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December
2011
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BASEMENT
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The Business of Steelpan Music 24 -7
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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.
click to listen
|
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WST
YouTube Channel
|
|
Pan in New York CD and DVD
available
here
|
“CD Samples”
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.
read more
|
Simply one
of the greatest steelband recordings to
date!
A collector’s item...
[ PANTONIC + BASEMENT
+ BRADLEY ] x 4 =
MASTERPIECE
- Clive Bradley the Master
at Work -
Very Sweet Pan Music
Get Your Copy Now
click - limited copies available >>
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Join
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When Steel Talks family!
Get your When Steel Talks
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When Steel
Talks
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WST’s Official Steelpan Music
Shop
Order Now!
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order now
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Web Posted
- Saturday December 31,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
The Year in Pan - 2011 in
Review
|
Global
- There were many highlights,
high points, low points and things that were
straight up strange in the realm of Pan in 2011.
Pepe Francis, director of Ebony Steelband Trust
and chairman of the BAS received MBE honors for
services to Steel Pan Music. The theme of the
year was 'Do Something for Pan,' the charge led
by none other than the legendary Len “Boogsie”
Sharpe. And J'Ouvert in New York was again a
steelband paradise.
....We lost some great
warriors, titans, giants and beautiful souls.
read more
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Web Posted
- Saturday December 31,
2011
When Steel Talks
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Remembering Ralph
by Etienne Charles
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Global
-
....I first met Ralph in Trinidad on Carnival
Tuesday in the late 90’s while he was jumping
with Phase II, the band in which I was playing
(even though he was a die-hard Desperadoes fan).
He hopped up on the float and started playing
congas, grooving hard. We next met in November
2005 when I was playing in Stamford, Connecticut
with Roberta Flack.
....July 4th at
Ralph’s was something to look forward to every
year. Seeing the family grow, the musicians
who’d show up, swimming in the pool, the food,
the music, basketball with Anthony and Teebs,
they all added to the good times.
....One thing is
certain……Heaven just got a LOT funkier. I’m sure
he’s up there now making heavenly sounds out of
two spoons, chilling out in a white t-shirt,
shorts, a baseball cap and of course his crocs
(with socks) making the angels jam on the
groove.
read more
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Web Posted
- Saturday December
31,
2011
When Steel Talks
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Song for Panorama 2012
“Pan Victory”
sung by Mickiel
Gabriel
composed by Mickiel Gabriel & Gerelle Forbes
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Global
- Mickiel is currently
completing the Music Certificate program at the
University of the West Indies and though he is
known for his steelband arranging capabilities,
it is not odd to find him on a stage singing.
For the 2012 Panorama season, he is performing
‘triple duty’ as arranger, composer and vocalist
with Pan Victory. It is the tune of
choice of the band for which he is arranging,
defending Junior National Panorama champs
Success Stars Pan Sounds of Laventille in the
2012 competition. Colleague Gerelle Forbes
penned the lyrics.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
- Saturday December
31,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Song for Panorama 2012
“Hush Yah Mouth”
sung &
composed by Miguel Reyes
|
Global
- Composer and steelpan
musician Miguel Reyes has again brought forth
much music for the 2012 Panorama season,
including Hush Yah Mouth, featured here.
He has already released Earthquake, Pan Away
and Lockdown. Two years ago
Miguel delivered his first full CD called
“Panorama Fest 2010” which boasted tracks - with
all the content composed, written, arranged and
produced by him - Pan Injustice and De Last
Band.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
- Friday December
30,
2011
When Steel Talks
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Song for Panorama 2012
“Vibes Cyah Done”
sung by Machel
Montano
composed by Full Blown Entertainment, Machel
Montano & Kasey Phillips
|
Global
- Machel Montano has released
several already popular songs in anticipation of
the 2012 Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago, and
international year-round carnival-related
festivities and events. This track “Vibes Cyah
Done” is not only a download and fete favorite,
but has also been selected as the ‘Tune of
Choice’ for the annual national steelband
Panorama by The Codrington Pan Family. It
will be arranged by Cary, Khari and Keisha
Codrington for the competition.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
- Friday December
30,
2011
When Steel Talks
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Song for Panorama 2012
“Cyah Stop Moving”
sung &
composed by Terri Lyons
|
Global
- This great track -
guaranteed to keep you moving - is written and
performed by the very talented and lovely Terri
Lyons, and produced by the versatile producer
and himself an award-winning performer, Kernal
Roberts, son of the late legendary Aldwyn “Lord
Kitchener” Roberts.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
- Wednesday December
28,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Song for Panorama 2012
“Lockdown”
sung &
composed by Miguel Reyes
|
Global
- Currently residing in New
York, about two years ago composer and panist
Miguel released his first full CD called
“Panorama Fest 2010.” All the content was
composed, written, arranged and produced by him.
