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Web Posted - Wednesday November 30, 2011
When Steel Talks

The Steelband Panorama Songwriting Team, Still Going Strong

Global - 2012 represents five years since the Destra/Philmore/Loquan team has been creating music for Panorama. Since 2008 the team has brought to life songs like “Hooked” (2008), “D Trini Way” (2009), “Surrender” (2010), “Rewind” (2010) and “Calling Meh” (2011). Prior to 2008, Destra/Loquan had produced “Colours Again” (COTT Pan Song of the Year 2006) and “We Luv Carnival.”
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 30, 2011
Antigua Observer

Panists welcome plan for National Pan Orchestra
 

St. John’s, Antigua, W.I. - One of the nation’s foremost panists, Robin Margetson, who has been in the business for over 30 years, is welcoming the government’s intention to establish a National Youth Steel Orchestra.

“Anything we can do to help harness them at an early age will do wonders for us down the road,” he said. “It would actually help us to appreciate that pan is in good hands for our future generation.”

He was responding to the announcement made yesterday by Governor General Dame Louise Lake-Tack, as she delivered the Speech from the Throne to a special joint sitting of Parliament.

She said, “It is my government’s intention during this parliamentary year to establish the National Youth Steel Orchestra of Antigua & Barbuda with the express aim of attracting, encouraging and developing the musical talents of the young people of our nation through the medium of music and by extension the steel pan.”
read more    and    discuss here

Web Posted - Wednesday November 30, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Vibes”
sung by Destra
composed by Mark Loquan, Ken Philmore, Destra Garcia
 

Global - This song originated from a melody which songwriter and panist Mark Loquan had produced as a demo several years ago, but was never released. Ken Philmore and Loquan have now revitalized the song with their own vibes and with the energy and creativity that flows between them musically, with lyrics and vocals courtesy Destra Garcia.  This threesome has been productively collaborating and putting out good tracks for five years.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Tuesday November 29, 2011
South Florida Caribbean News

Trinidad & Tobago’s Amb. Parsan Receives Award from Northern Illinois University
 

Illinois, USA - On November 19 and 20, the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts hosted the Ambassador to the United States from Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Dr. Neil Parsan. In addition to attending the NIU Steel Band concert and providing words of encouragement and support to the NIU community, Ambassador Parsan met with CVPA Dean Rich Holly, steel band co-directors Clifford Alexis and Liam Teague, significant steel band donor Lester Trilla and several NIU dignitaries during his time on the NIU campus.

....As a result of several hours of meetings and conversations, strategies for creating internships for NIU steel pan students to perform with the major steel bands in Trinidad and Tobago, scholarship opportunities for more Trinidad and Tobago students to attend NIU in order to earn their degree in steel pan, and the creation of a student exchange programmes were discussed. Additionally, NIU will help create a stronger music literacy program throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
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Web Posted - Monday November 28, 2011
When Steel Talks

Pentatonix wins NBC’s Sing Off
We’re singing the “Afro Blues” - the Lowering of America’s Music IQ

New York, USA - Much congratulations to third-season Sing Off winners - Pentatonix - they are a great group with extraordinary music acumen. With a cash purse of $200,000.00, they are now also Sony Music recording artists - with their contract in hand as part of the Sing Off grand prize.

....However, I cannot help but feel that NBC’s Sing Off producers and judges contributed mightily to the musical ‘dumbing’ down of America.

Ironically, it was only a week ago that I felt that Sing Off was single-handedly responsible for raising America’s music IQ. Of course that was before judges lost their minds and musical integrity by eliminating the group “Afro Blue” from the finals.
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Web Posted - Saturday November 26, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Return of The Marsicans”
sung by Ajala
composed by Perry Martin
 

Global - The name “Ajala” means dedicated to God and has Spanish, French and Yoruba resonances, reflecting Ajala’s Trinidadian heritage. For 2012 he vocalizes this song written by Perry Martin.

And Perry has quietly equipped the very hungry and super talented singer/performer, Ajala, with a winner.  Perry has no doubt, he says, that the new cosmic-era which begins in ‘2012’ will most definitely be heralding The Return of the Marsicans!
click to hear song

Web Posted - Saturday November 26, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Pan Woman Jammin’”
sung by Joanne Foster
composed by Don Clarke &
Gregory Ballantyne
 

Global - No stranger to the Big Stage of competition and performance, Joanne Foster is a past winner of the National Song Festival in Trinidad & Tobago. She made her debut into the Calypso arena in 1995 singing at the Spectacular Forum in Port of Spain.

