Straight Out of Louisiana - Rhythm and Blues Steel Panist
Gregory Boyd - Up close!
In
an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks,
singer and steelpanist,
Gregory Boyd - a product of his rich musical heritage and history
- takes us through his unusual journey with the steelpan
instrument to his present-day new release “Transformation”
and his upcoming New York engagement. Rock, Funk, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues
and lots of soul - it’s all Gregory Boyd
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.
Like
fellow
panists Garvin Blake,
Andy
Narell and Jonathan Scales, Boyd has
unapologetically redefined the boundaries and expectations for the steelpan instrument and performing artist. This is simply Gregory Boyd’s music and he
is real good. He can take you to the far left, far right, or straight up the middle; it's all good to him
and
great
for us.
