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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
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 -
When
Steel Talks has set up a
group on Facebook where
we can post more steelpan
pictures, videos and events.
We would like to add you
as a fan so you can expand
your steelpan music experience.
First, you need to join
Facebook! Once you join,
you can also create your
own profile.
Join
the
When Steel Talks family!
Get your When Steel Talks
T-Shirts
Web Posted
-Thursday March 31, 2011 The Pulse
Journal
PanFest to feature 150
steel instruments on one stage
Ohio,
USA - Musicians from around the region are steeling
themselves for PanFest this weekend at Miami
University.
PanFest, a collaborative performance consisting
of world-renowned steel bands, regional high
school steel bands, and the Miami University
Steel Band, will be presented by the Miami
Performing Arts Series at 7:30 p.m. April 9 in
Millett Hall, 500 E. Sycamore Street.
Performers will include the Pan Ramajay Trio and
Liam Teague, a leading steel pan artist.
During the first half of the concert, the Miami
University Steel Band will play, as will the
Eastern Kentucky University Steel Band, directed
by MU alum Jason Koontz. The second half of the
concert will bring together talent of eight
steel bands from three states who will combine
in “mass band” fashion.
read more
Web Posted
-Thursday March 31, 2011 ABC News 2
School bands join together to bring sounds from the islands to Baltimore County
Maryland,
USA - No, you’re not basking in the sun on a Caribbean Island, you’re at the Parkville High School gymnasium and it’s a celebration of steel drum music.
Seven area Baltimore County Public School steel drum bands performed at the annual Panorama Wednesday Night.
“The kids love it, we just have a blast playing. We can do so many different styles,” says Chris Gnagey, Director of the Parkville High School Steel Drum Band.
Web Posted
-March 31, 2011 Trinidad &
Tobago Guardian
Sweet sound of pan comes
to Cedros
Cedros, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Many came out to
the sweet sound of pan on Sunday evening
as Pan Trinbago brought Pan in The
Country-side to the community of Cedros.
Under inclement weather conditions,
villagers were in a festive mood as they
partied in the rain at the Cedros
Recreational Grounds. Pan in The
Country-side is one of the brainchild of
Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz. The
bands featured in the pan exhibition
included Point Fortin Tornado, La Brea
Nightingales, Solo Harmonites, Carib
Woodbrook Playboyz and others.
The 2011 $2 million
National Panorama champion Neal and
Massy Trinidad All Stars moved the crowd
with some splendid performances of its
past and present renditions. read more
Web Posted
-Wednesday March 30, 2011 --- Originally posted
- April 10, 2004 When Steel Talks
Emmanuel Riley - Pan Tuner and Renowned Pan Soloist
Revisited
Global
- You’ve heard of Len
“Boogsie” Sharpe and Robert Greenidge, two of the best steelpan players on the planet. Now in an exclusive When Steel Talks interview meet Emmanuel “Jack” Riley - the man who influenced them and a generation of top pan players.
Emmanuel Riley, now based in New York, is one of the steelpan instrument’s true living legends - he is a Master pan craftsman, tuner, and renowned soloist... Mr. Riley was honored in New York at Lincoln Center on June 20th, 2004 at the Acoustic Revolution Pan Jazz concert for pioneering the art of improvisational jazz playing and contributions to the steelpan art-form... Mr. Riley is one of the best of a special generation of young people who were both great players and master instrument makers. read
more
Web Posted
-Wednesday March 30, 2011 When Steel Talks
The Dr., the Trinidad
Guardian Newspaper, and unauthorized “borrowing”
Global
- It has been brought
to
our
attention
that
works
of
Dr.
Jeannine
Remy
(Observations
about
Panorama
2011)
which
were
written
exclusively
for
When
Steel
Talks
(WST)
upon
our
request
- to
share
with
our
members
and
the
Global
steelband
community,
were
“borrowed”
by
the
Trinidad
Guardian
Newspapers
on
no
less
than
two
occasions
without
her
expressed
permission,
and
certainly
without
that
of
When
Steel
Talks.
This
“borrowing”
and
republishing
has
left
Dr.
Remy
less
than
pleased.
read
more
Web Posted
-Wednesday March 30, 2011 When Steel Talks
“In The Rainforest” – An
Unforgettable Steelband Experience by Mark Loquan
Global
- ....I returned to
Trinidad
in
October
2000,
specifically
to
play
tenor
with
Skiffle
Bunch,
but
I
had
only
a
week
to
learn
the
two
pieces
“In
the
Rainforest”
and
“Pan
By
Storm”
before
the
finals.
What
a
monumental
effort.
I
remember
learning
the
pieces
from
a
member
in
the
band,
and
also
from
pieces
of
the
score
which
was
being
written
at
the
same
time.
I
stood
in
Pat
Bishop’s
house
going
over
section
by
section.
It
was
an
incredible
amount
of
music
to
learn
in
such
a
short
period,
with
the
band
set
up
just
outside
the
stadium
[Jean
Pierre
Complex]
practicing
every
night.
I
had
to
sleep,
eat
and
dream
the
music,
and
“practice,
practice
practice”
but
eventually
I
felt
comfortable
by
the
final
night. click
for full article
Web Posted
-Tuesday March 29, 2011 Towson Times
For Stoneleigh
youngsters, interest in steel drum band is
elementary Youngsters poised
for showtime at Baltimore County’s annual
Panorama event, March 30
Maryland,
USA - Of the
seven steel drum bands performing at the
10th Baltimore County Public Schools
Panorama event March 30 at Parkville
High School, only one comes from an
elementary school.
Stoneleigh Elementary School’s steel
drummers are ready to bring their island
sound to the Parkville stage.
But some of the musicians are a little
nervous.
“It’s a lot of people and they’re just
staring at you,” said Idlewylde resident
Jeheiel Smith, a Stoneleigh
fourth-grader.
According to Stoneleigh music teacher
Jackie Blinke, who also teaches at
Padonia International Elementary School,
this concert is “a huge deal” for her
fourth-grade students, who had performed
before a large audience only once before
— their own parents.
“This is their first major public
performance,” she said.
read more
Web Posted
-Monday March 28, 2011 When Steel Talks
Do something for Pan and get EDUCATED! by Khuent Rose
Global
- ....The Pan movement utterly lacks humility amongst its peers and supporters; conversely, it lacks audacity and a sense of community against its offenders...
....“Boogsie” had it
right … “Do something for Pan”. Not for
your ego. Not for the political
assailants that, at the drop of a
farthing would sell out everything that
makes pan beautiful to the highest
bidder. click
for full article
Web Posted
-Monday March 28, 2011 When Steel Talks
The Renegades Situation! by Sandra L. Blood
Global
- Crash landed, put out, not their season, ‘robbed’, ‘humbled’, disturbed or committed suicide; whichever the thought, description or reality…Renegades’ spirit battles with its Panorama fatality in the wake of the lethal bomb dropped on the competition semi-finals’ night. In its wake, shrapnel and dust to take toll, while, Pan Trinbago apologized and promised better conditions from 2012…and life continues! click
for full article
Web Posted
-Sunday March 27, 2011 Tje North Bay
Nugget
Alliance students bring
island sun to North Bay with the sounds of steel
drums
Canada
- Members of
the Northern Lights Steel Orchestra were
in North Bay Friday to teach staff and
students at Alliance French Immersion
Public School how to play the steel
drums.