For 2012 Carnival, she takes the lead microphone and steps into the spotlight to deliver a strong, authoritative, melodic song in tribute to the hundreds of Trinbago’s Pan Women who all come down “the track" of the “Big Yard” - (Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain), to grace the Panorama Stage with their skill, style, and beauty - “Pan Woman Jammin.’”

Lyrics and music for the song come from Gregory Ballantyne and Don Clarke respectively. Clarke teamed up with Ballantyne for this tribute to Pan Women everywhere, and also dedicates the composition to the deceased artistic and musical icon Dr. Pat Bishop.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Saturday November 26, 2011
When Steel Talks

The man who took the art form to another level
Special Pan Radio Show
Master Arranger, Musician, Composer, Producer Clive Bradley The Man, The Music and The Legend - Through the eyes of those who knew him-
 

Global - When Steel Talks remembers Clive Bradley with the rebroadcast of the much talked about special pan radio program to the legendary steelpan music Clive Bradley.
click to listen

Web Posted - Saturday November 26, 2011
When Steel Talks

The man who took the art form to another level
Caribbean Music Giant Remembered
Master Arranger, Musician, Composer, Producer Clive Bradley: The Man, The Music and The Legend - Through the eyes of those who knew him-
 

Global - Today marks six years since world-renowned master steel orchestra arranger Clive Bradley passed away. He was story-telling, theatre and musical drama at their best. Moreover, he was an educator who touched and educated us through his harmonies, rhythms and movements. The genius of this 20th century Caribbean giant is expounded upon globally by those he impacted.
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Web Posted - Friday November 25, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Pan in de Countryside —a success story

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - I beg to differ with the detractors who insist that Pan Trinbago is a dependent, cup-in-hand entity. On the contrary, these past few months I have observed up-close a body of passionate, hard-working, devoted men and women, focused on expanding and developing an indigenous art form and movement. I was privy to this insight by attending five of six editions of Pan in de Countryside, a series of Sunday, open air pan concerts, produced nationwide by Pan Trinbago, with assistance from the Tourism Development Company. The series premiered in March in Cedros and culminated last Sunday at the now popular Moruga Composite School, in Basse Terre, Moruga.
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 23, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Underdog”
sung & composed by Jimmy Chambers
 

Global - Born in Trinidad, Jimmy Chambers, a college graduate, travelled to England with great expectations of being a successful singer. And he has achieved that success, counting collaborations with Robert Palmer, and Paul Young, recording an album and doing a world tour with the latter.

In 1987, Jimmy teamed up with pals Jimmy Helms, George Chandler and Willym and co-founded LondonBeat, resulting in the chart-topping mega-hit “I’ve Been Thinking About You” which he himself wrote. For 2012 Jimmy has written songs for Panorama (Underdog), J’Ouvert, about the present situation in Trinidad and Tobago, and also for the Carnival celebrations.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Wednesday November 23, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Despers celebrates rebirth

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Neither rain or flood last Saturday could keep the true supporters of Witco Desperadoes away from the Central Bank Forecourt when the Laventille Hill steel orchestra did a farewell concert. Today, the ten-time National Panorama champion embarks on a 21-day tour of Nigeria. Aptly named The Resurgence, because of the band’s newly elected youthful management committee, and Desperadoes determination on winning Panorama in the year of the nation’s 50^th anniversary, there seemed to be a reinvigorated attitude from the band’s membership and in its music.

....During the show, Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz spoke of the Nigerian tour. Revealing how the tour materialised, he disclosed: “When President George Maxwell Richards visited the country (Nigeria) recently for the inauguration of the new president Goodluck Jonathan, in May of this year, he was accompanied by the band (Desperadoes). Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo so thoroughly enjoyed the band’s performance that he asked for them to return.
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 22, 2011
When Steel Talks

Sing Off’s Afro Blue experience some Panorama Blues
The conflict of art and competition

New York, USA - On last night’s episode of NBC’s THE SING-OFF, Afro-Blue became the most recent group to be eliminated from the competition. On numerous occasions these judges essentially said that this group, Afro Blue, was operating above their [the judges’] heads musically.