Two of the tracks were Pan Injustice and
De Last Band.
This competent musician is
once again in the musical spotlight with several tracks
including this one, Lockdown, for the 2012
Panorama season.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
- Monday December 26,
2011
Trinidad &
Tobago Guardian
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BP Renegades go after
10th Panorama victory
|
Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. -
Ninth-time Panorama champions BP Renegades have
taken a jump start ahead of their rivals in
their quest to capture their elusive tenth
championship title in the competition. The only
band to score a hat-trick of victories in the
high-octane Panorama arena, Renegades have
chosen the composition Vibes, sung by soca diva
Destra Garcia, as their selection for Carnival
2011. The band has turned inwards for its
arranging talents from member Duvone Stewart,
who will be arranging a tune for the challenging
competition for the first time. Serious practice
starts on January 3, after officials and members
have thrown off the distractions of the yuletide
season. On December 9, BP Renegades jumped into
the swing of Carnival with the official launch
of its mas band at its pan theatre at
Observatory Street, Port-of-Spain.
read more
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Web Posted
- Monday December 26,
2011
Trinidad &
Tobago Guardian
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Desperadoes conquers
Nigeria
|
Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. -
Based on reports, Witco Desperadoes made
Trinidad and Tobago proud with its recent
concert tour of Nigeria. The Laventille
steelband returned home a fortnight ago. The
19-member delegation comprised Pan Trinbago
Central Executive members, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe,
Ken “Professor” Philmore, Nigeria/Trinidad and
Tobago Chamber co-chair Ladi Franklyn, and a
compliment of players from Desperadoes, to
participate in Abuja Carnival. Made possible
through the commitment of the Ministry of Arts
and Multiculturalism of Trinidad and Tobago,
this visit was an historic one as it marked the
first time that T&T accepted an offer from the
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National
Orientation of Nigeria to participate in the
carnival.
read more
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Web Posted
- Sunday December 25,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
’Twas the night before J’Ouvert....
|
’twas
the night before J’Ouvert....
. . . and all
through the yard,
no bomb tune was missing, no arrangement too
hard.
The racks and the pans were made ready with
care,
In hopes that St. Bradley soon would be there.
The panmen were
nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of road march danced in their
heads.
Moms in her paint, and I feelin’ fine
had gone out a road for a jump and a wine.
read more
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Web Posted
- Sunday December 24,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Musical Tributes
Celebrate the Life of Ralph MacDonald
|
Global
-
Many came to celebrate and pay homage to the
vibrant life and achievements of Grammy-winner
and steelband enthusiast Ralph MacDonald, at the
historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem,
USA. The steelpan music fraternity was well
represented at his send off, which included a
farewell serenade by ace steelpan musician
Robert Greenidge as part of the musical tributes
offered at the service.
Beginning a little after
10:00 a.m. MacDonald was honored through music,
the spoken word and with the presence of the
likes of Grammy award winner Roberta Flack,
bassist Will Lee (David Letterman Show),
vocalist Dennis Collins, jazz flutist Bobbi
Humphrey, Etienne Charles, record exec Jerome
Gasper and so many others.
read more
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Web Posted
- Thursday December 22,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Steelpan Music Concerts Chime in
on the Holiday Season in New York
|
New York
-
Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace and Mecca for the steelpan music instrument but New York continues to plant the seeds for present and future greatness, in addition to maintaining its past legacy for distinction. Bringing up the rear or coming in second is simply not part of New York’s DNA. With the holiday season upon us and the New Year of 2012 knocking at the door, it was lights, cameras and action in the Big Apple with a flare that only the city that calls “Broadway” home can produce. Jack Frost may have been nipping at the nose but that didn’t phase these performers and musicians - it was Steel Pan in New York. From half-pint seven year olds to two-tailed tux veterans, educators and professors - steelpan music on the grand stage was in full effect and second to none.