The orchestra members
travel throughout Ontario and say the
classes give students confidence in
themselves and to perform.
Students gave a
concert in front of their classmates at
the end of the school day. click
for original post
Web Posted
-Sunday March 27, 2011 When Steel Talks
Panorama 2011 in Living
Color “When SteelPan Pictures Talk”
Compliments of Pan Podium
Global
- When Steel Talks has had both the good fortune of having
within our organization (C.
Phillips, R. Pope), and/or being
associated with the finest steelpan photographers
and photo journalists in the world.
This year photo
journalist Robbie Joseph of
Pan Podium
takes us on a visual
expedition through the 2011
Panorama Finals in living color. Again
that fabulous story of steelpan
musicians and fans at panorama is
delivered in uncompromising beauty. click to see photos
Web Posted
-Saturday March 26, 2011 When Steel Talks
Veteran Arranger Pelham
Goddard Speaks to the “Insanity” of Panorama
Judging
Global
- It is the view
of the public-at-large that Panorama music today
has become the judges' piece, and does not have
the sound and feel of arrangers' music of long
ago. Recently I read a comment on When Steel
Talks in which the person spoke about the real
panorama hit tunes of years gone by.
Pan Trinbago is conducting
seminars in which arrangers meet with the judges
who will guide the arrangers in producing their
work for the market. This is bordering on
insanity since these very judges are unqualified
to guide any arranger as they are generally NOT
arrangers. ....How then can these judges guide
arrangers who are, more likely than not, more
skilled than they in the area of arranging? read more
Web Posted
-Friday March 25, 2011 When Steel Talks
Steel Pan Blueprint For
Success (Rough Draft Edit)
Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. -
Recently, a pan colleague asked me what were my
ideas on what needs to be done to “revive the
pan movement...” (as he put it). In relation to
that question, I thought I would present to
everyone a document I actually started to create
about 2-3 months ago. I, by no means, think that
I have all (or any) solutions to the issues
facing panists, especially the local performers,
but I did offer sincere thought into this, and I
appreciate any feedback/criticism, both positive
and negative. read more
Web Posted
-Friday March 25, 2011 News Guardian
Band top of the class
Tyne
and Wear,
England - North Tyneside Steelband has been hitting the right
notes as it won several classes at Ryton and
Wansbeck music festivals.
The under-16, under-18 and
over-18 groups came first in their classes,
while the over-18 group achieved the top
‘outstanding’ grade from the adjudicators.
Playing a mixture of
classics, pop and Caribbean music, they added
colour, style and fun to the festivals.
Under-18 player Alice Adams, from Backworth,
said: “We don’t usually play in age groups so we
had to rehearse a bit, especially for these
festivals, but we can do that sort of thing –
it’s a lot of fun.” read more
Web Posted
-Friday March 25, 2011 Trinidad &
Tobago’s Newsday
THA blanks Tobago TUCO but assists
in Steelband transportation costs
Tobago, W.I. - ....“We are not prepared to
give any further funding to TUCO [Trinbago
Unified Calypsonians Organisation] (Tobago)
without an account of how the previous funds ($1
million) were utilised,” she stressed. On the
other hand, she revealed the THA [Tobago House
of Assembly] had taken a
decision to financially assist those Tobago
calypsonians who had qualified to participate in
competitions in Trinidad. She explained the
Division would assist by meeting “some of their
costs”. Meanwhile, she reported that the THA
would also be providing some $1 million to
assist with transportation and accommodation
costs of those Tobago steelbands which made it
to the National Panorama semi-finals/finals in
Trinidad.
She noted Pan Trinbago had
put the overall cost of the undertaking for the
Tobago bands’ participation at some $2.06
million, with Pan Trinbago footing the rest of
the bill.
A record seven steelbands
from Tobago qualified for competition in
Trinidad this year, and Davidson-Celestine noted
that this amount had not been anticipated, so in
the circumstances the Assembly had to pitch in
and assist. read more
Web Posted
-Thursday March 24, 2011 Houston
Community Newspapers
Steel
Drum Festival this weekend in Kemah NY’s Freddie
Harris, III &
Mustafa Alexander headline
Texas, USA -
The Kemah Lighthouse District comes alive with
the beat of steel drums, fire dancers, exotic
bird shows, a pet contest and a large variety of
entertainment as the 8th Annual Kemah "Pan Jam"
Steel Drum Festival sets up shop this Saturday
and Sunday, March 26 and 27.
"Pan Jam" is defined by
authentic Caribbean steel drums, calypso and
reggae musicians who have performed all over the
world.
Headliners for this year’s
Kemah festival are Freddy Harris III and Mustafa
Alexander, both out of New York.
Also featured are Jerry Diaz and Hanna's Reef,
San Jacinto College, University of Houston-Clear
Lake and Lone Star College steel drum bands and
many other entertaining groups.
“We also have a new kidz zone
this year with lots of cool stuff for the little
ones,” Event Director Sandra Williams said. read more
Web Posted
-Thursday March 24, 2011 Toronto
Community News
Toronto police mark day
to eliminate racial discrimination
Toronto,
Canada - The
North Albion Collegiate Institute Steel Band
performed at 23 Division headquarters in north
Etobicoke Thursday morning to celebrate the
Toronto Police Service's 10th Annual recognition
of the International Day for the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination. This year's theme is "One
Community, Many Voices."
....The International Day for
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - one
of both "celebration and sober reflection" -
stems back to a fateful day on March 21, 1960,
when South African police opened fire on
protestors at a peaceful demonstration against
the apartheid pass laws in Sharpeville, killing
69 people and wounding many others. read more
Web Posted
-Thursday March 24, 2011 Yale Daily News
Pan Jam & Lime Steel Band
to Perform at Sengbe Pieh Awards Ceremony
Connecticut, USA
- Pan Jam & Lime,
Yale's community steel band, will perform at the
10th Annual Sengbe Pieh Awards Ceremony to be
held at First and Summerfield United Methodist
Church on Sunday, March 27 at 3:00 p.m. This
year's awardees are Olga Rodriguez, a counselor
at Hill Central High School, and Ruth and Sam
Teitelman, long-time advocates for mentally
retarded and physically challenged people in the
state. This event is free and open to the
public. A reception immediately follows the
service. First and Summerfield United Methodist
Church is located at the corner of Elm and
College Streets. read
original post
Web Posted - Wednesday March 23, 2011
--- Originally posted
- March 8, 2009 When Steel TalksSpecial
- A Celebration of Women
A British Pan Woman by Rachel Hayward
United
Kingdom-
This March marks the 25th anniversary of my involvement with pan. Forty
years ago pans were introduced into British schools through the efforts
of renowned pan pioneers such as Gerald Forsyth and Russell Henderson.