....In this regard there were many similarities to the Trinidad and Tobago panorama competition. If you’ve ever been eliminated from a panorama competition in the late rounds, you can relate to the pain and disappointment. Afro Blue most be a little confused as to did they ever really ever have a chance?
read more

Web Posted - Monday November 21, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Cat First, Dog Second”
sung by Crazy
composed by Gregory Ballantyne, Ibo Joseph & Skies Abraham
 

Global - The music just keeps coming from the “Lovable Lunatic” aka “Calypso Crazy.”  It is a very busy season for Edwin Ayoung, also known by the above sobriquets. 

His latest track within the playlist of potential songs to be played during the 2012 Steelband Panorama season is called Cat First, Dog Second, written by Gregory Ballantyne with music by Ibo  Joseph and Skies Abraham.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Monday November 21, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

TT culture steps into digital age with Digital Pan App

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Those who attended the launch of the Digital Pan App on Thursday at Queen’s Hall in St Ann’s, felt Trinidad and Tobago culture is finally stepping into the digital age.

The Digital Pan Mobile App is the only steelpan app that is officially and exclusively endorsed by the world governing body for the steelpan, Pan Trinbago. It allows users to virtually play the steelpan on their mobile device and also to select from an array of options enhancing their musical experience.

Kristopher Maillard, Manager Mobile Apps, Digital Business said that this app, powered by Digital Business of Curepe is designed for both the iPhone and iPad and can be obtained for just $1.99.
read more

Web Posted - Monday November 21, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Hold Up The Faith”
sung & composed by Simeon Best
 

Global - Simeon is a member of St. James Tripolians ‘Pan Round de Neck’ band, and is also known as Simeon Winsley Superville; he started out as a DJ around ten years old, taking the lead from his father, whose own DJ career was in the “vinyl era.”

Experiencing all the great music of those days, Superville discovered he had an ear for music and noteworthy melodies. Hold Up The Faith is his composition for Pan, and his first overall.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Sunday November 20, 2011
The Flint Journal

Meet Nadaly Marchi, who’s drumming up her own bright future

Michigan, USA - Meet Nadaly Marchi, a member of The Steelheads steel drum band at Mott Middle College.

“....In band I feel like a superstar. Some days we are playing music that is very, very hard, very challenging. I don’t think 16- and 17-year-olds would be playing this type of music if they weren’t in this band. I’ve had so many opportunities because of the band. I’ve been able to travel and meet so many people.”

....“I love reggae and calypso music. I like all kinds of music, everything, classical, country, techno. I love it all. I picked it up really fast.”

“We don’t use music, well, we have music at first but we memorize it. We play a 12-minute song, “Coffee Street.” I know it all by heart. We do a Pan in A-Minor. It is one of the most difficult songs we play. I start sweating and if I miss a note, aw!”
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Web Posted - Saturday November 19, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Prophet of Pan”
sung by Keith “Designer” Prescott
composed by Tellison “Tello” Forde
 

Global - Tellison ‘Tello’ Forde is the son of an “Invader” - Cecil “Coye” Forde of Invaders Steel Orchestra. That this was indeed the case was proven when Invaders performed at his christening. His father took the Steeldrum throughout Russia, and was one of the first to introduce Pan in Spain and Morocco, North Africa.

“Tello” has composed Prophet of Pan extolling the praises of the renowned and legendary Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, composer, performing artist and arranger of Phase II Pan Groove.  Vocals are by the inimitable Keith “Designer” Prescott.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Saturday November 19, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Raw, Honest, Uncensored
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan is like a man who passes much of his time looking back at himself in the mirror. And Kim Johnson has mined just about every reference of such narcissism during ten years of research for his arresting book about the steel band. The Illustrated Story of Pan (288 pages) is a lavishly depicted rendering of the movement, so pay attention, you’ll certainly learn a lot. Johnson brings a collective memory and constructive memento of pan’s nativity, near death, resuscitation, and emotional and material sustenance that have informed the instrument’s rich culture of 70 years.

....As long as there remain those who think life is about pan, or who continue to cop an attitude of “it’s we ting” so they could belabour arguments about facts or faction, such partisan warfare only clouds the debate, not clear the air. Johnson’s comprehensive work aims to tell it like it really was ever since the colonialist ban on African drums led to the most exotic and intoxicating instrument of modern time. Johnson boils the period down to its essence: Who’s talking, who’s the authority of the narrative, where does it come from and why. And Johnson embellishes the hardcover with photographs, sketches and drawings. True to its subject matter, the book provokes magic realism—a kind of tribal surrealism in which the mystery of pan comes alive through the juxtaposition of images and words.
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Web Posted - Saturday November 19, 2011
Trinidad Express

No colour for pan
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - I could not wait to reach Invaders for their annual pan, parang and pork. I was having withdrawals because pan is essentially an outdoor activity, which does not lend itself to the restriction of a midnight curfew. There is insufficient time for players to travel within the restriction of a midnight curfew.

