Web Posted - Wednesday
June 30, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live
the Experience
Panyard Recording
New York, USA - Listen to the
sounds of Pan Rebels Steel Orchestra with arranger Pelham
Goddard on the streets of Brooklyn, New York, getting ready for
the 2001 Panorama competition.
Listen
Web Posted - Tuesday
June 29, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “...sometimes describing oneself as a Panist can be met with disgust and even discrimination. The question which follows is “What else do you do?” ...the area from which you have come also sometimes brings discrimination.” Merle Albino-de Coteau.
In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, steelpan
musician, adjudicator, composer, pioneer, arranger and educator
- the distinguished Merle Albino-de Coteau gets to the point as
she shares her overall thoughts and concerns on Panorama, its
past, present and future...
See
more
Web Posted - Tuesday
June 29, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Today, musician Amrit Samaroo is known for his sterling arrangements, especially with his band Supernovas Steel Orchestra, having taken them to second place in 2016, behind champions of that year Desperadoes Steel Orchestra - and before that - winning a championship with Supernovas in 2014 while in the small steel orchestra category. But before that, Amrit had been at the helm of the legendary Renegades Steel Orchestra as arranger, following in the footsteps of his late dad, the iconic Dr. Jit Samaroo.
When Steel Talks takes a look back at Amrit in 2012, then
preparing for the national Panorama competition in Trinidad &
Tobago, in this exclusive interview.
See
more
Web Posted - Monday
June 28, 2021
Antigua Breaking News
Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - The decision that there will be no carnival in Antigua and Barbuda this year remains intact despite the recent gains made in the fight against the coronavirus.
The Minister responsible for national festivals, Hon. Daryl Matthew, told Pointe Xpress that Cabinet will not rescind the decision it made earlier this year to cancel the festival for a second consecutive season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“There will be no carnival or any activity that will involve large scale crowds in any one place,” Matthew said in response to queries about the summer festival.
He said there are ongoing ‘internal discussions’ around the
issue, but Government remains resolute in the fight against
COVID-19.
See
more
Web Posted - Sunday
June 27, 2021
When Steel Talks
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - I imagine that like me, most calypso aficionados first became aware of the existence of the late Winsford ‘Joker’ Devine when, in 1980, a virtually unknown calypsonian, ‘King’ Austin Lewis, emerged as a favourite for the calypso monarch title in his debut appearance, singing Devine’s record-breaking composition, ‘Progress’. The affable Austin didn’t win the title, running second to accomplished performer Lord Relator.
But ‘Progress’ shot to the top of the charts with its poetry-like construct and haunting melody, that made it so infectious, it triggered a musical pandemic long before we knew what a pandemic was.
Twenty years later, in the year 2000, ‘Progress’ was acclaimed
the Calypso of the 20th Century across the world, wherever
calypso was recognized as an important genre of music.
See more
Web Posted - Saturday
June 26, 2021
When Steel Talks
Global - Late legendary
musician Ron Berridge influenced and defined an era of great
music and musicians emanating from the Caribbean. He was one of
Trinidad and Tobago′s greatest musicians. Ron Berridge passed
away on June 2, 2021 in the USA where he had made his home.
Founder and leader of The Ron Berridge Orchestra which included
his brother Clem among its members, Ron is simply one of the
most influential individuals in music out of the Caribbean for a
generation. Indeed - the end of an era.”
View
service
Web Posted - Saturday
June 26, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot
New York, USA - ....Even at a younger age, Khan Cordice’s talent was set in stone, when as a mere teenager he surpassed veteran musicians in the field of arranging in the Moods of Pan festival in his country back in 2008, triumphing that night. Months later he proceeded to repeat his winning ways and garner more accolades in the even larger annual steelband music competition known as ‘Panorama.’
....Now,
with the formalities (music degrees) under his
belt, and an even wider worldview of music at
his command, a humble but quietly confident Khan
Cordice is set to change the world, one
initiative, and one student at a time in his
country, sharing his knowledge and experience.
At the same time, his evolution as an artist and
musician extraordinaire maintains, unfolding,
one note at a time. Here is his story - to date…
in WST’s live interview.
