reading welcomes Aberdeen and New York for Notting Hill Carnival

Pandemic musicians from Aberdeen meet New York’s Iman Pascall, Khuent Rose and KJ Marcelle and RASPO director Mary Genis
 

United Kingdom - Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra (RASPO) is busy preparing for Notting Hill Carnival’s National ‘Panorama’ UK Steelband Championship taking place this weekend on Saturday 27 August 2011.

Sixteen players from Pandemic Steel Band based at Aberdeen’s Bucksburn Academy, New York drummer Keith J Marcelle and drill director Khuent Rose arrived in Reading on Monday to complete RASPO’s forty-five-piece orchestra for the final week of intense rehearsal before competing with five other steel bands for the title of ‘Champions of Steel’.

Iman Pascall (24), who is in Reading from New York’s Berklee College of Music, has arranged a ten-minute version of Destra’s ‘Calling Meh’, it is her first time as a UK Panorama arranger.
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Web Posted - Tuesday August 23, 2011
When Steel Talks

Sonatas’ 2011 Band Launch - Good Pan Music for All

Sonatas perform for fans at their 2011 band launch
 

New York, USA - This New York Pan season has seen a bumper crop of steelpan events including several ‘band launches’ - more so than in past years. D’Radoes, Harmony, New York Pan Stars, Despers USA, CASYM, ADLIB all got their launches done by the second weekend of August. The turn of Metro and Sonatas Steel Orchestras were carded for this past weekend. Metro was ‘rained out’ on Friday, the same fate which had befallen Sonatas the previous Saturday and had prompted the rescheduling to this past Saturday.

So the final ‘big’ band launch of the 2011 New York steelband season - hosted by Sonatas Steel Orchestra - came off with a blessing, and great weather. Always an event that the pan community looks forward to way in advance, Sonatas does not run this late in the season....
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Web Posted - Monday August 22, 2011
When Steel Talks

Meet Yohan Popwell - Arranger for Sonatas Steel Orchestra - Up close!

Yohan Popwell after his WST interview
 

New York, USA - He is meticulous, hard-working and leaves nothing to chance. Yohan Popwell knows that you’re “only as good as your last outing” and within the steelband arranging arena, it is a real case of “what have you done for me lately?”

In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - educator, multi-champion steelband panorama arranger and steelpan performing artist Yohan Popwell speaks about the challenge of arranging for the New York flagship music franchise Sonatas Steel Orchestra. This year Yohan and Sonatas attempt to capture the hat trick.
click for interview


Web Posted - Monday August 22, 2011
When Steel Talks

Pan Royal is in the house!

 
Pan Royal practicing at their East 51st Street Brooklyn panyard
 

New York, USA - Along with the powerhouse steel orchestras that are in full Panorama mode for the annual New York pan season, there are a few much smaller steelbands and single-pan bands that have their own music business to take care of, and which do so quite happily several nights a week. One such is Pan Royal, located in East Flatbush in Brooklyn, on East 51st Street just off Church Avenue.

Bands like Pan Royal come out ‘on the road’ with supporters for the annual J’Ouvert celebrations in the early morning hours every Labor Day, rolling along Empire Boulevard and turning into Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn. Along the way, J’Ouvert mas bands, some costumed, chip to steelband music.
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Web Posted - Sunday August 21, 2011
When Steel Talks

Legend Stars Steel Band in play for 2011

 
Manager Joe Gabriel (standing, left) with Legend Stars as they practice
 

New York, USA - In the heat of the fiery New York Panorama season, there are oases along the way in the form of the smaller steelband sides that generally make their appearance on J’Ouvert morning.

....One such is Legend Stars Steel Band on the corner of Avenue D and East 49th Street in Brooklyn, New York. It’s mid August, and practice has wound up for yet another night of the week. Most of the players have gone home, but a few still linger for the ‘lime,’ sitting on chairs, instruments having been cleared away after band practice. Manager Joe Gabriel is closing up the refreshments area, but takes a bit of time to chat with When Steel Talks.
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Web Posted - Sunday August 21, 2011
When Steel Talks

Meet Seion Gomez - Arranger for Metro Steel Orchestra - Up close!

