Jazz Back In Harlem -
A Steelpan Affair
The Garvin Blake Quintet at the Uptown Renaissance Restaurant
In Review

Harlem, New York - In the stomping grounds of where just one name of the jazz greats are needed - i.e. Bird, Max, Miles, Coltrane, Dizzy, Basie and Duke among others - Garvin Blake and his quintet brought us back to an era when jazz and blues reigned supreme uptown, in Harlem.  The group is also known as the Garvin Blake Ensemble, and Garvin Blake and Friends.  The much-anticipated gig has been the buzz of the town the last few days as NYC jazz fans scurried to get advance tickets to the show.

Sunday's Pan Jazz event at the restaurant was completely sold-out.   The Uptown crowd at the Renaissance Restaurant was not disappointed.  Garvin Blake and his complement of stellar musicians (Frankie McIntosh, Damon Duewhite, Calvin Jones and Tony Cedras) in their own right, moved with the spirit of the great ones as they treated the audience to a jazz music performance that was befitting of the historical musical significance of  hallowed Harlem ground they were on...  This capacity crowd was treated to a special moment.

University of Connecticut Students
Hook Up With Pantonic Steel Orchestra
 

A TRIBUTE TO PAN AND CALYPSO PIONEERS

The history of music in Trinidad and Tobago is rich and exciting and continues to be influential in the potpourri of musical genres throughout the musical world. The calypso, soca, chutney and parang are all musical expressions that were given meaning to in Trinidad and Tobago and continues to make an impact throughout the Caribbean region, America, Canada and England.

The steelpan, which endured many negative influences from its inception in the tumultuous 1940s, has progressed to become one of the most dynamic and enthralling musical instruments of the 21st century. The steelpan is now a permanent fixture in most orchestras and big bands and could be heard as a solo instrument on television and radio programs. Pan giants like Len Boogsie Sharpe, Robert Greenidge, Clive Bradley, Jit Samaroo, Pelham Goddard, Bertie Marshall and Ellie Mannette have taken the innovative instrument to the top of the musical ladder and it is beyond one’s imagination to tell the future of this acoustic instrument.  [Full Story] >> http://www.panonthenet.com/pancalypso2005/ltgrant.htm

Pantonic Steel Orchestra connects with UConn Steeldrums

 Date: 05.03.05

Brooklyn, New York -

Stage side members of four-time New York Panorama champions recently welcomed students with a penchant for pan from the University of Connecticut (UConn), to their Brooklyn practice room for a steelpan workshop.  The structured session began with a performance exhibition of Pantonic flagship selections including Trini To the Bone, Celebrate and Time After Time.

The students included Music Education majors and others with an interest in music, all of whom were band members of UConn Steeldrums.  The inclement weather this past Saturday was no match for the determination of the band members and their teacher, Dr. Robert W. Stephens, to journey to Brooklyn, New York for the band's first-ever steelpan workshop.

 Full Story and Pictures >> http://www.panonthenet.com/articles/cparticles/tonic-uconn.htm

Uptown Renaissance Restaurant brings a class act to Harlem, New York
The Garvin Blake Quintet
plays to a sell-out crowd

Harlem, New York -

An anxious crowd was seated at the Uptown Renaissance Restaurant on 116^th Street in Harlem for what promised to be a special Sunday evening with a difference.  Quite a few had come in from "out of town" because they heard that the Garvin Blake Quintet was making its appearance at the Harlem establishment.  For some, they looked forward to revisiting the musical combination that had so wowed them on Father's Day last year, at the Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, when the quintet had performed there.  From that show, and joining steel pannist Garvin (on double seconds) at this performance, were Frankie McIntosh on keyboards, Tony Cedras on accordion, and Calvin Jones on bass.  Renowned percussionist Damon Duewhite who is also part of Garvin Blake's regular retinue, rounded out the group.  Others patrons were music lovers with a taste for anything jazz; and came out for an experience which promised to be at least intriguing.

Pictures and full story >> http://www.panonthenet.com/articles/cparticles/uptownGB.htm#Scene_1

Great Steelpan events coming soon...

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