See
interview
Web Posted - Friday
June 25, 2021
When Steel Talks
When Steel Talks extends best wishes to panist and performing artist Chantal Esdelle.
In an exclusive
interview with
When Steel Talks - the panist, ethnomusicologist, musician composer, arranger and educator gives us an honest glimpse into who she is - her observations and concerns along with her love and unrestrained passion for the culture, history, steelpan instrument, its music, the art form and more.
More here
Web Posted - Thursday
June 24, 2021
Ke Alaka'i
Hawaii, USA - A group of more than 50 members of the BYU–Hawaii community gathered outside the Cannon Activities Center, unmasked and under the evening sky to enjoy a musical set by the Shaka Steel Band. The band is a group of students, faculty and community members headed by Dr. Darren Duerden of the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts. Toes tapped and children danced as the group performed nine pieces on June 18, 2021, surprising listeners with several different genres of music.
Ryo Oshiro, a Laie community member and BYUH alumnus, said he enjoyed attending his first Shaka Steel concert since he moved to Hawaii 14 years ago. “It was great. I’ve been to several concerts on campus, but this was my first time sitting through the whole concert.
“There were a lot of genres. I didn’t expect to hear music from
classical to contemporary. It was surprising but awesome.”
See
more
Web Posted - Tuesday
June 22, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - He was known as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s best and most prolific songwriters. It was no surprise then that news of Winsford “Joker” Devine’s death on Tuesday drew widespread mourning and sadness.
Devine gave TT some of its most memorable calypsoes including Sparrow’s Marajhin, Saltfish, Phillip My Dear, Baron’s Feeling It and King Austin’s Progress.
Devine died on Tuesday [June 22] at 77, leaving to mourn his wife Theresa and seven children.
He was awarded the Humming Bird Medal Silver (for music and the arts) in 1988 and an honorary degree in 2017 from the UWI, St Augustine Campus.
....He said Devine was the most influential and biggest shaper
in the history of calypso in terms of melodies and lyrics.
See
more
Web Posted - Tuesday
June 22, 2021
When Steel Talks - Exclusive - Reboot
Global - He is one of the most prolific, well-known songwriters to have ever walked the planet. With over 600 (six hundred) songs under his belt and to his credit, his songs have shaped and influenced generations. And in no short order he is one of the greatest creators of songs that have defined and championed all aspects of Trinidad and Tobago life and culture. Music that has touched the soul, defined and crossed generations, are undeniably his.
From Sparrow’s ‘Rope,’ to Baron’s ‘Somebody,’ to Machel
Montano’s ‘Too Young To Soca’ to Mighty Trini’s ‘Sailing’ and so
many more - these world-renowned artists have all profited
significantly from the pen of Winsford “Joker” Devine. In an
exclusive interview with
When Steel Talks, the former panist and eternal
songwriting great pulls no punches as he lays out his career
experiences, pains, disappointments and triumphs.
See
more
Web Posted - Tuesday June 22, 2021
When Steel Talks
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family and friends of the
legendary composer and panist - Dr. Winsford Devine.
See more
Web Posted - Monday
June
21, 2021
The Ellsworth American
Blue Hill, Maine, USA - An
upcoming steel-band street dance and the launch of Portland
journalist and best-selling historian Colin Woodard’s paperback
edition of his latest book, “Union: The Struggle to Forge the
Story of United States Nationhood,” will raise funds for Word,
Blue Hill’s annual October literary arts festival.
Flash! in the Pans steel band will host a dance from 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday, June 21, at the Blue Hill Town Park. Donations at the
gate will be shared with Word.
....For 30 years,
Flash! in the Pans has played outdoor steel band dances,
with music ranging from calypso to classic swing to contemporary
pop. This year’s band is a coalition of musicians from across
the Blue Hill Peninsula, including high school students from
Planet Pan and professional panists from Atlantic Clarion.
See more
Web Posted - Friday
June
18, 2021
When Steel Talks
London, United Kingdom -
After lengthy consultations with our strategic partners, our
Advisory Council and individual participating bands and sound
systems, the board of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, the organising
body of Notting Hill Carnival, has decided that this year’s
Carnival (August 29 & 30) will not be on the streets due to the
ongoing uncertainty and risk COVID-19 poses.