Seion Gomez at Metro’s panyard
 

New York, USA - In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - educator, champion steelband panorama arranger and steelpan performing artist Seion Gomez talks about his musical path to becoming one the respected young arrangers for the steelband art form. This year Seion debuts as panorama arranger for New York’s Metro Steel Orchestra.

Hailing from the twin Caribbean island country of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Gomez is a successful representative of the new generation of talented steelpan music musicians carrying on the great tradition of their predecessors.
click for interview


Web Posted - Saturday August 20, 2011
When Steel Talks

Dr. Pat Bishop of Trinidad and Tobago has passed
 

Global - When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the great Dr. Pat Bishop.  She was a true champion of the steelpan instrument, its music and of culture in general.  Dr. Bishop passed away on Saturday August 20 after collapsing at a high-level meeting of her peers in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, convened with the aim of furthering the country’s culture.

Many are sharing their thoughts, memories and knowledge of this irreplaceable individual and historic cultural activist in the realm of the steelband art form, and overall culture of Trinidad and Tobago.

Take the opportunity to leave words of your own, and consider and draw from those of others - all in the When Steel Talks Network forum.
click to leave your thoughts on Dr. Pat Bishop


Web Posted - Friday August 19, 2011
When Steel Talks

Pan Trinbago hosts Youth Rally for Steelpan Players


 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Young panists will have their very own day as Pan Trinbago continues Pan Month celebrations throughout Trinidad & Tobago.

The activity on Saturday 20th August is the Pan Trinbago Youth Rally at the Larry Gomes Stadium Car Park, Malabar, Arima, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Seven junior steelbands will perform selections from their wide and varied repertoire.
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Web Posted - Friday August 19, 2011
When Steel Talks

Meet Leon “Foster” Thomas - Arranger for CrossFire Steel Orchestra - Up close!
 

Leon 'Foster' Thomas at CrossFire's panyardNew York, USA - In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - composer, steelband panorama arranger and steelpan performing and recording artist Leon “Foster” Thomas talks about his journey as a musician, his passion for the steelband art form and community and his second year as panorama arranger for New York’s CrossFire Steel Orchestra.

Leon “Foster” Thomas is a composer, steelband panorama arranger and steelpan performing and recording artist. The talented “Foster” is also prolific on drums, and has anchored several major steel orchestras in competition including the world-renowned Phase II Pan Groove and Fonclaire. As a solo artist, he has wowed audiences internationally, and is set for his third Russian tour - less than two months away.
click for interview


Web Posted - Friday August 19, 2011
Yorkshire Evening Post

Ban on steelbands in Leeds West Indian Carnival parade EXCLUSIVE

DOWN THE PAN: Members of the steelband that won't be playing at the Leeds West Indian Carnival - from left, Ashley Hendricks, Victoria Jaquiss, Katie Smith and Varshika Patel
 

England, U.K. - Traditional Caribbean steelband music has been banned from the 44th Leeds West Indian Carnival parade.

The carnival committee of 13 members took the unanimous decision to have no live music in the parade itself at an emergency meeting this week.

Members said due to recent “unrest” in the Chapeltown area they felt they had no option but to make this year’s carnival “a bit calmer” with no steelbands playing on any of the floats.

Chairman Arthur France said: “We are not putting any steelbands on the road in the parade this year. It was a decision taken as we are being extra cautious following recent unrest. In light of violent events, and after careful consideration, we decide that we will not use any steelband on the road, which means no live music.”
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Web Posted - Thursday August 18, 2011
When Steel Talks

August 18 - The ‘Pan Buzz’ to date:  Two Pan Greats for Baltimore Comic Con 2011
 

Pan Buzz iconGlobal - Female pan pioneer Daisy James Mc Clean and Jason “Peanut” Isaac of ‘Pan Redemption’ fame will be special guests at the Baltimore Comic Con to be held this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) at the Baltimore Convention Centre, Downtown Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Daisy and Jason will be part of the touring caricature exhibition of cultural icons of Trinidad and Tobago in Pan, mas, calypso, dance, chutney and the performing arts. The exhibition is the brainchild of Trinidad Guardian cartoonist Keith “Keithos” Anderson and was shown in Port-of-Spain (2008), and San Fernando (2009).
read more


Web Posted - Thursday August 18, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Pan Night attracts large turnout
 