Four consecutive nights of a silver plate full of great steelpan music treats, entertainment and theatre on a very high level blanketed the NYC landscape. The old musicians and Broadway adage “Let Me Entertain You” was never more alive.
read more
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Web Posted
- Monday December 19,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
WITCO Desperadoes Steel
Orchestra Mourns the Passing of Ralph MacDonald
|
Global
-
WITCO Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, and by
extension Pan Trinbago Inc. T.C., mourns the
passing of Ralph MacDonald on the morning of
Sunday December 18 in Connecticut, USA, at age
67 after a battle with lung cancer.
....many patrons attending
the annual National Panorama competition in
Trinidad would catch a glimpse of Ralph on stage
at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, on
congas in WITCO Desperadoes’ engine room.
read more
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Web Posted
- Monday December 19,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Song for Panorama 2012
“No Bull”
sung by Steve Sealy
composed by Brian “Bean” Griffith
|
Global
- Griffith
(pictured) maintains that
“Panorama is a cultural event that cannot really
be judged; judges have a duty to remain focused,
respect every artistic expression and not just
scribble any score when the performance is
over.” He believes that judges should spend more
time visiting yards prior to the competition, to
respect the hard work and dedication of the
musicians who spend countless hours preparing
their compositions on steel. Clearly not one to
pull any punches, “Bean” is laying it all out in
this no-nonsense track, No Bull.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
- Sunday December 18,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Legendary Grammy
Award-winning songwriter & percussionist Ralph
MacDonald has passed
|
Global
- It is incredibly sad to learn of
Ralph MacDonald’s passing in the early hours of
this morning (December 18, 2011)!! When
Steel Talks extends our sincere condolences to
the family and friends of Ralph. He was a true
friend, fan and ardent supporter of When Steel
Talks and Pan.
Ralph’s music is
world-renowned; he is the co-composer of such
hits as Just The Two Of Us (Bill Withers),
Where Is The Love (Roberta Flack & Donny
Hathaway) and Calypso Breakdown from the
Saturday Night Fever soundtrack - to name but a
few.
Together with ace steelpan
artist Robert Greenidge, Ralph was a visual and
dynamic driving percussive force with the iconic
Jimmy Buffet band.
original post
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|
Web Posted
- Sunday December 18,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Ralph MacDonald:
His “Mixty Motions” Revealed
- The Epic Interview
|
Global
- Percussionist Ralph MacDonald
was visual and sometimes quietly intense but always expressive, and
was an embodiment of unique island and conventional percussive rhythms.
The When Steel Talks (WST) crew was privileged to sit down with the dynamic musician in his Stamford, Connecticut home and preview
Mixty Motions, which had been his newest CD
- before its release.
MacDonald did a lot of interviews, but only here with WST, in addition to the detailed look at
Mixty Motions, does the world get the inside scoop on his full relationship with the steelpan, and his intimate connection with what is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, and hear him proudly proclaim that his favorite orchestra is the mighty Desperadoes Steel Orchestra nestled in the hills of Laventille...
click
for interview
|
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Web Posted
- Sunday December 18,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Song for Panorama 2012
“Contract”
sung by Edwin “Crazy”
Ayoung
composed by Clive Zanda & Roger Banfield
|
Global
- Calypsonian Edwin “Crazy”
Ayoung whose home is in California on the USA’s
west coast, makes frequent trips back to the
land of his birth, Trinidad & Tobago. As is the
norm, he lends his vocals to several tracks for
the annual steelband panorama season, and 2012
is no different. The latest in a bevy of tunes
sung by “Crazy” is this Clive Zanda composition
looking out for the interests of the ‘panman,’
aptly called Contract.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
- Wednesday December 14,
2011
Trinidad &
Tobago Guardian
|
bpTT helps young people
find future of pan
|
Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. -
Sweet steelpan music flowed through the halls of
Crowne Plaza as young musicians demonstrated
their confidence and capabilities at the
graduation ceremony for vacation workshops in
music sponsored by energy company BP Trinidad
and Tobago (bpTT). Administered by the Pan in
Schools Coordinating Council (PSCC), the
workshops provided in-depth tutelage from highly
qualified tutors in the areas of music
composition, panorama arranging and pan playing
techniques to over 80 participants.
