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Ashley “Asho” “Dosh” George of Antigua’s Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, Remembered

23 October 1944 – 9 April 2014

50 years of Unflinching Dedicated Service to the Steel Band Fraternity

 

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - Ashley George, nicknamed “Asho”, “Postman” and “Dosh” (commonly referred to as “Dosh” by the members of Antigua’s LIME Hells Gate Steel Orchestra), was originally from the island of Dominica; he migrated to Antigua at the tender age of 6 years. “Dosh” lived in “The Point” from the time of his arrival in Antigua, until 1990, when he moved to Skerritt’s Pasture.  He passed away on 9 April 2014.

In 1964 “Dosh” joined the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra. His main instrument was the Six Bass. In addition to being a bassist, “Dosh” played the Triple Cello, Double Guitar and the Baritones (Double Seconds).

In 1968 “Dosh,” Steadroy “Steady” Joseph and Dennis “Nunny” Byam (Pan Builder and Tuner), broke ranks with Hells Gate Steel Orchestra and formed BPL Supa Stars Steel Orchestra. “Dosh’s” break from Hells Gate was short-lived, and he rejoined the steel orchestra that same year.

“Dosh” did not read musical scores, but he was endowed with a special gift of hearing. He possessed the ability to listen to any musical piece being performed whether at the movies, over the airwaves or ‘live,’ and teach that song to the orchestra.

Ashley George - nicknamed “Dosh,” “Asho” and “Postman”
Ashley George - nicknamed “Dosh,” “Asho” and “Postman”

“Dosh was a Bassist ‘par excellence.’ Whenever “Dosh” was arranging pieces for the orchestra, he would most times use his bass to demonstrate passages he desired the other instruments to play, be it the Sopranos, Altos, Baritones, Guitars, or Cellos.  His keen sense and gift of hearing, made him an invaluable asset to Hells Gate Steel Orchestra.

“Dosh” possessed the ability to listen to a melody being performed, whether ‘live’ or by audio, and provide accompaniment on the bass.  When “Dosh” played it was a must-listen-to.  He made his bass sing.

Wherever and whenever you met “Dosh,” walking or sitting, he was always humming a tune; this was a habit of his.  When he was performing you would hear him humming his parts.  It is said that while he served as a Postman at the General Post Office, “Dosh,” while going about his duties, was always humming tunes. This resulted in his co-workers giving him the name, “Mouth Organ.”

“Dosh” played a pivotal role as an arranger and co-arranger in Hells Gate Steel Orchestra up to the early 1990s. Subsequently, he played the role of grooming potential arrangers and panists and gave sound advice to the orchestra. Notwithstanding, the steelband stalwart was also a percussionist, with the ability to perform with equal skill and quality on all and every piece of percussion instrument available to him.  He loved the guira, the cowbell and the conga drums.

“Dosh” loved teaching the youth to play the Pan and percussion instruments and dedicated many years of his life doing this, for gratis. Whenever he was conducting classes, no one was allowed to stand still and perform. You had to keep time with either foot. He was never without his rod of correction, which he would utilize by gently tapping the meter on your calves.  Whenever the orchestra was undertaking any project, “Dosh” was always present, be it constructing the band house, cleaning and painting of the instruments or building stands and pan racks - he was always there to assist.

At the Antigua and Barbuda National Panorama on 1st August, 2002 “Dosh” was recognized by the Antigua and Barbuda Pan Association for his contribution, dedication and continuous support to the Steelband movement in Antigua and Barbuda.

“Dosh,” like many stalwarts of the Steelpan fraternity, would on many occasions choose to be at the pan yard rather than stay at home with his family - but not due to any domestic issue at home.  It was simply that for him, just like for many of us, Pan was ‘a calling.’

Over the years, “Dosh” created his own slangs (like only a Pan man can) for responding to questions from persons he was very close to. He was very humorous and never missed an opportunity to make you laugh.

Question: Friend. Answer: “Dosh”
Q. How de man do?
A. Man jus a float.
Q. You get tru wid de ting today?
A. Bwoy, crapo smoke.
Q. “Dosh” u know da man dey?
A. Huntos Gruntos.

The Executive Council and members of the LIME Hells Gate Steel Orchestra express sincere condolences to Mrs. Beulah George and family at this time of their bereavement, and extend sincere gratitude for sharing “Dosh” with them.

“Ashley “Asho” / “Dosh” George: Brother, Father, Mentor - you are truly and greatly missed. You will forever remain in our hearts and thoughts.”

Rest In Pan!!!!!! “Huntos Gruntos” (laugh)

note:
The Funeral Service for Ashley “Postman” “Asho” “Dosh” George, will be held at the Roman Catholic Holy Family Cathedral, St. John’s, Antigua, on Friday 25th April, 2014, at 2:30 p.m.

from:  Stafford Joseph
Hells Gate Steel Orchestra
Antigua & Barbuda

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