Invaders put on a scintillating show. Their combination with H2OPhlo2G was something a skillful producer could take to Broadway but our most brilliant indigenous achievement continues not to get the attention it deserves. Apparently another quarrel is brewing over the stipend for pan players during the run-up to Panorama 2012. Inexplicably the Government has neither orange nor any other colour to incorporate pan in its much touted social intervention programmes. The country is roiling with instability, yet a ready-made stabilising force is not at the centre of such programmes.
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Web Posted - Friday November 18, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“He Madd”
sung by Crazy
composed by Greg Assing & Edwin Ayoung
 

Global - The “Lovable Lunatic” is at it again.  Having already vocalized several tracks for the 2012 Steelband Panorama and Carnival season, Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung returns in hilarious, ripping form - guaranteed to have you rolling your eyes while dancing up a storm - with this track called He Madd, co-written with Greg Assing.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Friday November 18, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“The Pan Is Great”
sung & composed by Hamilton Alexander aka “Web”
 

Global - Born Hamilton Alexander in Trinidad, the “Web” has over thirty-five years in a musical legacy that is distinctly Trinidadian. He joined the Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra in 1966...

....“Web” migrated to Canada in 1977 and immediately got involved writing and performing Calypso.  For the 2012 Steelband panorama, he offers “The Pan Is Great” as his song in contention for selection.

....Currently he is the Vice President of the Organization of Calypso performing artists, (O.C.P.A.) and was recently chosen to accompany Caribana on their prestigious tour to Hong Kong.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Thursday November 17, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Anya”
sung & composed by Winston Scarborough aka “The Original DeFosto Himself”
 

Global - With the arrival of 2012, Winston Scarborough is celebrating 34 years in the music business in Trinidad & Tobago.  Performing under the sobriquet “The Original DeFosto Himself,” this artist has been singing calypsos for a long time, and his music is internationally known and annually anticipated.

....For the 2012 panorama season, DeFosto has already released several selections, such as An Intervention of Hope (Lives Have Been Saved). Yet another coming from the talented artist is this track “Anya.”
click to hear song

Web Posted - Thursday November 17, 2011
When Steel Talks

Another Steelband Soldier Has Fallen – the life of Cyril “Nick” Boxill

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ...Cyril Boxill or “Nick,” as he was fondly called, grew up in San Fernando. For the greater part of his life he was involved in the steelpan movement.

Small wonder he was also known as “Bredwin” due to his kind-heartedness. He often referred to the steelpan as “Barrels” and was a founding member of Mayo Starlift which, with Vic Lange as arranger, made quite an impression in the Steelband Festival in the 1950s with a piece entitled “Waltz of the Sugar Plum Fairies.”
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 16, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Play Yourself”
sung by Crazy
composed by Clive Telemaque
 

Global - Clive Telemaque has been playing Pan since 1972 when he was still a small boy.  He started to play with Renegades Steel Orchestra on Charlotte Street, Port-of-Spain, and then went onto Trinidad All Stars in 1973.

....The versatile Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung vocalizes his composition “Play Yourself” for the 2012 season.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Wednesday November 16, 2011
When Steel Talks

Trinidad and Tobago Chinese Steel Ensemble plays on the Peace Ark

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - As the Chinese Hospital Ship “Peace Ark” was winding up its visit, appropriately entitled “Harmony”, to Trinidad and Tobago, where its doctors attended to hundreds of needy patients, a farewell function was held on board the ship on the evening of November 14 for its officers and medical staff.

....Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Chinese Steel Ensemble (TTCSE) played the national anthems of the People’s Republic of China and Trinidad and Tobago, followed by one of the female officers with a Chinese song. There were then performances by the TTCSE, several of the talented Chinese singers, a flautist and their military brass band.
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 15, 2011
When Steel Talks

November 15 - The ‘Pan Buzz’ to date:  Fair Roll of The Dice, please
 

Global - ...I take issue with hosts of Pan shows in Trinidad and their bias. I am asking them to clean up their act. Pan Buzz has led the fight tirelessly in a lot of areas where steelband (and steelpan) development is concerned, and anything to push Pan is my concern. What has been happening, is that I have been getting negative feedback about some radio hosts who are spiting singers or Pan song composers they have problem with.
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 15, 2011
When Steel Talks

Godfrey Camps – from Steelband Captain to Bartender
The Making of Pan History, Down South
 

San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago - ....Godfrey Camps was at the tender age of thirteen when he had his first brush with the national instrument of his native Trinidad & Tobago. At that time Melody Makers was situated at the corner of Coffee and Drayton streets in San Fernando. Camps recalled that in 1959, he witnessed the making of the first set of seven-bass pans in South Trinidad and possibly in the island - and by extension the first of its kind in the world. The tuner was Neville Sandy who was also the first man to make a three-note pan.

Now 68 years old, Camps manages a bar with his wife Susanna David on Carib Street in San Fernando, just opposite Pan Elders and within seventy five metres of Sancity, Antillean All Stars, T&TEC Electro Sounds and Skiffle Bunch – the closest conglomeration of steelbands which could be found on any island in the sun.
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 15, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Pan In Yuh Face”
sung by Dianne Smith-Saunders
composed by Dennis Smith
 

Global - Dennis Smith was born in Ste. Madeleine Village, South Trinidad, and comes from a musical family of seventeen children.  He has been playing the steel pan since the age of eleven.

....He has released two songs for Panorama 2012 including this one ‘Pan In Yuh Face’ sung by his sister Dianne Smith Saunders.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Tuesday November 15, 2011
TribToday.com

Band performs at state conference
 

Ohio, USA - The Champion Central Elementary School steel drum band will perform at 2 p.m. today at the Ohio School Boards Association's student achievement fair in Columbus.

The group is one of five in the state chosen to perform at the fair, which is a highlight of the OSBA's 56^th annual capital conference and trade show being held this week.

The Champion band represent OSBA's Northeast Region and will perform at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

....Cokrlic said the band includes 20 fourth-graders and 16 fifth-graders who were in the steel drum band last year. This is the fourth year for the band.
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 15, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Jump Up and Play Yuh Self”
sung by Garth David
composed by Dennis Smith & Garth David
 

Global - Composer, performer and panist  Dennis Smith has been playing the steel pan since the age of eleven, and over the years has become an accomplished musician/ composer/ arranger/ producer. Smith has arranged music for Best Village Groups, Secondary Schools, Panasonic Connection, Hillside Symphony and Pan Elders Steel Orchestra.

....He has released two songs for Panorama 2012 including this one ‘Jump Up and Play Yuhself’ sung by Garth David.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Monday November 14, 2011
NIU Today

NIU Steel Band welcomes Trinidad ambassador for Nov. 20 concert, exploration of partnerships
 

Illinois, USA - His Excellency Dr. Neil Parsan, ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United States, will attend this weekend’s concert of the NIU Steel Band.

Parsan, who is a veterinarian, contacted countryman Liam Teague a few months ago to learn more about the NIU School of Music and its international reputation for pushing the boundaries of the steelpan.

“The ambassador was curious to find about our program,” says Teague, the head of steelpan studies and co-director of the band with Cliff Alexis, another native of Trinidad and Tobago.
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Web Posted - Sunday November 13, 2011
Trinidad Express

French Panist to perform
at Studio 66


 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Dr Aurélie Helmlinger, a French ethnomusicologist, double tenor player, pan teacher and arranger involved in steelband since 1996, will deliver a presentation at Studio 66, at 66, Sixth Street, Barataria on November 16 at 7 p.m.

After a masters degree (1999); based on her participation to the 1998 Panorama with Merrytones (two months fieldwork), she undertook her PhD at the University of Paris X Nanterre. From 2000 to 2005, she studied the memorisation of repertoire in Trinidad and Tobago steelbands, through 15 months fieldwork in Pamberi, multi-disciplinary experimentation and bibliographic studies.
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Web Posted - Sunday November 13, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Diatonic Steel Orchestra returns from Indiana tour


 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Diatonic Steel Orchestra returned from a nine-day tour last month of five cities in Indiana. The tour was organised as a means of assisting the Indiana Steelband Association in establishing the steelpan in an Indiana community, where most of the citizens never saw the steelpan, least of all heard one.