A section of the crowd that came out to hear pan at bpTT Renegades Pan Theatre in Port-of-SpainTrinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Last Friday, the Northern Region of Pan Trinbago hosted Pan Night at the bpTT Renegades Pan Theatre, on Charlotte Street, Port-of-Spain, attracting a large turnout. In the spotlight, offering top class music were Witco Desperadoes, Phase II Pan Groove, PCS Silver Stars, T&T Defence Force Steel Orchestra, Brother Resistance and host Renegades.
read more


Web Posted - Thursday August 18, 2011
ShareNews.com

Afropan returns as country’s top steelband
Leader disappointed, however, that there’s no prize money
 

Ontario, Canada - ....While elated with regaining the title, LaPierre is disappointed that prize money was not at stake in the competition.

"When you consider the amount of work we and the other bands put in for the competition and then to be rewarded with a small trophy is just not right," said LaPierre, who was honoured last year for his contributions to the Toronto Carnival. "That would not happen in any other part of the world. It's good to be congratulated for your success, but it's hard to celebrate when we do not have any money to do that. I am so dejected. The organizers know that people like playing pan in this city and they figure they can do anything to them and exploit us. That has got to stop."

...."In many ways, that's disrespectful to the pan culture and the instrument," said [Ken] Jeffers. "This is the national instrument of Trinidad & Tobago and you don't even think it's important enough to deserve a monetary prize. Steelpan evolved out of the working class and it has given people an opportunity to develop and learn music.

"I firmly believe that the Trinidad & Tobago government should step in and address the disrespect for the pan culture which you have to put a value on."
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Web Posted - Thursday August 18, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Pan icons honoured at Diamond Jubilee
 

Former Minister of Culture Joan Yuille-Williams accepts the The Pan Trinbago Award from Pan Trinbago president Keith DiazTrinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Last Saturday, Pan Trinbago hosted its Diamond Jubilee Awards Ceremony at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain. The event was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston Peters and former Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams, herself an awardee. The well-produced programme, which included live performances, was smoothly run by stage-production manager Leslynne Matthews, and a stage crew that included Beverly Hinds, Andre Williams, Lucien Long and Edward Arthur. One thing though that the organisers must be more mindful of for future productions of this nature, is the provision of well-printed bios and data for emcees. There were times when patrons wondered whether show hosts Sharon Pitt and David Huggins, because of a few ‘flubs’ made, were not provided with well scripted texts, or whether lighting was poor backstage.
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Web Posted - Monday August 15, 2011
Aberdeen City Council

School steel pan band heads to Notting Hill Carnival
NY’s Iman Pascall works with UK’s Pandemic, RASPO Steelbands
 

Aberdeen, U.K. - Bucksburn Academy's steel pan band otherwise known as Pandemic is getting ready to hit the right notes at this year's Notting Hill Carnival in London [Sunday 28 and Monday 29 August].

Throughout the summer the band has performed at various events to raise funds for their trip to the carnival which will include competing in the UK Panorama Steelband Championships on Saturday 27 August, also in Notting Hill.

The summer shows have been a great way for the band to practice its repertoire however a rehearsal at the school on Tuesday 16 August with Iman Pascall, a talented musician, composer and arranger specialising in steel pan music, is seen as a fantastic opportunity prior to the competition.

Born in Brooklyn, New York of Trinidadian heritage Iman started playing pan at four years old and has played in thirteen Panorama Championships in the UK, Antigua, New York and with Phase II, Desperadoes and Starlift in Trinidad.
read more


Web Posted - Sunday August 14, 2011
When Steel Talks

Meet Odie Franklin - Arranger for Despers USA Steel Orchestra - Up close!
 

Odie Franklin at Despers’ Pan LoftNew York, USA - In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, steelpanist and arranger Odie Franklin shares his views, passion and expectations for his maiden voyage into New York’s panorama musical arena. “Trini” is the 2011 tune of choice for Despers USA Steel Orchestra as the baton is again passed to a new generation.

He is extremely humble, shy, knowledgeable, confident, very respectful and cognizant of the moment and opportunity he has been afforded as the 2011 panorama arranger of one of the stalwart musical institutions in the USA - New York’s Despers USA Steel Orchestra.
click for interview


Web Posted - Saturday August 13, 2011
Trinidad Express

No steelbands for Arima Borough Day
Panists ordered to stay away...
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Any steelband that participates in today's Arima Borough Day celebrations will be barred from competing in the 2011 International Steelband Music Festival and the 2012 National Panorama Championships, Pan Trinbago East Region vice-chairman Anthony Walker declared yesterday.