See more
Web Posted - Thursday
June
17, 2021
When Steel Talks
A When Steel Talks Exclusive
Connecticut, USA - ....I attended a Calliope’s
Children rehearsal one August evening, and Jimmy put me on a set of
four
basses to watch and learn from the two bass-pan players: his son, Keith,
and Dorie Fuchs, both
rising seniors. I was immediately hooked by the physicality—the sheer
fun—of playing those
big pans, which Keith and Dorie demonstrated with such enthusiasm! But I
was also hooked by
Jimmy’s inventive arrangements of all kinds of music, which would
shortly be featured on the
LP, Harvest, that the band put out in 1975. The band’s
repertory included everything from a Bach two-part invention (a
sweet duet between Larry Fox on lead and Betsy Winchell on
cellos) to Ellington’s “Satin Doll” (my favorite as a bass
player) to American and European folk tunes to a real road march
that featured in the finals of Panorama 1971, “Queen of the
Bands.”
See more
Web Posted - Wednesday
June
16, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot
Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “There is a lack of real opportunity to showcase how dynamic and far-reaching the art form is. How many panists or bands fully function throughout the year? What about career opportunities beyond carnival? When we find ways to address this, we would be surprised as to the results.”
She is an active business owner, a wife, mom of twins, and a
firefighter. Yet her love for the steelpan art form remains
intact. In addition she is a proud member of both the 2018 &
2019 Panorama champions Renegade Steel Orchestra. In an
exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - veteran panist
Patrice Lewis-Lett shares her knowledge, feelings, experiences,
expectations and unbridled passion for the steelpan instrument,
its music, the art form and more.
See more
Web Posted - Tuesday
June
15, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot
Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form
Tokyo, Japan - In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Tamaki Hagihara shares her personal journey and perspective on the global reach and influence of the Steel Pan instrument, its music, and the art form in cultivating an environment for change.
See more
Web Posted - Tuesday
June 15, 2021
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live
the Experience
Global -
Calliope′s Children Farewell Concert 6/12/77. “Brazilian
Suite”, performed on Ellie Mannette′s pans. Batucada, Berimbau, Santana
Manha de Carnival, Samba de Orfeo. James “Jimmy” Leyden formed and wrote
charts for “Calliope′s Children,” one of the first High School
steelbands in the US.
Listen
Web Posted - Monday
June 14, 2021
Jamaica Observer
Jamaica, W.I. - Nevin Roach, CEO and conceptualiser of PanoGrama, is still basking in the success of the steel pan event′s second annual staging which saw an encouraging amount of entrants.
“We implemented auditions this year, in anticipation of increased interest. A total of 45 auditions were received from across 13 countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Canada, England, France, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, T&T (Trinidad and Tobago), US Virgin Islands, and the USA. This was cut down and only 30 panists featured in the prelims,” said Nevin, who hails from the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Dubbed the World Cup of Steel Pan, PanoGrama′s virtual finals
was held on May 22.
This year′s winner was
Keishaun Julien from
Trinidad and Tobago.
See
more
Web Posted - Friday
June 11, 2021
When Steel Talks
Global - Claudette Baptiste was born to Yvonne and Ruthven Callendar in the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago.
....My mother, also referred to as “MA,” had a deep passion for babies and young people. She often was surrounded by young people, just hanging out shooting breeze.
....This passion for young people led her to the birth of Women
In Steel. Women In Steel is an all-female steel orchestra and
young women’s development organization. It was founded in March
(Women’s Month) in the year 1994, out of sincere aspiration to
educate and model for young girls socially, emotionally, and
culturally through the art form of the steel drum or the pan.
Women in steel became her work in progress and eventually her
legacy.
See
more
Web Posted - Wednesday
June 9, 2021
When Steel Talks
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “Being a member of Phase II, it is very humbling yet proud for me. I love it there because we are all like family - everyone with their own personalities but we get along for one purpose. I love the rigorous practice sessions and just to acknowledge that “Boogsie” is the Mozart of pan, is a thrilling feeling. Just to be part of it is overwhelming because he does things so differently from the others...” -- Tressy Edwards
Full of pride and joy over her Phase II membership, veteran panist Tressy Edwards shares her love for music, the artform and more.