My secondary school – the Radcliffe, in the new city of Milton Keynes -
started their steelband in 1984, and
despite having never seen or heard
pan
before,
and as I was involved in every other musical
activity
possible (orchestras, choirs and so on) I was not going to be left out
of something that looked as interesting as these
mysterious new
instruments.
click for more
Web Posted
-Wednesday March 23, 2011 When Steel Talks
Jomo Wahtuse gets
Guinness World Record for Largest Steelpan -
Jomoline
Global -
Jomo Wahtuse was awarded the Guinness World
Record for the largest steelpan in the world -
the Jomoline. His claim for the Largest steel
pan / steel drum - Claim Number: 313592 with the
Guinness Book for Records has been successful,
and confirmation of his feat was validated by
Damian Field, PR Executive of the Guinness World
Records. Jomo constructed the instrument over
thirty-four years ago. read more
Web Posted
-Wednesday March 23, 2011 Cherokeean
Herald
SFA Steel Band concert
features acclaimed solo artist
Texas, USA -
Acclaimed musician Tracy Thornton will join the
Stephen F. Austin State University's Steel Band
for its annual concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday,
March 29, in Cole Concert Hall.
The 10-member ensemble,
directed by SFA Associate Professor of
Percussion Scott Harris, performs on a full set
of steel pans made from 55-gallon oil drums, and
a large array of Latin percussion instruments. A
four-piece horn section rounds out the band.
Thornton, who was the tenor
panist for the bands Been Caught Steelin' and
Sons of Steel and serves as the music director
of four steel drum bands, will perform both as a
solo artist and with the SFA ensemble.
"The program includes two of
Thornton's own compositions, 'In the
Groove of Things' and 'Dain Bramage,'" said
Harris. "Both pieces are highly energetic and
have a strong rock influence." read more
Web Posted
-Wednesday March 23, 2011 Trinidad Express
T&T-based Japanese
producer plans pan music CD
Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. -
The local steelband movement is set to assist
the people of Japan in their recovery from the
devastation wrought upon the nation by the
recent earthquake and the tsunami that followed.
Initially graded at a strength of 8.9 on the
Richter Scale the earthquake was on March 14
upgraded to an intensity of 9.0 by the United
States Geological Survey and Japanese officials,
making it the fourth strongest in the world
since 1900.
Japanese music producer,
Yoichi Wantanabe who has been recording pan
music here for the past several years told the
Express several steel orchestras, panists and
arrangers have offered to assist in raising
funds for the people of Japan. He is already
working on producing a compilation CD that will
feature orchestras, pan soloists, single pans
and ensembles. read more
Web Posted
-Monday March 21, 2011 The Palm Beach
Post
How Steve Hendrickson
turned his love of music into his ‘job’
Florida,
USA -
Steve Hendrickson has lived a life that is
sure to make most — especially boaters —
jealous. His job landed him in the Caribbean
and, while there, his interest in music evolved
into a passion. After returning to the States,
Hendrickson turned that passion into a career,
and the Florida native vowed never to “work”
another day in his life.
On March 24-27, Hendrickson will bring his steel
drums, guitar and vocal chords to the Palm Beach
International Boat Show, where he will take the
stage for the first time. The Palm Beach Post
recently spoke with him about his life — which
most people only dream of — as well as his music
and upcoming performance.
....“After college, my wife
Dawn and I both became scuba-diving instructors
and charter-boat captains, and we skippered
yachts down in the Caribbean. While living
there, we fell in love with steel drums. We had
both grown up playing instruments, and we
decided to give steel drums a shot.”
“We bought our first set in Trinidad and learned
how to play. We moved from the Caribbean to the
Keys and finally to Orlando, and we formed a
professional steel-drum band. We have played at
Universal Studios and other theme parks, and we
play at Margaritaville in Orlando quite a bit.” read more
Web Posted
-Sunday March 20, 2011 When Steel Talks
Are Small Bands Panorama Mascots? by Michael L. Joseph,
President
Southern Marines Steelband Foundation
Trinidad
& Tobago -
Panorama 2011, to me was a disaster. It started very normal, with the national prelims in the Region. Then came the National Semi-Finals, where small bands were used as Mascots for the Large and Medium bands. How else would one describe a Panorama starting at 9:00 am, in Trinidad, on a Sunday, with people who went out the night before still in bed, and most of those who are up, going to church and Market, and not planning to leave their homes until after lunch? That’s the reality of a Sunday. read more
Web Posted
-Sunday March 20, 2011 When Steel Talks
Symposium to Examine Carnival’s Creative and Commercial Inputs
Brooklyn, NY -
Right on the heels of this year’s pre-Lenten Carnival celebrations, a symposium will address the question of the Trinidad and Tobago masquerade’s traditional creativity and what presence it commands in the highly commercialized 21st century look of the festival today. Sharing the Carnival Space: Creative Endeavor and Open-Ended Commercialism is a presentation of the Trinidad & Tobago Folk Arts Institute in conjunction with the School of Professional and Community Development of Medgar Evers College, CUNY. It will be held Thursday evening, March 24 in Mary Pinkett Lecture Hall on the Medgar Evers College campus, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. read more
Web Posted
-Sunday March 20, 2011 When Steel Talks
More Panorama 2011 Notes
by Dalton Narine
Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. -
Now that I can see things more clearly since eye
surgery, allow me to avail readers with more
material from the 2011 Panorama. And, yes, I
trust my ears.
“....Fonclaire’s “A Raging
Storm” carries a bold line that surely resonates
both in the Grand Stand and The North Stand,
which sits one-third empty in stark contrast to
an arty light show playing all night on the
ceiling, sometimes matching colors with uniforms
of panists assembled at mid-stage, squarely in
front of the judges. “Dey tief we ‘Pan by Storm’
in 1990.” Perhaps to underline that sentiment,
players are dressed to the nines - in black.
Maybe they plan to put that horrible experience
to rest once and for all.” read more
Web Posted
-Saturday March 19, 2011 Severn Patch
Steel Drum Bands Rock Old
Mill’s Gymnasium
Maryland,
USA - Steel drum bands from five
local high schools shook the gymnasium floor
Friday night at Old Mill High’s sixth annual
Panorama concert.
Bands from Catonsville, Perry Hall, Sparrows
Point, and Parkville high school joined Old
Mill's two steel drum groups for a concert that
had the audience dancing to the beat.
Several familiar tunes were played that had the
audience clapping along, including Journey’s
“Don’t Stop Believing” and “The Lion Sleeps
Tonight” from Disney's “The Lion King."
