“JK” composer
Albert John
Albert John, aka “Bachak,”
was born in Rose
Hill, Port of Spain,
Trinidad. He started
playing the steel
pan in 1972, where
he was the captain
of Valley Harps
Steel Orchestra. In
1976, Valley Harps
won 2nd
place in the Junior
Pan. In 1976, Albert
toured with the
Trinidad All Stars
Steel Orchestra in
Nigeria. He arranged
music with Valley
Harps State Music
and is now one of
the tuners for
Valley Harps. He
also worked with
various other bands
in Trinidad and
other Caribbean
countries. In
addition to
Caribbean bands,
Albert has also
worked with several
bands throughout
western Canada. In
1986 Albert
travelled to Canada
through James St.
Rose and Ray Holman.
He taught two
programs at the
University of
Manitoba in 1986 and
1992, where he lived
at the time.
Albert is currently
a band-leader,
teacher, arranger,
tuner, and
songwriter in
Toronto. He is
working with members
of all ages and
ethnic backgrounds.
Albert’s gentle
personality and
kindness to other
has earned him the
respect from
everyone who
associates with him,
especially children
and young adults.
Albert has written
and arranged songs
such as the one
featured here—JK—and
“Around Christmas
Time.” Along with
his musical
endeavors, Albert is
also a dedicated
husband and father.
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