Walker told the Express the council of the Arima corporation is disrespectful towards panmen, and this is why all steel orchestras have been instructed by Pan Trinbago to boycott the street concert, featuring several steebands, that was scheduled to take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. today.

...."We began negotiations, willing to see how best we could work things out, but things broke down when we realised the council was not prepared to be straight with us. Then the mayor told us he will give us $30,000 and to take it or leave it. Panmen have been disrespected for too long, and now is the time for that to stop."
read more


Web Posted - Friday August 12, 2011
Berklee.edu

Alumni Profile: Shawn Thwaites ‘03
 

Shawn Thwaites '03 at Sound Lab Recording studios in Greensboro, North CarolinaBoston, USA - Like many Berklee alumni, steelpan player Shawn Thwaites '03 grew up in a musical family. But when he came to Berklee, he brought them along with him. The professional music major and his older brother Sherwin enrolled at the same time. Then their younger brother Sheldon moved up from Maryland to attend first the Boston Arts Academy and then Berklee. Today, the brothers are working together to record a steelpan version of the music of Miles Davis.

Thwaites travels all over the world with the Muslim hip-hop group Native Deen, but his roots are in Martinsville, Virginia, where his Pan United Youth Movement is based at a local Boys and Girls Club. The group now involves more than 20 children, on its way to becoming a full 50-person steel drum orchestra. At the age of 8, his daughter Kamari is the youngest member.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday August 10, 2011
When Steel Talks

Straight Out of Louisiana - Rhythm and Blues Steel Panist Gregory Boyd - Up close!

Gregory Boyd in session at NY’s Smash Studios
 

New York, USA - Gregory Boyd is good, real good. Furthermore, he is on the cutting edge. Originally from Louisiana, USA, and now hailing from Denmark, this artist is like no other who has graced the steelpan music instrument. The soulfulness of his vocals, clarity of thought in his lyrics and unorthodox, non-traditional approach to implementing and voicing the steelpan instrument with deft chops - puts Boyd in a whole other category. With the genius and aloofness of Monk, blended with the soulfulness of an Al Green, coupled with the musical presence of a Jimi Hendrix, Boyd can jazz, funk and ring in the blues, and have you shaking your head as you come to the realization he cannot be pigeon-holed.
click for more, interview


Web Posted - Wednesday August 10, 2011
When Steel Talks

Family, Friends and Fun at CASYM Steel Orchestra’s 2011 Band Launch

Pan Royal opens up the show at CASYM’s 2011 band launch
 

New York, USA - Since CASYM Steel Orchestra’s relocation to their Church Avenue pan yard in 2010, the band has joined other New York steelbands in hosting annual band launches; last year’s attendance was very good. So was that of the 2011 edition this last weekend. The Sunday stood for Steel, and Steelbands reigned for several hours at the band’s pan theater.

Around 7:30 p.m. Pan Royal, a traditional steelband complete with dudup et al and guided by Brian “Bean” Griffith, got things started for a crowd on hand thirsty for the music to begin. This crew struck a special chord within pan elders in the crowd, under what was at the time a still-sunlit sky.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday August 10, 2011
When Steel Talks

Pantonic Steel Orchestra launches off for 2011

Taking in the music of Despers USA at Pantonic’s launch
 

New York, USA - Spacious surroundings, good vibes, good food, drink, carnival costume teasers, pan lovers, attentive hosts, and the clincher that brought it all together - steel orchestra stage sides at their best - were the necessary ingredients to make an enjoyable steelband launch. All these were in the mix, together with a shocking, 9:00 p.m. on-time start in Pantonic Steel Orchestra’s 2011 Band Launch.

....Wafting in the air was the irresistible aroma of chicken being barbequed right there in Pantonic’s pan yard. This task fell to a master in the kitchen and always in culinary demand, Emerson Gamory, son of Pantonic president Glenda Gamory.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday August 9, 2011
news.gov.tt

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism launches pan camps
 

Trinidad & Tobago. W.I. - On Friday 29th July the Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism formally launched Pan Camp 2011.