The first steel drum band was brought to
Catonsville High School 20 years ago by
enthusiast Jim Wharton, the Music Department
Chairman at Catonsville. Now, nine other
Maryland high schools have steel drum bands.
read more
Web Posted
-Friday March 18, 2011 When Steel Talks
It’s ‘Pan in de
countryside’ says Pan Trinbago
Trinidad
& Tobago -
‘Pan in de countryside’ is the latest innovation
by Pan Trinbago. As the name suggests, it is
taking steelpan to the countryside, and “to
people who would not ordinarily have the
opportunity to come to the city to hear bands,
therefore the organization will be bringing it
to them.”
The first in the series of
concerts takes place on Sunday 27th March 2011
at the Cedros Recreational Ground, Cedros, from
2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The featured bands
include Panorama 2011 Large Band Champions
Trinidad All Stars, Harmonites, La Brea
Nightingales, Tornadoes, Self Help Marines and
Woodbrook Playboyz. read more
Web Posted
-Friday March 18, 2011 When Steel Talks
Observations about Panorama
2011 by Jeannine Remy
Trinidad
& Tobago -
....The south stands were full of people who waited
in anticipation for the large bands and all of their
splendour. Never before have I attended a panorama
final with so much confetti, glimmering decorations,
balloons, fireworks and sound effects.
....I was
fortunate enough to have a seat to the right of
the judges behind the radio announcers, as this
was one of the “benefits” to having adjudicated
the single pan competition. Since Channels 4 & 16
did not get the contract to broadcast, Orville Wright
and I had our own little private music commentary
together since our seats were side by side.
read more
Web Posted -Friday March 18, 2011 Trinidad Guardian
Ramah in a jam Panman needs assistance by The Buzz
Trinidad
& Tobago -
A call is going out to all panatics, social services,
the Housing Development Corporation (HDC)
to assist panman Errol
Ramah, also called Ramah the Jammer.
This crackshot
panman, 69, has been playing the pan since the age
of eight, and has the distinction of playing 48
national panoramas, first with Silver Stars, and
up to a few days ago, Caribbean Airlines Invaders.
His home at
15 Vidale Street, St James, has been burnt in mysterious
circumstances. Now Ramah finds himself in a jam.
He lost everything, even one of his beloved dogs
and seven pups.
Look, the
Ramah is very unhappy these days. He also
lost his double seconds given to him by ace composer
Ray Holman. It’s a tough time for Ramah.
The Buzz hopes
that Pan Trinbago, Caribbean Airlines Invaders,
and all pan lovers at home and abroad will pour
out the love on our crestfallen brother. You
can help Ramah by calling his daughter Alana at
1 (868) 367-4341.
Ministers,
Glen Ramadharsingh, are you listening? Let’s make
Errol Ramah smile again.
Web Posted
-Thursday March 17, 2011 When Steel Talks
Death of a Panman by Dalton Narine
Trinidad
& Tobago- Henry “Bendix”
Cumberbatch, who succumbed to heart failure February
29, arranged for three steel bands in the 1980s.
He reached his peak with an arrangement of Chalkdust’s
“Ash Wednesday Jail,” which placed Casablanca second
in the 1983 Panorama. Desperadoes won with Clive
Bradley’s treatment of Blue Boy’s “Rebecca.”
read more
Web Posted
-Thursday March 17, 2011 When Steel Talks
Showtime at the Savannah! A WST Review of Trinidad
and Tobago's Panorama 2011
Trinidad
& Tobago- Like a scene
out of the movie Rocky, or that classic still picture
of the great Muhammad Ali, towering over the feared
Sonny Liston - the now seven-time champions, the
legendary Trinidad All Stars emerged victorious
from the annual epic musical battle of the titans
of steelpan music - PANORAMA.
As the judges’
scoring would later reveal, soon after the opening
bell, a TKO was delivered by Trinidad All Stars
in the first round of this heavyweight finals night
competition. Playing in position number one, the
world-famous steel orchestra scored high enough
in that lead appearance position, to ward off any
attempt of being caught from behind by the other
nine formidable contenders.
click for the full story, the good, bad and ugly
Web Posted
-Wednesday March 16,
2011 BCPS News
10th Annual Panorama
to showcase steel drum bands in Baltimore County
Public Schools
Maryland,
USA - The Parkville
High School Steel Drum Band, led by Chris Gnagey,
will host the 10th Annual Panorama concert featuring
performances from the following Baltimore County
Public Schools with steel drum programs: Stoneleigh
Elementary, General John Stricker Middle, Hereford
Middle, Catonsville High, Parkville High, Perry
Hall High, and Sparrows Point High.
The event
is free and open to the public.
....Each band
will perform several selections on its own including
calypsos, socas, classical, and rock. At the highpoint
of the evening, the bands will combine forces to
create a 120-piece steel band and perform two calypsos.
read more
Web Posted
-Tuesday March 15, 2011 When Steel Talks
An Inside View of the Small
Band Panorama Season 2011
Trinidad
& Tobago- I wonder if
even Pan Trinbago Officials were prepared for the
quality of music they got at the Larry Gomes Stadium
because if they were, I doubt they would have staged
the show at that most inadequate arena for a Steelband
Competition. But then again, we small…so I suppose
we had to take that. But we show off on them, all
of them and the points awarded will show that.
Sadly, for
all the satisfaction that Panorama 2011 brought,
I cannot help but observe some glaring negatives
as well. The thing that continues to rub me the
wrong way where Single and Small bands are concerned
is attitude. Attitude of not just the general public
towards us, but also of our very players, who quite
often take their bands for granted. All the public-at-large
is interested in is the end-product, the music.
That steelband administrators are at their wits
end to ensure nightly full house practice sessions
is of no concern to the public...
read more
Web Posted
-Monday March 14, 2011 When Steel Talks
Panorama 2011 - A Review
by Dalton Narine
Trinidad
& Tobago- The city had
been sitting prettier than in recent years - smoldering,
really.
Another fine
Children’s Carnival; the grand Soca Monarch finals;
a strident tone infiltrating through the half-opened
car window (“Who the hell is Machel Montano? Girl,
I was vex!); the young woman in fishnet stockings
and gym boots hanging with friends Carnival Friday
night on Tragarete Road. A premonition from a voice
by over so: “Despers can’t cut style.” Oh yes, and
plenty of Pan on Panorama Saturday.
It could have
been Fight Night the way blows landed and blood
flowed on the canvas, a place we all fear.
read more
Web Posted
-Monday March 14, 2011 When Steel Talks
The Beauty of Trinidad and
Tobago Eric Mannweiler reports
on his 2011 steelband panorama experiences
Trinidad
& Tobago- As I ran through
the memories of each place in front of me, I eventually
began to piece it all together and appreciate everything
as a whole... Trinidad- what a beautiful country!
What beautiful people!! What a beautiful culture,
with the most beautiful instrument, the steel pan!!!
read more
Web Posted - Thursday March 14, 2011 --- Originally posted
- March 7, 2005 When Steel Talks
Special
- A Celebration of Women
Dr. Dawn Batson by Dr. Dawn Batson
Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. - She is
one of the world's foremost experts, educators and
promoters of the steelpan instrument. Her name is
synonymous with inspiring and guiding young musicians
to achievement, greatness and academic excellence.
