Web Posted - Wednesday April 29, 2020
When Steel Talks

‘Footprints’ performed by Garvin Blake

Belle Eau Road Blues

New York, USA - This is the Garvin Blake-rendition of Wayne Shorter’s classic “Footprints.” This performance is part of the Belle Eau Road Blues CD as produced, recorded and mastered at Basement Recordings.

Everyone knows that When Steel Talks called the young Jonathan Scales a “bad man” many moons ago. However, before Scales there was another young cat named Garvin Blake. In many ways the polar opposite of Jonathan Scales, Blake is the silent, methodical and strategic type - but just as potent.

It was on hearing this track “Footprints” that Max Roach (considered by many to be the greatest drummer/percussionist to ever live) moved to calling Garvin Blake a major talent. And that says a lot coming from a man who played with many of the musicians that walked with the gods of American music.
take in ‘Footrpints’ audio

Web Posted - Tuesday April 28, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Sadé Adams - New York, USA

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

 

New York, USA - “....Our bass section is mainly made up of females, and we all stick together strong. We are more than a band, and way more than friends; we are all family. We’ve grown together, failed together and accomplished much more together.” -- Sadé Adams

She is confident in who she is, with a love for Pan and her own place within the steelband landscape. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - student and panist Sadé Adams shares her journey in Pan to date: her perspectives and dreams - unfiltered, all relative to the steelband art form.
read more

Web Posted - Saturday April 25, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Yasmin Brito - Ontario, Canada

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

 

Ontario, Canada - “Time waits on no one. If you enjoy the musical instrument, find a band and become a member. Don’t keep saying “I always wanted to... Just Do It! .....” - Yasmin Brito

At 12 years old she was playing pan in a steelband. And while the neighbors had less than kind things to say about this - she had fun. Much fun - made history by becoming one of the first of the firsts in the annals of pan - an unwitting trailblazer with memories and experiences that have lasted a lifetime. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist, mom and former corporate Yasmin Brito shares her joys of her remarkable life long story with Pan, and the steelpan art form.
read more

Web Posted - Thursday April 23, 2020
When Steel Talks

‘No Wuk for Carnival’ - Moods Pan Groove - Arranger:  Robert Greenidge

New York Panorama Steelband Music Competition

New York, USA - Basement Recordings captures Moods Pan Groove’s performance of “No Wuk for Carnival” as arranged by the great Robert Greenidge. The performance was captured with a special 24-bit digital recorder that Basement Recordings was testing out for the Yamaha Corporation of America. As far as we know this was the first MultiTrack digital recording of a steel orchestra ever. Clyde Durant is the owner/manager of the orchestra. This Basement Recordings-recording was done in Moods’ Brooklyn outdoor panyard a few days before they took the stage for the 1994 New York Panorama. The band would come in third position.
take in audio

Web Posted - Tuesday April 21, 2020
New York Times

New York Times Commemorates Pan Icon Martin Douglas

Martin Douglas, Who Set Tone for Steel-Pan Brooklyn, Dies at 71
A deft musician and beloved mentor, he helped keep steel-pan music — his bridge to the Caribbean — a vibrant part of New York life. He had the coronavirus

New York, USA - On summer nights in central Brooklyn, the roar of traffic gives way to the twinkle of steel-pan drums as musicians of all ages rehearse, improvise and compete in sidewalk lots.

Chances were good that if a steel-pan band was hitting its stride, Martin Douglas was close by.

For over two decades Mr. Douglas was a leader in Brooklyn’s steel band scene, playing his music everywhere, mentoring generations of young players and keeping steel-pan music a vibrant part of New York’s cultural life. He was the founder of Crossfire [Steel Orchestra], a steel-pan band admired across the city and beyond, and president of the United States Steelband Association.

He died on March 31 in a hospital in Brooklyn, less than a week after he was admitted there with complications of the new coronavirus [COVID-19], his family said. He was 71.
read more

Web Posted - Sunday April 19, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Aviel Scanterbury - Performing Artist, Educator, Arranger and Panist

 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “My vision is simply for the steelpan to be played in every country in the world and to be viewed as a popular instrument. Way too many persons still don’t know about the instrument and its history even in Trinidad and Tobago.” –– Aviel Scanterbury

It is undeniably clear that for a while now Aviel Scanterbury is part of that next generation of steelpan music practitioners who will guide the art form to new frontiers and heights. In a When Steel Talks exclusive - this child prodigy, now educator, arranger and panist Aviel Scanterbury, shares his vision and passion for Pan..
read more

Web Posted - Saturday April 18, 2020
When Steel Talks

Remember Kitchener - Ralph MacDonald & David Rudder

Global - This is ‘Remember Kitchener,’ by Ralph MacDonald with vocals by David Rudder. From Ralph’s 2000 CD “Trippin’” the track pays homage to the late Lord Kitchener aka Aldwyn Roberts. Kitchener’s birthday would have been celebrated today, April 18.
hear track