....The music workshops
exposed participants to skills training
including music software, exploring and
manipulating chord progressions and voicing to
achieve different moods for musical phrases,
motifs and compositions. One of the biggest
advantages was that students developed a
composition portfolio that will be used as part
of their music studies for examinations. The
workshops also sought to expand understanding of
the steelpan as a dynamic instrument.
read more
|
Web Posted
- Tuesday December 13,
2011
Yale News
|
Yale and Co-Op High
students collaborate on ‘hip-hopera’
Initial score in
part
by steelpan artist Andy Akiho
|
Connecticut, USA
-
Students at New Haven’s Cooperative Arts &
Humanities Magnet High School will present the
world premiere of “Broken Chains: A Gospel Hip-Hopera,”
a musical written and composed by Yale graduate
students, on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 21 and
22.
The production of “Broken
Chains” — a hip-hop rendition of the life of St.
Peter — is the most recent outgrowth of a
longstanding partnership between Yale and Co-op
High School.
Graduate student Patrick Gray
wrote the libretto for “Broken Chains.” Steel
Pan virtuoso and Yale composition student Andy
Akiho composed the initial score for several of
the main songs. Last spring, the Co-Op High
School choir premiered three pieces from the
musical, accompanied by a jazz quartet from the
Yale School of Music.
....Co-op After School
provided the 20 custom-made steel pans used in
the show. The steel pan...is a particularly apt
instrument for a play about “ideological
oppression and non-violent resistance,” say the
play’s organizers. Co-Op After School
commissioned a steel pan master in Trinidad to
make the instruments for the high school’s
brand-new steel band, which supplies most of the
musical accompaniment for the gospel hip-hopera.
read more
|
Web Posted
- Tuesday December 13,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Song for Panorama 2012
“Chips’ Melody”
sung by “Squid”
composed by Antonio “Squid” Forbes & Jacquie Levine
|
Global
- Antonio “Squid” Forbes is
the son of Hector “Tack” Forbes, one of the
founding members of New York’s Sonatas Steel
Orchestra. Antonio played Pan with Sonatas in
Brooklyn from 1984 until 2004 where he developed
his skills as a panist and acquired arranging
skills under Ken “Professor” Philmore.
For the 2012 Panorama season,
Forbes has returned with this stimulating piece,
Chips’ Melody, dedicated to the memory of
one of Sonatas’ founding members Rodnick “Choko”
Stevens, and also to Antonio’s late brother
in-law Kevin “Pappy” Roberts. It embodies all
the jubilance both men possessed.
click to hear song
|
|
Web Posted
- Monday December 12,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Song for Panorama 2012
“Earthquake”
sung &
composed by Miguel Reyes
|
Global
- Composer and panist Miguel
Reyes, who shares the same hometown with the
late Aldwyn Roberts aka Lord Kitchener, is from
Arima in east Trinidad. And like Kitchener,
Miguel - the last son of Elma Reyes - is also
deeply involved with the culture of Trinidad and
Tobago. A competent musician, Miguel Reyes is
once again in the musical spotlight, showcasing
this track, Earthquake, for the 2012
Panorama season.
click to hear song
|
|
Web Posted
- Sunday December 11,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Song for Panorama 2012
“De Player”
sung by Destra
composed by M. Loquan, K. Philmore, D.
Garcia
|
Global
- With her lyrics (and
vocals), Destra has put her own spin on a
familiar topic of someone playing the field
while in a relationship, but the ‘player’ is
getting some sound warnings. It may touch a
nerve within the Trini psyche.