When Steel Talks caught Dr. Dawn Batson for a candid
interview about the steelpan art form, her involvement
and hopes for the instrument. Ms. Batson remembers her earliest
experience with the steelpan about the age of four
with Desperadoes Steel Orchestra. She was fascinated
by the sound of Desperadoes and lost her family
at that point but they eventually found her - within
the basses in the steel orchestra. Dr. Batson who
plays a few other instruments, says that "there
is something about the sound of the steel orchestra
that is like no other instrument" - and there lies
her fascination with the instrument. "It is just
a connection - I don't know if it is an ancestral
connection or just the beauty of the steel... there
is just a connection."
read more
Web Posted
-Monday March 14, 2011 When Steel Talks
PanGanG: From Pan-kultur
to Calypsonic
Germany- In
1999, the managing board of the steel pan association
pan-kultur e.V. from Dortmund asked music pedagogue
Werner M. Weidensdorfer if he could offer courses
for children on their premises. Being an absolute
pan novice, he was confronted with the sound of
steel pans for the very first time at that moment
and was “assimilated” immediately. Within one week,
his experience as a musician and teacher combined
with the craftsmanship of tuner Eckhard C. Schulz
lead to the creation of the TeacherSteelPan, an
elementary instrument for learning the language
of music. Thus equipped, the PanKids – as they were
called back then – embarked on their journey into
the steel pans’ cosmos of sound, a journey which
has lasted for 11 years up to now. With their TeacherPans
which in the course of the early years were extended
by the ranges soprano, alto, tenor and bass to form
a quartet, they quickly made a name for themselves
as a children’s steel band. 2004 saw the change
to traditional steel pan instruments, and the PanKids
became the youth steel orchestra “PanGanG”.
read more
Web Posted
-Sunday March 13, 2011 When Steel Talks
Carnival Tuesday and Steelpan! Eric Mannweiler reports
on his 2011 steelband panorama experiences
Trinidad
& Tobago- If there is
one word to describe Carnival Tuesday, it is INTENSE!
Everything seemed to be taken to the extreme: the
colors were brighter, the music was louder, the
bands were larger, the costumes (generally) smaller,
and the energy that pulsed though the streets seemed
almost frenzied at times. Mas bands moved like they
were on a war-path of wining and jumping up. Yet
everyone was trying to free up and have fun, so
everything seemed to have this relaxed freedom to
it. (I can't explain how you can be both frenzied
and relaxed, but that's how it seemed...)
read more
Web Posted
-Sunday March 13, 2011 The Telegraph
Queen Mother was a Desperadoes
Fan!
United
Kingdom- Queen Mother
'enjoyed listening to Caribbean steel bands and
Paul Simon' But her private music library - details
of which were made public for the first time - show
that the royal's preferences were remarkably eclectic.
Her collection included Caribbean steel bands, Canadian
yodelling, Rodgers and Hammerstein show tunes, folk
music, ska and even a top-selling pop album by Paul
Simon. Among the other surprises in the collection
are records by The Desperadoes Steel Orchestra,
a calypso band from Trinidad,...
read more
Web Posted
-Saturday March 12, 2011 When Steel Talks
Carnival Monday and Steelpan! Eric Mannweiler reports
on his 2011 steelband panorama experiences
Trinidad
& Tobago- I noticed a
totally different kind of energy and feel for Carnival
Monday. J'Ouvert was more chaotic, mischievous and
all about the music for Starlift, while Carnival
Monday was organized and became this showcase performance
of pan and mas. With the flagman opening the way,
the pans up front and a giant entourage of bands
and mas players behind us, it felt like the band
was proudly strutting through the street as if to
say "Yeah, that's right, this is STARLIFT coming
through!"
read more
Web Posted - Saturday March 12, 2011 --- Originally posted
- March 9, 2005 When Steel Talks
Special
- A Celebration of Women
Lessons In Steel by Queen Macoomeh
Canada- Ah learn dat Renegades form
in 1948. Ah learn it had women in de bacchanal since
in de earlies. Ah read about men like Stephen "Goldteeth"
Nicholson and Cecil "Dead" Hinkson. Ah read about
Doctor Rat and dem fellas. Ah read how when Renegades
and Invaders used to bounce up it was endless war!
Ah learn about de tamboo bamboo. Ah learn more about
de stick fight.
It good to
learn about tings in yuh own hist’ry. It make mih
realize I know more about Queen Elizabeth and she
half crack chirren radda dan about my own people.
Long ago in school ah study bout de US civil war
and how King Louis de forteent lick off all he wife
and dem head. Dey din teach we how we islands struggle
for independence or how we come to be such rainbow
people. Dey din say where did de Caribs disappear
to or how come de British overlords was so chupid
to make we wear dem tick powdered wigs and robes
and dem woolen pants in the heat. Ah whole generation
of we grow up not knowing we own self.
read more
Web Posted
-Friday March 11, 2011 When Steel Talks
J’Ouvert in Trinidad Eric Mannweiler reports
on his 2011 steelband panorama experiences
Trinidad
& Tobago- J'Ouvert was
nuts! Pure craziness... Walking from my friend's
house at 3:15am to find Starlift's pan truck, there
were already (still is more likely) people partying
in the streets, waiting for their bands to assemble.
While we loaded up the pans, people were walking
by with a wide range of dress: some in shorts and
t-shirts, some in old tattered clothes, some looking
like they were... well, more nightly types... Men
in dresses, people covered in metallic silver paint,
groups of people running up and down the street
chanting and randomly screaming... Around 3:30 the
bands really started to assemble and by 3:50 the
streets were flooded with sound trucks and their
hordes of chipping, wining and paint-smearing revelers.
read more
Web Posted
-Thursday March 10, 2011 Tobago News
Warm welcome for winners
Tobago,
W.I. - Katzenjammers steelband
members' returned to Tobago in triumph on the ferry
last Sunday morning after retaining their medium
band title in the 2011 Panorama competition which
took place at the Queens Park Savannah in Port of
Spain.
Known as the
'Pride of Black Rock', Katzenjammers now has to
be considered as the 'Pride of Tobago' after their
superlative rendition of their selection 'Wake Up'.
The Savannah crowd woke up big time during the pulsating
rhythm and sweet melodic Edwin Pouchet arrangement
of Tobago's oldest surviving steel band.
The Radio
Tambrin music truck was on hand to greet the jubilant
panists when they landed at the Scarbrough Port.
Also arriving were NLCB Buccooneers who came in
third in the contest and Steel Xplosion.
read more
Web Posted
-Wednesday March 9, 2011 NBCSVG.com
Poorsah and Potential Steel
Orchestra in Anniversary Bash
St.