Web Posted - Saturday April 18, 2020
When Steel Talks

Pan in ‘A Minor’ - Garvin Blake

Global - This is the Garvin Blake-rendition of Lord Kitchener’s classic Pan in ‘A Minor.’ This performance is part of the Belle Eau Road Blues CD as produced, recorded and mastered at Basement Recordings.   Kitchener’s birthday would have been celebrated today, April 18.
hear track

Web Posted - Friday April 17, 2020
When Steel Talks

The Sean Thomas Quartet: Reilly Digital Series Live Stream

Global - The Sean Thomas Quartet presented a STAY at HOME repertoire for all to enjoy. The repertoire touched on selections by Stevie Wonder, Sonny Rollins, Bob Marley, Duke Jordon & Miles Davis, was performed by a cast that’s passionate about making music. The Quartet features Kayton Lane (Drums), Nolan Koskela-Staples (Bass), Greg Snide (Saxophone) and Sean Thomas (Steelpans).
see concert

Web Posted - Tuesday April 14, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Keishaun Julien - Digital Music Marketing Entrepreneur, Recording Artist, Educator, Arranger, Panist

 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “Being able to travel and share my talent with the world is one of the greatest joys of being a musician. It hasn’t been easy because I have been faced with negativity from persons in society at first. However, it all comes to you believing in your dream and taking advantage of opportunities when presented. God gave you your vision, he didn’t give it to anyone else. Therefore, you ought to take responsibility for your destiny as there is a world of endless possibilities. Don’t give up!” –– Keishaun Julien

When Steel Talks has keenly watched the growth of Keishaun Julien from youngster to young adult. Indeed, from an early age it was abundantly clear that Keishaun Julien was special. This exceptional talent has the unlimited potential to take the T&T entertainment and music industry to new heights through his sheer talent, keen understanding of modern marketing music technique and attention to details. In a When Steel Talks exclusive - performing artist, educator, arranger and panist Keishaun Julien shares his steelpan history as he exposes his deep passion for Pan.
read more

Web Posted - Sunday April 12, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Florence “Flo” Ghany - Trinidad & Tobago

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “There seems to be a greater need to explore and experience more especially by our youth. Their musical appetite seems quite encompassing and the loyalty to a single band as in the earlier years seems to be a thing of the past. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing but when considering cause and effect perhaps bands now have to structure and plan differently even from the organizers’ perspective.” -- Florence “Flo” Ghany 

She is a veteran panist who has seen and experienced both sides of the coin as a player and as a member of management as part of the world-renowned Invaders Steel Orchestra. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, Florence “Flo” Ghany shares her experiences, views, reflections and dreams on Pan, and the steelband art form overall.
read more

Web Posted - Friday April 10, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Cheryl Cummins-Holder - Canada

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

 

Toronto, Canada - “Being a member of Panatics Steelband Network is being part of a family. We vary in ages and we have siblings, mothers and their children, and friends. We look out for each other by keeping in touch outside of practice. We celebrate each other’s accomplishments and support each other in times of sadness. We protect each other, laugh together and respect each other. Learning notes and dynamics of an arrangement can be done by any steelband but Panatics is family.” -- Cheryl Cummins-Holder

Steelpan can quite probably be described as “her rock.”  Pleased as punch to sometimes have the opportunity to play alongside her daughter and son in Canada’s Panatics Steelband Network, Cheryl Cummins-Holder is also the Public Relations Director for the music organization. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks she shares her love for the steelband art form.
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday April 8, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Kianna Carrington - New York, USA

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

 

New York, USA - “What disappoints me the most is that people don’t see the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to run a steel band. They don’t see the dedication we put into making the bands great...” -- Kianna Carrington

‘Pan’ runs in her family back in Trinidad, and she proudly and passionately carries on the tradition here in New York. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist Kianna Carrington talks about her journey to date in the steelband music art form.
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday April 8, 2020
When Steel Talks

Something for Dougie... Concert Honesty: Martin Douglas (aka Dougie)

by Josh Quillen

New York, USA - Dougie was the first owner of a Panorama steel orchestra [CrossFire] in NYC to let me come in and drill the music of Kendall K. Williams. Dougie swung his doors wide open, and continued to do so for me and my NYU students. The education he gave them by just opening the door is all any human can ask for.

He never GAVE me anything. He just opened the door. It was on me to make of it what I wanted.

Every good teacher I’ve had in life did just that. Opened a door.
see musical tribute

Web Posted - Tuesday April 7, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Selena Antoine - New York, USA

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

New York, USA - “I have always felt that there is a difference between hearing a band play a song, and actually playing within the band to hear the song. The vibe is so much greater when standing in a band and I love the feeling. With Panorama, it is like that feeling amplified by a thousand and it’s like the ultimate high.”