For 2012 the music team of
Mark Loquan, Ken Philmore and Destra
Garcia is together again. “De Player” is
one of the tracks they have worked on, and is
arranged and produced by Junior “Ibo” Joseph.
click to hear song
|
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Web Posted
- Sunday December 11,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Song for Panorama 2012
“Pan Away”
sung &
composed by Miguel Reyes
|
Global
- Recognition in his homeland
came Miguel’s way in 2009 when his acclaimed
‘pan tune’ Bandoleros - vocalized by Tunapuna
Scanty - was performed in competition by steel
orchestras at Trinidad & Tobago’s famed national
steelband Panorama.
Once again Miguel Reyes
brings forth music, and for the 2012 Panorama
season unveils Pan Away, featured here.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
- Saturday December 10,
2011
The Herald-News
|
The sounds of the world
|
Illinois,
USA
- “What makes this band
unique is that it’s a full concert in a full
CD,” said Ferraris, who teaches string and
electric bass. “It’s all original music, and
that is hard to come by, especially music
written at this sophisticated level.”
Callaloo is a steel-pan combo
that incorporates world music from the
Caribbean, Brazil, Cuba, the Middle East and
Africa along with Latin jazz, progressive rock
and Jamaican styles.
“Callaloo,” for Trinidadians
means “a mixed dish.” The steel drums, the
group’s main melodic instrument, originated from
Trinidad.
“We were at a percussion
convention a few years ago and a lady from
Trinidad was listening to our music and she
said, ‘You guys are like Callaloo,’” said
Peeples, a music lecturer and percussion
instructor. “That is the story on our name.”
read more
|
Web Posted
- Saturday December 10,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Song for Panorama 2012
“Only One Trinbago”
sung by Gene Toney
S. Reid, W. Devine & B. Reid
|
Global
- Born in South East London,
Steve Reid has
been involved in Pan, both as a player and as a
band director for more than twenty-two years.
Reid wrote this song after
visiting Trinidad and Tobago in 2008, the
homeland of wife Bernadette. It was his first
visit to this island paradise, which left an
impression on him that there is, Only One
Trinbago.
click to hear song
|
|
Web Posted
- Friday December 9,
2011
The Daily Iowan
|
Iowa Percussion to hold
holiday show
|
Iowa, USA -
After an intense November concert series, Iowa Percussion will
welcome the holidays with a percussion pops performance featuring
songs of the season.
Iowa Percussion and the PanAmerican Steel will
perform a free show at 7:30 p.m. today in the Englert Theatre, 221
E. Washington St.
...."Nothing creates a festive mood better than
percussion instruments," he said. "We use steel drums, marimbas,
bells, xylophones, drums, steel pans [from the Caribbean] and all
sorts of percussion instruments to create a range of interesting
musical styles."
....One of the musicians who will perform is Dubuque
native Christine Augspurger, an undergraduate percussionist in her
fifth year at the university.
She said there are three different ensembles
playing in the performance. Aside from the PanAmerican band, Steel
Band II and Steel Band III will perform as well.
read more
|
Web Posted
- Friday December 9,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Hanging with Steel Panist
Extraordinaire Emmanuel “Jack” Riley
|
Tobago,
W.I.
- We are at Scott’s Holiday
Apartments, in Mt. Pleasant, Tobago [for Pazzaz, the Pan Jazz show
held earlier this year on April 29 in Tobago]: panist Jason
“Peanuts” Isaac, Fitzroy “Poporoy” Henry, Riley and myself, Keith
Anderson. Riley is a man on the move. He announces he will have his
morning coffee. Foolish me, thinking it’s Nescafe, is taken aback
when Riley opens the Hennessy brandy and in one gulp it is
destroyed.
He is not warm towards me, so I sit quietly. I
was told: Don’t call him “Cobo Jack.”
read more
|
|
Web Posted
- Thursday December 8,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
December 8 - The
‘Pan Buzz’ to date: “Gypsy” Must
Account
|
Global
- After much deliberation by our judges’ panel,
and endless gulps of black coffee, it is my
pleasure to present the Pan Buzz Awards 2011.
First let me thank all those who sent in
nominations.