Vincent, W.I. - The Potential
Steel Orchestra will be teaming up with former Calypso
and Soca Monarch – Poorsah – in a grand anniversary
bash this weekend.
Former Panorama
champions – Potential - and Poorsah, also known
for multiple Road March titles, are celebrating
their 31st anniversary this year.
Public Relations
Officer, Chrystal Oliver, will stage a joint celebratory
show this Sunday March 13th at the Calliaqua Hard
Court from 8 PM.
The event
is dubbed “Potential and Poorsah Under the Tent”.
Miss Oliver
tells NBC News that the band has made tremendous
contributions to the youth in its 31 year existence.
orginal post
Web Posted - Thursday March 10, 2011 --- Originally posted
- March 9, 2005 When Steel Talks
Special
- A Celebration of Women
Women’s Contribution
to the
Steelband Movement by Merle Albino-de Coteau
Trinidad - In the 1940’s, during our childhood
we were fortunate to hear and appreciate in our
neighbourhood a beautiful musical sound produced
by a small pan played by Carl Greenidge (uncle of
the now renowned panist/arranger Robert Greenidge).
Carl Greenidge can be referred to as the “Father”
of pan players in Success Village, Laventille, having
first started “Kentuckians Steel Orchestra.”
“Torrid Zone” was an off-shoot of Kentuckians which
was later renamed “Savoys” (later sponsored by Chase
Manhattan therefore becoming “Chase Manhattan Savoys”
of which Merle Albino-de Coteau became the musical
director in 1970).
Since then
there has been no turning back, as I became “hooked”
on this phenomenal instrument “the pan.” Hence whenever
the opportunity presents itself, I try to preach
the “Gospel of Pan.”
read more
Web Posted -Wednesday March 9, 2011 The Enterprise Newspapers
Choir’s concert features
original steel band suite
Washington,
USA - The sound of the
Caribbean steel drum bands have infiltrated a wide
variety of music, from the Beatles to Frank Sinatra.
Beyond the classic Yellow Bird, bands have even
brought the lilt of the steel pan to show tunes.
Now, an upcoming
Choir of the Sound concert will feature a cantata
of sorts, punctuating the versatility of a steel
band orchestra. The event, marking the retirement
of Judy Filibeck, artistic director of the choir,
will be performed March 12 and 13 at Lynnwood's
Trinity Lutheran Church. The performance will be
the Washington state premier of “In the Shadows
of the Forest,” a suite for steel band and choir
written by Edmonds composer Gary Gibson.
Nine band
players, six on steel pan and three in the “engine
room” of drums, plus a 70-member choir, will perform
the nine-movement suite. Each movement has a different
style, focusing on African and Caribbean rhythms
and influences.
read more
Web Posted - Tuesday March 8, 2011 --- Originally posted
- March 21, 2005 When Steel Talks Women In
Pan Special
PAT BISHOP - A Person
In Pan by Pat Bishop
Trinidad- I can’t say that gender has
been a factor in my pan yard activities – which
now span so long a period of time that I’ve forgotten
when it all started!
I remember
once singing with Esso Tripoli steelband and abandoning
solo singing soon afterwards in preference for pan
arranging.
In those days I worked feverishly to find out what
the instrument could do and I lived with the pans
of Birdsong in my house for a very long time.
They were
very kind and they soon let me arrange for them,
starting with simple hymn tunes. And so too
did many, many more bands.
Web Posted
-Monday March 7, 2011 The Trinidad Guardian
All Stars wins first $2m
Panorama prize
Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. - Neal
& Massy Trinidad All Stars became the first steel
orchestra to take home $2 million in prize money
when it was adjudged winner of the large band category
at the 2011 Blink bmobile National Panorama final
at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, last
Saturday night. Playing a Leon “Smooth” Edwards
arrangement of It’s Showtime, composed by Edwin
Pouchet and Alvin Daniell, the Duke Street-based
orchestra scored 278 points to secure its eighth
Panorama win, and in the process dethrone defending
champion PCS Silver Stars which played the same
selection arranged by Pouchet, but could earn only
275 points to take third place and the $750,000
prize.
....In the medium band category, adjudicators apparently
found it challenging to separate the bands, resulting
in three tied places among the ten competitors.
Valley Harps and Katzenjammers tied for first place
with 275 points. Valley Harps played Do Something
For Pan, arranged by Michelle Huggins-Watts, while
Tobago-based Katzenjammers chose Wake Up, another
Pouchet/Daniell collaboration, arranged by Pouchet.
First prize in this category is $750,000, and second
is worth $650,000.
read more
Web Posted
-Sunday March 6, 2011 Trinidad Express
Newspapers
Star Power
Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. - Prime
Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar presented the first
prize at the Panorama finals on Saturday night as
two points separated two bands from $2 million.
It truly was showtime for Neal and Massy Trinidad
All Stars as they performed at the final of the
National Panorama Competition at the Queen's Park
Savannah, Port of Spain on Saturday night.
Appearing in position one, dressed in dazzling red
shirts and red hats with flashing blue lights, All
Stars defied the saying 'the first shall be last
and the last first' as the band from Duke Street,
Port of Spain outdid all competitors with its fireworks,
confetti, dancers and music to take the historic
$2 million first prize.
All Stars gave the Queen's Park Savannah audience
eight minutes and 14 seconds of a Leon "Smooth"
Edwards arrangement of Edwin Pouchet and Alvin Daniell's
composition of "It's Showtime" beating defending
champions PCS Silver Stars at their own game.
read more
Web Posted
-Sunday March 6, 2011 When Steel Talks
Congratulations
again to Trinidad All Stars, Katzenjammers & Valley
Harps...
Take a Bow!!
Panorama Finals Eric Mannweiler reports
on his 2011 steelband panorama experiences
Trinidad
& Tobago- I have to admit,
it was different than I expected in a number of
ways, and it was very different from Semis.
I have to say congratulations to All Stars, and
as disappointed I was that Starlift didn't win (of
course I was routing for us), I am happy for my
friends in All Stars, as well as the members that
I didn't get a chance to meet. Congratulations should
be given to all of the medium and large bands that
played last night, not just the winners!
read more
Web Posted
-Sunday March 6, 2011 When Steel Talks
Panorama Notes by Dalton Narine
Trinidad
& Tobago- The 2011 Panorama
wormed its way through the Carnival resistant to
salt in its wounds. So it didn’t fold and die. Or
tip open a Pandora’s Box of unbridled angst.
Panorama came
home and made us comfortable, spinning tales that
opened our eyes to its truth and our hearts for
its soul.
It is in such
context the following notes were written, to be
shared for its pithy eloquence, even induce a laugh
or two.
read more
Web Posted
-Saturday March 5, 2011 The News-Herald
Mentor students introduced
to steel drums
Ohio,
USA - Michael Amos beats
on the large steel round barrels.
He is not
alone as fellow student percussionists also take
part in the Mentor High School Fine Arts Center.