Diatonic Steel Orchestra’s objective, however, being a division of Diatonic Pan Institute, was to create some level of commerce through the sales of steelpans and to bring visitors to the shores of T&T. The tour proved to be a success beyond what was envisaged. The governor of Indiana proclaimed the week Pan Appreciation Week in honour of Diatonic’s visit.
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Web Posted - Sunday November 13, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Gods of The Unknown - God Is Ah Trini”
sung & composed by Winston Scarborough aka “The Original DeFosto Himself”
 

Global - Winston Scarborough is considered by many to be one of the all-time great composers of steelband ‘panorama tunes.’

....For the 2012 panorama season, DeFosto has already released a couple tracks, including ‘An Intervention of Hope (Lives Have Been Saved.’  Yet another witty ditty coming from the talented artist is this track, ‘Gods of The Unknown - God Is Ah Trini.’
click to hear song

Web Posted - Sunday November 13, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Boogsie Sharpe”
sung & composed by Winston Scarborough aka “The Original DeFosto Himself”
 

Global - After a well-represented 2011, Winston Scarborough - considered by many to be one of the all-time great composers of steelband ‘panorama tunes,’ is back for another strong run.

....For the 2012 panorama season, DeFosto has already released a couple tracks, including ‘An Intervention of Hope (Lives Have Been Saved.’  Yet another ‘witty ditty’ coming from the talented artist is this track, ‘Boogsie Sharpe.’
click to hear song

Web Posted - Sunday November 13, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“San Fernando Has Spoken”
sung & composed by Winston Scarborough aka “The Original DeFosto Himself”
 

Global - His music is always anticipated, and he does not disappoint. Winston Scarborough - considered by many to be one of the all-time great composers of steelband ‘panorama tunes,’ has served up several songs for the upcoming panorama season.

....For 2012 DeFosto has already released a couple selections, beginning with ‘An Intervention of Hope (Lives Have Been Saved.’  Yet another ‘witty ditty’ coming from the talented artist is this track, ‘San Fernando Has Spoken.’
click to hear song

Web Posted - Saturday November 12, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Culture”
sung by Roger George
composed by Raf Robertson
 

Global - Raf Robertson’s musical career began in the late 1960s, while he was still attending St. Benedict’s College in Trinidad in the era of combos playing dance music. He has performed around the Caribbean, Europe, North Africa and the USA. After residing and working in Washington DC for a number of years, he returned to his native Trinidad where he has been involved in a number of projects. Well known vocalist Roger George vocalizes his composition “Culture” which can be found on Robertson’s latest CD Majesty.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Saturday November 12, 2011
When Steel Talks

New Book Illustrates Image of Pan with Telling Stories of The Steel Band

Global - The first few images in “The Illustrated Story of Pan” (288 pages) that jumped up and grabbed my eyeballs seemed eerily familiar. It wasn’t the six or seven young men scratching out the early rhythm of the steel band on paint pans, biscuit drums and iron (brake drums). It was the setting. Leotaud Street in Gonzales, East Dry River, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. The road, now noisy with percussion, is flanked by orderly rows of government houses in apple-pie order. The dwellings stand like sentinels commanding a view of history on the make.

....Johnson’s bewitching work doesn’t just address aficionados like myself, or the xenophobic crowd that stupidly believes Pan is we ting. “The Illustrated Story of Pan” acts as the portal vein to convey the blood, guts and ingenuity of the steel band to the wider world, which has long adopted the movement not only for its glory but also the romance of its pained, yet rich history.
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Web Posted - Friday November 11, 2011
When Steel Talks

WST Video Special - The ‘Basement Tapes’

Clive Bradley - Pelham Goddard - The Arrangers Forum @ WST

Global - When Steel Talks (WST) has been very fortunate over the years to have shared the company of some of the most influential and historically significant people in the steelpan music movement.  WST routinely held informal forums attended by Basement staff and interns at our facilities, to provide access to these critical figures in steelpan music history, for  education, reality checks, direct information, facts and advice.  Neville Jules, Robert Greenidge, Clive Bradley, Pelham Goddard, Ray Holman, Ellie Mannette, Andy Narell, Merle Albino-de Coteau, Rudy “Two Left” Smith, Rudy King and Emmanuel “Jack” Riley - among many other past and present steelpan music icons - have all participated in our forums.

These sessions provided a wealth of information and historical data for WST and the steelpan music community. Moreover, the participants looked forward to these gatherings to reminisce and tell their stories.