Share the real life of Tressy Edwards—in her own words—in a When Steel Talks exclusive.
See
interview
Web Posted - Wednesday
June 9, 2021
When Steel Talks
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - When Steel Talks
extends condolences to the family and friends of panist Tressy
Edwards of Phase II Pan Groove. The steelpan community has lost
one of its most beloved musicians. She will be severely missed.
See more
Web Posted - Sunday
June 6, 2021
When Steel Talks
Oregon, USA - James “Jimmy” Leyden of
The Calliope’s Children Steel Orchestra passed away recently at
the age of ninety-nine. Leyden formed and wrote charts for “Calliope′s Children,” one of
the first High School steelbands in the US. He introduced
Ellie [Mannette] to the
strobe tuner and worked extensively with him on harmonic and overtone
concepts (in Chappaqua, New York in 1971). Leyden toured with “Calliope′s Children” in Romania (1975) and Poland and Russia
(1977). Leyden first came into contact with steelpan while
vacationing in Tobago, sister isle of Trinidad, in 1957.
See more,
hear band performance
Web Posted - Saturday
June 5, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot
Global -
In an
exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, musician great Ron
Berridge shares his thoughts on Caribbean music and Pan. He is
simply one of the most influential individuals of music out of
the Caribbean for a generation and by extension Steelpan music.
His influence and reach, coupled with a series of fortuitous
sequences of events, are still being felt in the steelpan music
world today. From Lord Kitchener to the Mighty Sparrow, the
musical works of Ron Berridge live on.
See more
Web Posted - Friday
June 4, 2021
NIU Arts Blog
Illinois, USA - Anthony Williams, a world-renowned innovator, performer, technician, band leader and arranger has been unanimously recommended and selected to receive an honorary doctorate in human letters from NIU.
One of the most unique and iconic aspects of the School of Music
at Northern Illinois University, and the university as a whole,
is the success and prominence of its Steelpan program. It is
fitting that Williams, a man who has had both a direct and
indirect influence will have his lifetime of accomplishment and
impact on others recognized with an honorary doctorate from NIU.
read more
Web Posted - Thursday
June 3, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot
A When Steel Talks Exclusive
![Rudy Commissiong, captain of Esso Dixie Stars is on left. Steve Dupres - at centre - was the arranger and player of the “Echophones” made by [Herman] “Rock” Johnston, who's at right in picture](../../img2021/jun/yoshihiro-harada.jpg)
Japan - On why has the pan risen with such great popularity in Japan, Yoshihiro Harada says:
"The first reason is the charming sound of the instrument. It is a very fresh sound in Japan. The second reason is that we can practice and play with many people. Professionals and beginners can play together. I think these are common reasons. Also - and this is interesting - sometimes with elderly Japanese people the soft sound of a pan can evoke memories and draw them to tears. I can understand that feeling....” That was very degrading and something that lived with me for a long time. ------- Yoshihiro Harada
See
interview
Web Posted - Thursday
June 3, 2021
When Steel Talks
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
Condolences to the family and friends of the late great Ron
Berridge who passed on June 2, 2021 in the USA, where he lived
for many years. He was one of Trinidad and Tobago′s greatest
musicians. It is an honor to celebrate and remember him,
along with his band The Ron Berridge Orchestra, in imagery.
See
pictures
Web Posted - Thursday
June 3, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot
Tokyo, Japan -
Panorama Steel Orchestra performing “Fruits Basket” as arranged by Yoshihiro Harada
- LIVE at CAY Aoyama, Tokyo, Japan.
See performance
Web Posted - Wednesday
June 2, 2021
When Steel Talks
The end of an era
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
Late legendary musician Ron Berridge influenced and defined an
era of great music and musicians emanating from the Caribbean.
He was one of Trinidad and Tobago′s greatest musicians. Ron
Berridge passed away on June 2, 2021 in the USA where he had
made his home. Founder and leader of The Ron Berridge
Orchestra which included his brother Clem among its members, Ron
is simply one of the most influential individuals in music out
of the Caribbean for a generation. Indeed - the end of an era.
See more
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
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