“Whap Cocoyea” - Desperadoes Steel Orchestra - (‘Tempo’ version - Video)

Clive Bradley - Arranger

written by Winston McGarland Bailey, HBM, DLitt (4 October 1941 – 23 October 2018), better known by his stage name “The Mighty Shadow” or “Shadow”

The Hill is filled with anticipation as Desperadoes fans turn out in droves to panyard...

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  When Steel Talks (WST) captured Desperadoes Steel Orchestra preparing for the 2004 Trinidad & Tobago national Panorama competition. The selection is calypsonian Shadow’s “Whap Cocoyea,” as arranged by the late master arranger Clive Bradley. This is a “Tempo” version.   See more

   ‘Whap Cocoyea’- Desperadoes Steel Orchestra

Although Desperadoes with “Whap Cocoyea” did not win the competition, it is one of the most fascinating arrangements ever made for the steel orchestra. Moreover, the marriage between arranger, band and community through that song is the ultimate realization of a Panorama piece.

Clive Bradley has many great music works - “Whap Cocoyea” may be his most culturally significant.

WST

SEE the cool-down version


desperadoes steel orchestra
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra at their panyard during the recording