So, When Steel Talks has raided the vaults to find the ‘Basement Tapes’ to provide the WST community with a sometimes never-before-seen perspective from these central figures in Pan - communicating to you their own words and visuals. The videos are at times very humorous, frank and brutally honest, potentially controversial, and always educational.
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Web Posted - Thursday November 10, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Panist receives Shanghai festival top award


 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Steelpan soloist extraordinaire, Noel La Pierre, received the Best Participating Award 2011 at the 13^th Shanghai Arts Festival held on October 16-19. The festival is hosted by the Ministry of Culture of China and Shanghai Performing Arts Festival committee (SPAF). The festival is an international performing exhibition, which has become the largest and the most fruitful international performance fair held in China.

....The festival featured over 50 international stage performances, art exhibitions and dignitary representatives from various festival committees from Edinburgh, Russia, Lithuania, Hong Kong, Singapore, USA, Canada and more. La Pierre was able to conduct an intense three-day training and development workshop in the art of playing the steelpan with The Federation of Art and Literary Circles, a local Chinese retiree steelpan group.
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 9, 2011
Jamaica Observer

Pans sang in Kingston


 

Kingston, Jamaica, W.I. - The congregation attending the Pan Extravaganza at the Kingston Parish Church on Sunday was treated to a holistic musical feast that covered the spectrum from classical through religious, ballads, reggae and soca music, satisfying every taste.

The two-hour presentation featured steel orchestras of Musical Apostles, Stella Maris and Bethel Steel ensemble who delighted the highly appreciative audience with quite an entertaining repertoire of rich musical offerings.
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 9, 2011
The Vancouver Courier

Skins and Steel bangs the drum for Caribbean culture in Vancouver
 

Vancouver, Canada - Vanessa Richards recalls a childhood filled with the sights and sounds of Caribbean culture, with cricket matches and steel pan drumming in Stanley Park.

Apart from the Caribbean Days Festival in North Vancouver, which was spawned by those picnics in Stanley Park, Richards rarely sees the presence of Caribbean culture in Vancouver acknowledged and celebrated.

....Those who attend Skins and Steel, Nov. 10 and 11, will hear eminent pan player Kenrick Headley drum with The Afro Caribs, a small band of musicians who came to Vancouver from Trinidad in the mid 1950s to attend the University of B.C. and brought an explosion of calypso to the West Coast.
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 9, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago

Narell uses pan to carve niche worldwide
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - American-born virtuoso Andy Narell is a very reserved professional who prefers to express himself by merrily making mixed, melodious, sounds on the Steelpan. There is a distinct similarity between Andy and the great former West Indian batsman Brian Charles Lara who always spoke with a cricket bat throughout his 16-year illustrious test career.

As an adopted son of Trinidad and Tobago, Narell has used this country’s national musical instrument to successfully carve a vital niche for its indigenous rhythms and for himself, worldwide. Andy deserves the international recognition and acclaim that he has so deservedly earned because of inexorable dedication to his craft.

How many other musicians have kept a “long-time tenor pan” in their archives and are brave enough to use it to make commercial recordings? Narell has etched a name for himself in mainstream entertainment by performing in North America, the Caribbean, South Africa and Europe. He continues to play alongside the greats including T&T’s Relator, David Rudder and Ray Holman.
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Web Posted - Monday November 7, 2011
inLoughborough.com

Caribbean Poetry Performance at Literary Leicester festival
 

Leicester, England, UK - Internationally acclaimed poets Grace Nichols and John Agard come together on Thursday 10^th November at 7.30 pm at the University of Leicester’s fourth annual Literary Leicester festival, which takes place from 9-12 November, 2011.

The two award-winning poets will read from their work and present a joint performance of Sunris and Man to Pan, exploring Caribbean metaphors of transfiguration – Carnival and Steel Pan.

Billed as a ‘dance of words’ and a unique spoken word ‘duet’, the performances of Sunris and Man to Pan will follow individual readings by each poet from their various books.

Both Grace Nichols and John Agard are studied on the GCSE curriculum. Sunris, about a woman’s journey of self-naming through Carnival, was winner of the Guyana Prize, and Man to Pan, about the evolution of the steelpan, was winner of the Casa de las Americas Poetry Prize.
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Web Posted - Sunday November 6, 2011
Caller.com

Rockport-Fulton’s gifted, talented program helps students pursue dreams
 

Texas, USA - John Dupnik is a tenor sax and contrabass clarinet player in the Rockport-Fulton High School Marching Band. He also knows a thing or two about computers.