Musically gifted, bright and multi-talented. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - standout panist Selena Antoine shares her thoughts, outlooks and expectations on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall.
read more

Web Posted - Monday April 6, 2020
When Steel Talks

And people stayed at home

by Kitty O’Meara

History repeating itself - COVID-19 Pandemic - 1918/19 Spanish Flu Pandemic

Global - And people stayed at home
And read books
And listened
And they rested
And did exercises
And made art and played... 
read prose

Web Posted - Sunday April 5, 2020
When Steel Talks

‘Nobody Go Run Me’ - Hells Gate Steel Orchestra - arranger Khan Cordice

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - Performing a Khan Cordice-arrangement of ‘Nobody Go Run Me,’ by King Short Shirt, is Hells Gate Steel Orchestra in their yard- Panorama 2014. Khan Cordice is an eight-time Panorama champion.
see performance

Web Posted - Sunday April 5, 2020
When Steel Talks

Eustace Archibald Cornell “Manning” Henry - Antigua & Barbuda

BRIEF “PAN” BIOGRAPHY

by Jessy J. Stafford Joseph – Senior Panthologist

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - “Eustace ‘Manning’ Henry, a pioneer, the unrivalled master pan Builder/Tuner/Blender, player, soloist, tutor, leader and genuine cultural hero, must be accredited for the phenomenal survival of the Hells Gate [aka Hellsgate] Steel Orchestra and the steelpan art form in Antigua & Barbuda.”

Mr. Henry’s involvement in the band was unknown to his mother and also his grandmother. Being very much aware of how strict they were and how they viewed such gatherings (Iron Band), he had to make sure that whenever the band was performing, he kept out of their sights and avoided entertaining any discussion(s) in their presence regarding the band.
read more

Web Posted - Friday April 3, 2020
When Steel Talks

‘Lovely Day’ - The Knights & Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra featuring André White

New York, USA - Performing an André White-arrangement of ‘Lovely Day,’ The Knights and Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra come together to perform the Bill Withers-classic at BRIC (Brooklyn Information & Culture), in Brooklyn, New York.
see performance

Web Posted - Friday April 3, 2020
When Steel Talks

Martin “Dougie” Douglas of CrossFire Steel Orchestra Remembered

by Garvin Blake

New York, USA - The steelband community was dealt two vicious blows in a week. First the passing of Hansel “Hanny” Leon, now Martin “Dougie” Douglas.  Dougie “lived” Pan.  And he had an ear for talent, especially upcoming talent.  Dougie was a bridge between the old and new generation in New York.  He gave a lot of young musicians an opportunity to grow and shine. 
read more

Web Posted - Thursday April 2, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Karima Mohan - Atlanta, Georgia

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Atlanta, Georgia, USA - “As the instrument becomes more mainstream, we can’t let the uniqueness of the sound be lost through synthesizing. The steelpan is its own instrument and sometimes in our quest to show that it can play anything, we sometimes focus on trying to make it fit in to mainstream rather than making mainstream find a place for it.....” -- Karima Mohan

She successfully juggles being a wife, mother, daughter, and director of NuGen Steelpan Academy. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist and instructor Karima Mohan shares her experiences, views, reflections and dreams on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall.
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday April 1, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Jamal Gibbs - Educator, Arranger, Panist - UpClose & Personal!

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “My advice to the young panists would be to stay humble and strive for highest and to always be yourself in all that you do.” –– Jamal Gibbs

The music of the steelband is his life and passion. In a When Steel Talks exclusive - educator, arranger and panist Jamal Gibbs shares an up-close moment as he elucidates his passion for Pan.
see interview

When Steel Talks

Steelband Community On the Front lines Against COVID-19

Global - When Steel Talks (WST) extends our sincere appreciation of all those on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19 aka the Coronavirus.

BigUp to all our steelband family in the health care and first responder trenches, and related services.
read more

2020 Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Panorama Info - Complete

Global - PanOnTheNet/ WhenSteelTalks is Panorama Central! Complete information on the 2020 season of the Trinidad and Tobago National Panorama, and competitions:  Schedules, Orders of Appearance for preliminary, semi-final and final phases for large, medium and small conventional steel orchestras, and single pan bands; arrangers’ bios, bios of steel orchestras; full results, panyard addresses, history of previous Panoramas, and much more!
see complete information index

Web Posted - February 2020
When Steel Talks

Complete Summary of Results of all Conventional Steel Orchestras - 2020 Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - At a glance and on a single page, access the comprehensive summary of results for the Small, Medium and Large conventional steel orchestras that participated in their respective categories in the 2020 Panorama.

Follow the musical journey of respective bands through all three phases - compare side-by-side preliminaries, semi-finals and finals through data on band info, scores, tunes of choice and arrangers - on one page.
access full summary