Michael and
the others were being taught how to play the different
steel dents by The Akron Steel Drum Band which performed
at the school on Friday.
More than
30 high school band members got a chance to have
a hands-on experience with The University of Akron
drum group.
The steel
band ensemble, composed of undergraduate and graduate
percussion students, performs as a requirement for
the degree program, and they strive to educate audiences.
read more
Web Posted
-Saturday March 5, 2011 Trinidad & Tobago
Newsday
Renegades stay out
Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. - Hours
before the first note is struck in tonight’s National
Panorama musical treat, a judge yesterday threw
out a plea by nine-time champion bp Renegades to
be included in the finals at the Queen’s Park Savannah,
Port-of-Spain.
The Charlotte Street-based band yesterday failed
to convince Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee that they
should be included in today’s finals because they
were disrupted at the semi-final round of the competition
at the Queen’s Park Savannah on February 20, because
of the playing of DJ music at the North Stand during
their performance.
Justice Rajnauth-Lee dismissed the steelband’s application
for an injunction, which sought to stop today’s
finals and include them in the line-up in the Conventional
Large Band category, the winner of which will take
home a $2 million first prize.
It was a first of sorts for Renegades, which has
placed in the top ten of the Panorama finals since
1978. They placed 13th at the February 20 semi-finals,
with 243 points for their rendition “How We Coming”
- four points behind Solo Harmonites who played
“Momentum.”
read more
Web Posted
-Saturday March 5, 2011 Trinidad & Tobago
Newsday
San Juan East Side Symphony
– new Single Pan champs
Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. - San Juan
East Side Symphony on Thursday evening dethroned
five time winner La Horquetta Pan Groove to be the
new Single Pan Band champions.
In a thrilling competition at the Larry Gomes Stadium,
Malabar, Arima, the San Juan band impressed the
judges with their performance of the song “Magician”
sung by Burning Flames, arranged by Duvone Stewart.
The band which performed in eighth position, appeared
on stage dressed as magicians with top hat, and
black and white waistcoat. They gave one of the
more entertaining performances of the evening to
take home the Pan Trinbago Challenge Trophy and
$250,000
After being announced the winner, the band’s captain,
Andy Franco, said their success was “long deserved.”
“The players have worked hard year after year and
it is about time we experience this kind of success.
We played late nights; we gave our all, so this
win was not a surprise to us, but we are equally
as happy,” he said.
read more
Web Posted
-Friday March 4, 2011 When Steel Talks
San Juan East Side Symphony
- 2011 Single Pan Bands Champions
Trinidad
& Tobago- San Juan East
Side Symphony is the undisputed National Panorama
2011 Single Pan Champion.
Playing the
Duvone Stewart arrangement of Burning Flames’ “Magician”,
San Juan East Side amassed 284 points to take home
the Pan Trinbago Challenge Trophy and $250,000.
The band which hails from Second Street, Barataria,
maintained the stellar position at all stages of
the competition widening the lead as the competition
progressed.
Results showed
that bands in positions two to five were unchanged
from the Semi finals.
click for full breakdown
Web Posted
-Friday March 4, 2011 When Steel Talks
Arima Golden Symphony - 2011
Small Conventional Band Panorama Champions
Trinidad
& Tobago- Last evening’s
event at the Larry Gomes Stadium Car Par, Arima,
also featured the finalists in the Small Band category.
Arima Golden Symphony placed first taking home the
Challenge Trophy and $500,000.
Adjudicators
were Hugh Borde, Junior Howell, Alea Nicholson,
Dr. Jeanine Remy, Ian Anthony and Frank Stanisclaus
for Single Pans while Sherry Ann Saunders, Martin
Albino, Tommy Crichlow, Michelle Dowrich, Marcelline
Peters and Kenrick Noel did the honors in the Small
Conventional category.
click for full breakdown
Web Posted
-Friday March 4, 2011 Trinidad & Tobago
Newsday
Players lost their rhythm
Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. - The fate
of nine-time Panorama champion bp Renegades rests
in the hands of a High Court judge who will today
decide on whether the Charlotte Street-based band
will be included at the National Panorama finals
at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, tomorrow.
Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee is presiding over the
matter, which will be heard today.
The steel orchestra yesterday filed an injunction
at the Port-of-Spain High Court, for breach of contract,
specific performance and judicial review, seeking
an order restraining Pan Trinbago from proceeding
with the finals for the large band conventional
category tomorrow as well as a declaration that
they be included in the finals, among other reliefs.
Renegades placed 13th with its selection “How We
Coming” with 243 points and complained that the
music played by the DJ at the North Stand caused
band members to “lose rhythm,” during its performance
two Sundays ago. Twelve large bands perform at the
finals.
Renegades is contending that Pan Trinbago failed
to ensure that any competing sounds were silenced
or sufficiently silenced before or while the orchestra
was performing.
read more
Web Posted
-Thursday March 3, 2011 When Steel Talks
Renegades Steel Orchestra
files an injunction against Pan Trinbago
Web Posted
-Thursday March 3, 2011 When Steel Talks
Renegades Steel Orchestra
files an injunction against Pan Trinbago over Semi
Finals failure to ensure fair performance conditions
Renegades Steel Orchestra
files an injunction against Pan Trinbago over Semi
Finals failure to ensure fair performance conditions by Leon Chandler
Global- As a Renegades player I have,
with great restraint up until now, avoided any comment
on this issue as to avoid any appearance or representation
of bias.
I think I
now need to step in if for no other reason that
clarification. Renegades has no issue with being
left out of the finals if it was based on the judges'
interpretation and subsequent location of points
only, however, these are not the grounds for which
we have lodged our initial complaints to Pan Trinbago
and now, after that body has delayed us for almost
a week, our subsequent action in the High Court.
read more
Web Posted
-Thursday March 3, 2011 When Steel Talks
My Take on Panorama 2011 by Leon Thomas
Global- There is a lot of good music
being played. Bands in the Small and Medium category
are making extreme and positive strides. However,
the Large Bands have maintained their descent towards
mediocrity. This year, like years before, everything
seems to be scripted. Panorama is not earned anymore.
Back in the day, Panorama had some amazing musical
arrangements. Arrangers seemed to challenge themselves
to produce the best with every try. Do you remember
Pandemonium’s Sugar for Pan or Rebecca and In My
House by Desperadoes all arranged by Clive Bradley?
What about Woman is Boss by Phase II (Boogsie),
Somebody by Renegades (Jit), Pan By Storm by Fonclaire
(Professor)? These are all great arrangements, music
that can stand up as giants to the best of them
now. The non-musician could have found understanding
in an arrangement and would have been able to whistle
or sing a part of the song, or the entire piece.
Today’s arrangements just seem to fly over the top
of our heads.
read more
Web Posted
-Wednesday March 2, 2011 When Steel Talks
Katzenjammers and Hope Pan
Groovers rule Tobago Panorama for 2011 - Results!