....Duvone Stewart (bptt Renegades), Seńor
Seion Gomez has stepped into the big league on
Pan. Seion campaigned in the Second Division of
pan (Medium category), but has now been given
the tough assignment with the Solo Harmonites.
read more
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Web Posted
- Thursday December 8,
2011
Trinidad &
Tobago Newsday
|
United Way holds annual
Christmas concert
|
Trinidad & Tobago,
W.I. - Sunday,
November 27 was the date, the venue the Hyatt
Regency Ballroom, the event United Way of
Trinidad and Tobago eighth Annual Christmas
Concert billed as “Carols and Classics on Steel”
— although it wasn't. But of that, more, later.
....For this member of the
audience the highlight of the first part of the
programme was the Bridge of Hope Pantastic
Messengers Steel Orchestra playing (if my
programme did not deceive) “Every year, every
Christmas”, “Laughing Children” and the one and
only true carol performed from start to finish
of this Christmas concert, “Come all ye
faithful” — and from the sublime to, well,
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”.
....After the excitement of
the draw Desperadoes Steel Orchestra took over
the entertainment with “Love is a Many
Splendoured Thing”, “Let the Music Play” and
“Love’s Theme”. The programme promised a medley
of Christmas Music, but my notes are silent on
that subject, however, I do remember and
thoroughly enjoyed Despers’ spirited rendering
of the “Can-Can” from “Orpheus in the
Underworld” by Offenbach – the one and only
classic performed in this concert.
read more
|
Web Posted
- Wednesday December 7,
2011
When Steel Talks
|
Song for Panorama 2012
“Let Pan Reign”
sung by TC Brown
composed by Amrit Samaroo & TC Brown
|
Global
- For the 2012 steelband
panorama season, Amrit Samaroo has teamed up
with respected St. Lucian soca star TC Brown to
bring us Let Pan Reign. Formally introduced to
each other by the Pantime Steel Orchestra,
Samaroo’s melody came together perfectly with
Brown’s contemplative yet vivacious lyrics.
“Never before have I clicked
so easily with a writer as I did with TC,”
Samaroo explains. “He got the idea of the piece
before we even spoke.”
click to hear song
|
|
Web Posted
- Wednesday December 7,
2011
The Comet
|
Hours of Practice Bonds
Steel Drum Band Like Family
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Maryland,
USA - I remember back in freshman
year when I went to my first CHS Steel Drum Band concert. I thought
it was really cool because I had never really heard anything like a
steel drum before except for the small musical section in The Little
Mermaid. Sometimes when I walk down the hallways after school, I can
hear the tinny sounds of the drums following me.
I wanted to know why CHS has a Steel Drum band when my old school
didn’t, so I decided to investigate. It turns out that once upon a
time, Jim Wharton, the music department chair and teacher of the
band and orchestra, went to a Steel Drum band concert.
“I thought it was such a neat sound that I wanted it for my
students, so I attended a world music concert and I made some
connections to get some drums to start a group here,” Mr. Wharton
said.
He also said “it was quite an experience learning to do that. I
attended some workshops, and one of the men there was Elli Mannette,
who was one of the men who made some of the first modern steel
drums.” And thus, the Catonsville High School Steel Drum Band was
born.
read more
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Web Posted
- Wednesday December 7,
2011
When Steel Talks
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Song for Panorama 2012
“Voodoo Woman”
sung by “Designer”
composed by Cris & Alston Jack
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Global
- Previous years’
collaborations between Keith “Designer” Prescott
and Alston Jack and family produced Time
(2010) and Bamboo Man (2011). Together
again for 2012, the track Voodoo Woman
continues the working relationship. Veteran
singer Debbie Haynes accompanies Designer.
Alston Jack, a native from the isle of Tobago,
has been passionate about the steeldrum since he
was 9 years old, when he became a member of the
Tobago All Stars Steel Orchestra.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
- Tuesday December 6,
2011
When Steel Talks
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Song for Panorama 2012
“Steel Pan Melody”
sung by “Choklet”
composed by Hayden Lynch & Elva King
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Global
- Hayden Lynch hails from
Trinidad W.I, where he was born in 1957 in the
village of Tunapuna, east Trinidad. At age five
he started to play Pan on an old tenor pan in
his back yard.
In 1990 he migrated to the
USA and continued playing pan with ADLIB and
Despers USA.