“The Ministry is pleased to implement this initiative, as it will yield many benefits including enhancement for both our young people involved and our various pan yards” said Minister Peters. ”This is a worthwhile undertaking that has been designed to allow young people to use their time in a positive and constructive way. Through their involvement with the camp, they will learn to play our national instrument and acquire the basics of music literacy, which can surely be applied to the mastery of other instruments.

This year the Ministry has enlisted the talent of Sagicor Exodus, TCL Group Skiffle Bunch, Starlift Steel Orchestra, the T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps and the Ministry’s very own National Steel Symphony Orchestra.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday August 9, 2011
Trinidad Express

Sweet pan sendoff for ‘Chow Lee’
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The sweet sound of the steelpan resonated throughout the funeral service of Alwin "Chow Lee" Chow Lin On which took place at the St Finbar's RC Church on Morne Coco Road. It was a fitting musical tribute for a man who was among the early presidents of the steelband association.

....Reading a eulogy written by his father Alwin, Anthony "Tony Chinese Laundry" Chow Lin On said "Chow Lee/Daddy" could have been anything he wanted to be but he chose to dedicate his life to Carnival and Pan."
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Web Posted - Monday August 8, 2011
When Steel Talks

A New York State of Mind - Steelband Launch Galore - Pantonic & CASYM NYC Music Fest Weekend

Pantonic at their 2011 Band Launch
 

New York, USA - Pantonic Steel Orchestra and CASYM Steel Orchestra held their 2011 Steelband launches on successive evenings this past weekend. Two of New York’s valued music franchises delivered the goods.

It’s August and folks were indeed in a New York state of mind. Tonic’s Albemarle Road panyard - the site of the front side of this dual Pan launch weekend - was abound with NY Yankee-style caps. Pantonic had Saturday, and CASYM, on Sunday - for this musical double-header of a ‘home and home’ concert series featuring NY’s finest steel orchestras. The constant threat of rain, and on-and-off drizzle definitely impacted the turn-out, but it had zero impact on the enthusiasm of those in attendance, and on the level of music performed by the groups.
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Web Posted - Monday August 8, 2011
When Steel Talks

On-Time Steelband Launch - A welcome rarity
 

Taking care of steelband business:  Wayne Bernard, Anne Aspilaire and Matthew BascombeNew York, USA - In a climate where the normal mindset of ‘Any time is Trinidad time’ permeates the annual steelband launch culture, Pantonic “brought it” last Saturday evening and proved that this does not have to be the case. Showtime was advertised to begin at 9:00 p.m. And Pantonic Steel Orchestra was true to their word, and respectful. Showtime it was - and at the stipulated time.

When the opportunity presented itself, Pantonic’s president Glenda Gamory looked very pleased as she mingled with attendees, enjoying the fruits of all the efforts she and others put in behind the scene to get the band’s annual launch underway; at other times, she was happily ensconced in the refreshments area tending to patrons.
read more


Web Posted - Thursday August 4, 2011
When Steel Talks

August 4 - The ‘Pan Buzz’ to date:  Time to Re-dedicate Ourselves...
 

Pan Buzz iconTrinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Yet another Steelband Month has rolled around. Today I want to beg steelband lovers everywhere to support the Pan like never before. Support Pan Trinbago and other promoters’ Pan events; not only this month but throughout the year.

If you ask me why the Pan Buzz likes Steelband Month; it is because it offers us the opportunity to rock back and take stock of our attitude towards the Pan and the Panman. ....The Pan has not truly been liberated; there is still a struggle on, but only in Trinidad and Tobago; and not the wider world, that is increasingly looking to Pan and its financial benefits.

We in Trinbago are bumping our gums and behaving like beh behs (imbeciles); sometimes I feel we don’t know better. There is a constant battle with Panmen and deejays at events, and those who feel the Pan is still - and forever will be - a noisy instrument.
read more


Web Posted - Thursday August 4, 2011
When Steel Talks

Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra 2011 Antigua’s Panorama Champion Arranger Khan Cordice - Up-close!
 