....John, a senior, completed the drill as part of a year-old Gifted and Talented program that develops individuality and creativity by exploring a student’s special area of interest.

....Also at the middle school, a group of students formed a steel drum band under the direction of band instructor, Kenneth Thurman. With a school grant for instruments, the group performed at last month’s Rockport-Fulton Seafair.
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Web Posted - Saturday November 5, 2011
Littlehampton Gazette

Talented Littlehampton youngsters set for biggest performance yet


 

England, UK - Talented musicians from The Littlehampton Academy will have the chance of a lifetime when they perform at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday (November 8).

About 31 members of the academy’s steel band will take part in Music for Youth’s Schools Prom at the world-famous venue in London, after making it through the qualifying rounds of a national competition.

Band leader, and head of music at the academy, Lee Nelson said: “Playing at the Royal Albert Hall is a performance of a lifetime for our band members who have been working incredibly hard with fund-raising shows and extra rehearsals.
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Web Posted - Friday November 4, 2011
When Steel Talks

Many Hammers, No Steel? Option in Drum Shortage Crisis for Panmen, Steelbands

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - New hope now lies beyond the drum shortage crisis currently crippling the local Steelpan industry in Trinidad & Tobago. A local company, CG Packaging Systems Ltd., has stepped forward to especially address and meet the urgent and relevant need for barrels, the raw product used in the manufacture of Steelpans, the country’s national instruments. CG Packaging Systems is now poised to become the main distributor of 55 gallon drums tailored for manufacturing the steel pan.
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Web Posted - Friday November 4, 2011
Jamaica Observer

Kingston Parish Church raises funds for Steel Orchestra

Jamaica, W.I. - ....When Splash dropped in on rehearsals at the Kingston Parish Church Hall in the heart of the city, the sweet sounds of pan greeted us, as it filled the building, spilling over into the churchyard.

....For band member, 16 year-old Diana Byfield there is no greater joy than being a part of something that totally fulfils her.

In fact, she along with her twin sister and mother are a part of the steel pan orchestra and she thanks God for the day when her mom encouraged them to join the band when it was being formed in 2008.

“I find the experience very good and it’s my way of giving back to God,” she said, adding that being in The Apostles helps her to stay focused on her schoolwork, while at the same time helps her to socialise with persons with a similar interest in music, especially pan.
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 2, 2011
The Caribbean Camera

New PHI steelpan to make Toronto debut

Ontario, Canada - At this weekend’s Autumn Leaves, an annual showcase of steelpan performance, the audience will be treated to the spanking new invention called the P.H.I. pan, or Percussive Harmonic Instrument, and pronounced “fie”.

Steel pan lovers have already heard and seen the e-pan or electronic pan, invented here in Toronto. P.H.I goes several steps further according to its chief developer Professor Brian Copeland of the University of the West Indies Steel Pan Research Laboratories, who developed the PHI and the G-Pan, another innovative product for which he was given a National Award in T&T.
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 2, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

Mazzini elevates the quality of pan music
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Over the last few months, pan men have been playing sad songs as they note concerns of a steel drum shortage, especially as the Panorama season approaches.

While the pan men’s umbrella body Pan Trinbago imports airtight drums and tops from other countries, the local drum factory Natstar Manufacturing Company Limited, a subsidiary of National Petroleum, was a popular choice of manufacturers and tuners. Approximately three months ago, the factory stopped producing drums for reasons unknown.

There are other pan sources like Mazzini Gill, who has been importing drums for steel pan manufacturer Gills Pan Shop, since 2007. And with the industry’s urgent demand, he created CG Packaging Systems Ltd, a subsidiary of Gills Pan Shop, to meet the steelband fraternity’s needs. 
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 2, 2011
The Eagle

Steel band soars in concert
 

Pennsylvania, USA - “They played very wonderfully,” Dr. Walters said, after the 10th grade steel band [of Pittsburgh Obama Academy of International Studies] played a memorable performance for The Nation Music Council.  The steel band played for music teachers from all over the country last Friday. Musical selections included Brazil, Musette, In the Mood (which Mr. Sharder said is a “swing tune”), Brown Eyed Girl and Hier Komant Alex.

Most of the students who played –Alex Bowens, Kendra Davis, Gabby Egler, Tom Brewton and Teona Andrews– have been playing since the 6th grade, while the rest of the band is fairly new.
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Web Posted
When Steel Talks - Special

Champion Panorama Tunes of Trinidad and Tobago
 

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