Steel Pan Melody is his third
song with Elva “Choklet” King. In 2008 she sang
Musical
Invention, 2011 - Children You Must Love Your
Mother and for 2012, this track, Steel Pan
Melody.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
- Monday December 5,
2011
When Steel Talks
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NBC’s Sing Off Christmas
Special “OK” - But America is Still Singing the
Afro Blues
NBC takes it where
it hurts for Judges’ snafu - Panorama, take note
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New
York, USA
-
According to TV Guide, the November 28 two-hour
finale of “The Sing-Off” plummeted 37 percent in
the coveted demo from a year ago - and lost some
20 percent in viewership. No surprise there. You
don’t have to be a brain surgeon to figure this
one out. Once Afro Blue was eliminated by the
judges a week before finals - it was good night!
Folks always want to see the best against the
best.
....this evening’s Christmas
show was okay and enjoyable. It featured past
Sing Off champions from season one and two -
Nota and Committed, along with this season’s
champion Pentatonix. Other groups also
participated.
On the joint performance of
the classic “Ooh Child” by Afro Blue and
Committed, judge Ben FoldsŹ’ comments - “I think
everyone, not even so secretly, looks up to you
two groups as the standard. You guys are
absolutely amazing.” A severe case of too
little, too late - you think?
read more
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Web Posted
- Monday December 5,
2011
The Daily Campus
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Drums with 55-gallon
voices
Steel Pan Ensemble
provides percussionist perspective on classic
albums and pieces
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Connecticut, USA
-
The UConn Steel Pan Ensemble put on a show at
Von der Mehden recital hall Sunday evening. The
ensemble, consisting of 17 undergraduate
students, and directed by Robert Stephens,
performed seven pieces reflecting a variety of
musical styles and cultures. The set included
"Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," originally composed and
released by The Beatles on their 1968 album of
the same name. Also performed was "Jump For
Joy," a song reflecting the genre of SoCa, a
cross between Soul and Calypso; originally
composed by Austin Lyons and Rowans Lewis.
Other pieces included
"Meditation on an African Groove," "Cha Cha
Sandwich," "Morning Dances," "Bees Melody" and
"Mule." All songs were arranged to be performed
on the ensemble's unique combination of
instruments; including not only Steel Pan drums,
but keyboard, cello, guitar and bass.
read more
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Web Posted
- Sunday December 4,
2011
When Steel Talks
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Song for Panorama 2012
“Road Recipe”
sung by Garth David
composed by Perry Martin
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Global
- What do veteran calypso
artist Garth David and fine wine have in common?
Like fine wine, Garth gets better and sweeter
with time. Garth’s musical “brew” was concocted
in 1978 when he launched his career as a
vocalist. For the past 20 years he has been
patient; “maxing and relaxing” and waiting for
the right time to pop the cork off his career.
....Currently, Garth is the
lead singer with The Brass Circle, led by soca
pioneer Ed Watson. He is also a lead vocalist
with Clarence Curvan and currently plays with
Hometown Squad, New York. he lends his
vocals to this Perry Martin composition, Road
Recipe.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
- Saturday December 3,
2011
Herald Star
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Christmas concert Dec. 9
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Steubenville, Ohio,
USA -
From the sacred to traditional to calypso,
everyone will enjoy the spirit of the holidays,
a spokesman said, when the Catholic Central High
School concert band and choir, Bishop Mussio
Junior High School band and choir and the CCHS
steel drum band present their annual Christmas
concert on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Lanman Hall in
Steubenville.
According to Chris Simmons, CCHS band and choir
director, "The high school concert choir will
perform works from multiple genres, spanning
acapella jazz, classical and contemporary."
read more
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Web Posted
- Friday December 2,
2011
Yorkshire
Evening Post
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Tribute to Leeds arts
pioneer
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Yorkshire,
England - Plans are being
made to commemorate an “irreplaceable” pioneer
of the arts in Leeds.
A Christmas concert in
Chapeltown is to be dedicated to the memory of
theatre director, writer and teacher
Geraldine
Connor, who died unexpectedly in October.
The 59-year old, best known
for her world-renowned production Carnival
Messiah, suffered a heart attack.