Tobago,
W.I.- For those steelband
music lovers who could not make it to the beautiful
island of Tobago in the Caribbean, a special musical
experience was provided to the global steelpan community
as they were treated to a live broadcast of the
Tobago Panorama last night via Radio Tambrin over
the internet. Five Single-pan bands and ten conventional
steel orchestras battled for steelband music supremacy
at the annual Tobago panorama - the pinnacle of
Pan performances for many in Tobago’s steelband
music community. Each of the island’s conventional
steel orchestras were determined to take home the
first prize of TT $100,000 (just over USD $16,000).
And at the end, there could be only one: Katzenjammers
Steel Orchestra won the prize purse in the conventional
category, and Hope Pan Groovers triumphed over their
fellow Single-pan bands.
read more
Web Posted
-Wednesday March 2, 2011 When Steel Talks
Police intimidation of Southern
Marines Steel band Foundation in Trinidad & Tobago
- the “Home of Pan”?
Trinidad,
W.I.- Is the music community
being targeted for playing their National Instrument?
Michael Joseph, president of Southern Marines Steel
band Foundation says that on the night of March
1st, 2011 the Trinidad and Tobago Police - in the
person of officer Cupid and another officer, turned
up at their panyard, and intimidated their membership
during practice for the National Panorama competition
- featuring their National Instrument, the Steel
Pan!
“When five
or more Police Officers in a district start to warn
and threaten you over your action, isn’t it time
for concern? But what are we doing? Playing the
National Instrument; preparing to represent our
area in the National Panorama, which we believe
to be something worthy of compliments.”
read more
Web Posted
-Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Pacer
UTM Percussion Ensemble enlightens
and informs audience ‘Roots and Rhythm’
takes listeners on world tour of beats and sounds
Tennessee,
USA- The UTM Percussion
Ensemble's "Roots and Rhythm" performance was included
this year in the university's annual Civil Rights
Conference for the first time, and, through Dr.
Julie Hill's lecture and the music that was played,
it certainly felt like it belonged there.
"It is something we do every year, but this is the
first time it has been a part of the Civil Rights
Conference. We have just made it a part of Black
History Month in the past," Hill said.
....The Ensemble used a steel band orchestra to
play through the different beats and rhythms, which
Hill helped the audience become familiar with by
equating them to other more common instruments.
"I try to relate unusual instrument groups to groups
most of the audience is already comfortable with
so the terms don't seem so foreign. In our case,
a steel band orchestra can be likened to a concert
band, orchestra, or even a choir.
read more
Web Posted -Wednesday March 2, 2011 When Steel Talks
Small, Medium & Large Steel
Orchestras - Finals: Order of Appearance - Trinidad
& Tobago Panorama 2011
Global- This year eleven bands instead
of ten, in the small steel orchestra category, moved
on to the Panorama Finals because of two “tied”
positions coming out of the semi-finals. These
bands join the sixteen Single Pan Bands in their
Final night competition on Thursday February 3 in
Arima, Trinidad.
And on Carnival
Saturday night, it’s the turn of the Medium and
Large Steel orchestras as they take the stage at
the Queen’s Park Savannah. Arranger for Trinidad
All Stars, Leon “Smooth” Edwards, pictured above,
pulled number one at the official draw for playing
positions of the Large bands. Pan Elders will
start things off in the Medium category.
complete Order of Appearance
Web Posted
-Wednesday March 2, 2011 PetoskeyNews.com
Petoskey Steel Drum Band
to perform in New Orleans
Michigan,
USA- The Petoskey High
School Steel Drum Band is about to participate in
one of the largest parties in the United States.
On Friday, 21 students and 12 chaperones will begin
their journey to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
While there, the group will perform in three parades,
including: the Endymion, which begins at 4:15 p.m.
on Saturday; the Bacchus, which begins at 5:15 p.m.
on Sunday; and the Orpheus, which starts at 6 p.m.
on Monday.
For more than four hours at a time, on their newly
renovated, double-decker trailer, the students will
be performing "Jump in the Line," "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,"
"Do Wah Diddy Diddy" and "Brown Eyed Girl," among
other hits.
"We don't do anything too sophisticated -- it's
just party music," said Barry Bennett, director
of the steel drum band.
According to Bennett, this is the band's fifth time
performing at the event since 2001.
"The first time we were asked to come to Mardi Gras,
we didn't know what we were getting ourselves into,"
he said. "But it was just a riot!
read more
Web Posted
-Tuesday March 1, 2011 When Steel Talks
Single Pan in the Finals:
Order of Appearance - Trinidad & Tobago Panorama
2011
Global- It’s showtime for twenty-seven
steelbands as the National Panorama Small & Single
Pan Bands Finals take centre stage on Thursday February
3 at the Larry Gomes Stadium Car Park, Arima in
East Trinidad at 7:00 pm.
....First
band in the Single Pan category on stage will be
United Sounds while Old Tech Steel Orchestra will
kick off the Small Steel Orchestra competition.
read more
Web Posted
-Tuesday March 1, 2011 When Steel Talks
An Opportunity Missed - Junior
Panorama 2011
by Mark Loquan
Global- ....One event in particular
if I was in Trinidad, that I would be sure to attend,
would have been the Junior Panorama Finals event.
....We had
a great opportunity on February 27, 2011 to shine
the light on the National Junior Panorama, an event
which has demonstrated amazing skills and creativity
by the young players and upcoming arrangers.
....Instead
my spirit was very saddened to see very little or
no news in the local papers on line, and therefore
on the internet as well. One could not hear or see
anything on line as well. It is not that I am saddened
because I could not hear or see anything as an avid
pan enthusiast.
read more
Web Posted
-Tuesday March 1, 2011 When Steel Talks
Steelpan Music Composer and
Panorama Arranger Amrit Samaroo is doing just "PHIne"
Global- Amrit Samaroo was born and
raised into a musical family being the son of renowned
arranger, Jit Samaroo. He started playing steelpan
at the age of six with Samaroo Youth Steel Orchestra
which existed for approximately two years. During
Amrit’s formative years as a musician, he won first
place at San Fest and the School’s Music Festival
in 1992 and 1999 respectively. In addition to having
been raised in a musical family, Amrit has received
formal musical training, having completed an Associate
Degree in Performing Arts from COSTAATT (The College
of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad
and Tobago), and a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Arts
from the University of the West Indies.
Although Amrit
enjoyed success as a solo musician in his early
days, his passion is arranging. He believes his
dad inspired him to be an arranger, and arranging
allows him to express himself more freely through
a band. For Trinidad and Tobago Panorama 2011, Amrit
had a full quota of steel orchestras for which he
arranged. The bands are Trinidad Nostalgic (single
pan), Nutones (small), Melodians (medium) and Our
Boys (large). He arranged two of his original compositions
for 2011, Showdown and T.K.O. for Melodians and
Our Boys respectively.
read more
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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Steel Talks
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T-Shirts are Here!
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
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Web
Posted - When Steel Talks
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