Ace Steelband music arranger Khan CordiceGlobal - In an arena where many have tried, but very few are successful, Khan Cordice has thrived. At twenty-one years old, he is young, bright, gifted, articulate, intelligent, charismatic, driven, immensely talented - and humble... In addition, he is one of the best steelband panorama music arrangers in the world. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, the arranger for the legendary Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, musician Khan Cordice, shares his thoughts on his victorious participation in the recent Antigua & Barbuda national panorama, his passion for his country’s steelband movement, more.
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Web Posted - Tuesday August 2, 2011
When Steel Talks

Sonatas Sports Day - Mad Fun Generated by New York Steelpan Music Organizations

Potato Sack racing at Sonatas Steel Orchestra's Second Annual Sports Day
 

New York, USA - Competitive juices flowed on a summery hot Saturday afternoon - the last in July - as members of various steelband music powerhouses came in a determined but jovial and energetic mood to the ‘premises’ of Sonatas Steel Orchestra. But most obvious among all was a passion for total fun - present in very large measure at the second Annual Sports Day organized by defending steelband panorama champions, Sonatas.

The 2010 edition of the event had met with success and generated bragging rights for an entire year, so there was much eagerness on the part of many participants to turn the tables, so to speak. Good-natured ribbing and teamwork upped the ante as the competitors, bolstered by an ample supply of “fuel” in the form of ice cold water, juices, energy drinks and sodas (with optional delicious hot dogs and hamburgers available) - gave miscellaneous sporting activities their best shots from the early afternoon into evening hours.
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Web Posted - Tuesday August 2, 2011
When Steel Talks

Sports Day & Sun with hosts Sonatas
 

Nyana Price (r), one of the event’s coordinators, with band mate Natasha Isaac, (l)New York, USA - Although the games for Sonatas’ second Annual Sports Day began a little late, it was definitely a good day. Last year, Despers USA came strong and conquered the basketball games, but this year Sonatas came back with a vengeance. Blowing out Despers 16-1 and Pantonic 16-9, there was no stopping Sonatas this time!

An all-round favorite, the 3-legged apple-bobbing, was again a big hit.
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Web Posted - Tuesday August 2, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Express

Future arrangers tune up

ALL EARS: A cross-section of participants listen attentively to facilitator Michelle Huggins-Watts at the bpTT-sponsored Panorama Arranging workshop at St Augustine Secondary School
 

Trinidad & Tobago. W.I. - A new generation of music arrangers is expected to enter the exciting world of Panorama competition in the near future. This conclusion is certainly valid, judging by the infectious enthusiasm and aptitude demonstrated by young music students and teachers who have completed an intensive three-week workshop in 'Panorama Arranging'.

Organised by the Pan-in-Schools Coordinating Council (PSCC) and fully sponsored by energy company bpTT, the workshop involved 30 music students and teachers with ambitions to eventually arrange tunes for the popular Panorama steelband competition.

At the daily sessions at the St Augustine Secondary School, the aspiring arrangers demonstrated keen interest, as facilitator Michelle Huggins-Watts, a qualified music teacher and championship winning Panorama arranger with Valley Harps Steel Orchestra, re-emphasised the fundamentals of the workshop.
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Web Posted - Monday August 1, 2011
When Steel Talks

Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, Khan Cordice, return to Win 2011 Antigua-Barbuda National Panorama
 

Hell's GateSt. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda - Antigua & Barbuda is the only country in the world where a sitting Prime Minster can be seen pulling or pushing a pan rack filled with steelpan instruments onto and off the stage during a national panorama contest. This was again the circumstance during this year’s event. This Prime Minister - The Honourable Winston Baldwin Spencer - knows Pan!

....The world-renowned Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra took the much sought-after 2011 Antigua and Barbuda national panorama crown with their rendition of calypso great Rupert Mighty Swallow Philo’s “Satan Coming Down.” The song was arranged by the young steelpan music standout Khan Cordice.
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When Steel Talks

When Steel Talks Steelband Music Message Board is Open
on the Ning Network

Some of the most important, controversial, thought-provoking and enlightening discussions on the steelpan instrument, music and culture worldwide, have taken place over the years on the When Steel Talks “Message board.”  Considered by many to be a lightening-rod for change in the steelpan music community, the WST message board  has provided a means unlike any for steelpan enthusiasts to share information and communicate ideas.

Windows MSN Groups has informed us that they are shutting down their groups service as of February 21, 2009.  You can now find the When Steel Talks Group at whensteeltalks.ning.com/forum 
We look forward to you joining us.

 

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