....The Chapeltown New World
Steel Orchestra’s Christmas Concert, with a
Caribbean twist, is to be held at the Leeds West
Indian Centre on Sunday, December 18.
The event will be dedicated
to Geraldine’s memory and is expected to be a
sell out.
Concert organiser Arthur
France, a life-long friend of Geraldine, who
lived in Harewood, said: “We are performing the
concert this year in Geraldine’s memory. She
really is totally irreplaceable.
read more
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Web Posted
- Friday December 2,
2011
Trinidad &
Tobago Newsday
|
‘True Trini Christmas’
with Ray Holman
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Trinidad & Tobago,
W.I. - Ray Holman,
esteemed composer, arranger and pan player is
bringing back the old time days with his first
annual Christmas 2011 musical presentation, “A
True Trini Christmas” on Thursday December 8 at
6.30 pm at the newly remodelled Little Carib
Theatre.
He says, “This show is being billed as a “True
Trini Christmas Show”, therefore patrons can
expect to hear all genres of Christmas music
that we Trinis enjoy hearing at Christmas time.”
He added that patrons will be treated to an
evening filled with parang and Christmas Carols
as the musical journey will be filled with
traditional favourites, as well as some recent
Christmas compositions by him.
....Holman said of his first
annual concert, “I am very excited about this
Christmas project which allows me to share with
the public the Christmas music that we all love.
I will be introducing Christmas compositions of
my own which will be sung by some of my special
guests.”
read more
then
discuss here
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Web Posted
- Friday December 2,
2011
When Steel Talks
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Song for Panorama 2012
“This is Bacchanal”
sung by Eunice
Peters
composed by Edwin Pouchet & Alvin Daniell
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Global
- This is Bacchanal
features Eunice Peters on vocals, at work on a
track featuring music by Edwin
Pouchet and lyrics by Alvin Daniell.
Eunice has been singing songs
for the Pan since 1999 and has established
herself as one of the top female singers in this
area. Her list of songs include Colours,
House of Music (the theme of Starlift’s
Panyard); Pure Party (the winning
selection of Silver Stars in the Medium Category
2004) and more.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
- Thursday December 1,
2011
When Steel Talks
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December 1 - The
‘Pan Buzz’ to date: “Gypsy” Must
Account
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Global
- I hope Pan people are looking at what the
Trinidad & Tobago Minister of Culture, Winston
“Gypsy” Peters, is doing with taxpayers’ money.
Is he giving it away to friends and family?
Winston “Gypsy” Peters must tell John and Jane
Public why he is getting down on Pan people, and
financing - to the tune of $1.2 million dollars
- his son Colin Jackman’s misadventures with
soca. The recent International Soca (substitute
‘Comedy’) Awards was a disaster.
read more
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Web Posted
- Thursday December 1,
2011
When Steel Talks
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Song for Panorama 2012
“Gie Dem Tempo”
sung by Denyse
Plummer
composed by Edwin Pouchet & Alvin Daniell
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Global
- Gie Dem Tempo
showcases music from champion arranger and
Silver Stars Steel Orchestra leader Edwin
Pouchet. Edwin grew up in pan, hearing pan
morning, noon and night. His bigger brother
Junior Pouchet was synonymous with the band
Silver Stars.
Lyrics for his compositions
have been written by Alvin Daniell. Denyse
Plummer vocalizes this track.
click to hear song
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Web Posted
When Steel Talks -
Special
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Champion Panorama Tunes
of Trinidad and Tobago
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Global
- A critical component
to winning any panorama competition is the song
the orchestras choose to use as the basis of their
panorama arrangements. Over the years these songs
have inspired classic panorama arrangements. When
Steel Talks invites you to take a look at and listen
to, these famed tunes which have played more than
just a cursory part in the history of Pan, and the
lives of the players and fans.
click to hear and/or view
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Web Posted
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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When Steel Talks
T-Shirts are Here!
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Global
- When Steel
Talks (WST) T-Shirts are available!
Join the When Steel Talks family
and show your love for the Steelpan
art form! For USD $14.00 plus
shipping and handling, make sure you
have your WST T-Shirt! Current
available colors are: Black and
Red in sizes Small (S) through X-large
(XL). Order now!
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