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Tunes for 2012
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Web Posted - Saturday December 31, 2011
When Steel Talks

The Year in Pan - 2011 in Review

Global - There were many highlights, high points, low points and things that were straight up strange in the realm of Pan in 2011. Pepe Francis, director of Ebony Steelband Trust and chairman of the BAS received MBE honors for services to Steel Pan Music. The theme of the year was 'Do Something for Pan,' the charge led by none other than the legendary Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. And J'Ouvert in New York was again a steelband paradise.

....We lost some great warriors, titans, giants and beautiful souls.
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Web Posted - Saturday December 31, 2011
When Steel Talks

Remembering Ralph
by Etienne Charles
 

Global - ....I first met Ralph in Trinidad on Carnival Tuesday in the late 90’s while he was jumping with Phase II, the band in which I was playing (even though he was a die-hard Desperadoes fan). He hopped up on the float and started playing congas, grooving hard. We next met in November 2005 when I was playing in Stamford, Connecticut with Roberta Flack.

....July 4^th at Ralph’s was something to look forward to every year. Seeing the family grow, the musicians who’d show up, swimming in the pool, the food, the music, basketball with Anthony and Teebs, they all added to the good times.

....One thing is certain……Heaven just got a LOT funkier. I’m sure he’s up there now making heavenly sounds out of two spoons, chilling out in a white t-shirt, shorts, a baseball cap and of course his crocs (with socks) making the angels jam on the groove.
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Web Posted - Saturday December 31, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Pan Victory”
sung by Mickiel Gabriel
composed by Mickiel Gabriel & Gerelle Forbes
 

Global - Mickiel is currently completing the Music Certificate program at the University of the West Indies and though he is known for his steelband arranging capabilities, it is not odd to find him on a stage singing. For the 2012 Panorama season, he is performing ‘triple duty’ as arranger, composer and vocalist with Pan Victory.  It is the tune of choice of the band for which he is arranging, defending Junior National Panorama champs Success Stars Pan Sounds of Laventille in the 2012 competition. Colleague Gerelle Forbes penned the lyrics.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Saturday December 31, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Hush Yah Mouth”
sung & composed by Miguel Reyes
 

Global - Composer and steelpan musician Miguel Reyes has again brought forth much music for the 2012 Panorama season, including Hush Yah Mouth, featured here. He has already released Earthquake, Pan Away and Lockdown.  Two years ago Miguel delivered his first full CD called “Panorama Fest 2010” which boasted tracks - with all the content composed, written, arranged and produced by him - Pan Injustice and De Last Band.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Friday December 30, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Vibes Cyah Done”
sung by Machel Montano
composed by Full Blown Entertainment, Machel Montano & Kasey Phillips
 

Global - Machel Montano has released several already popular songs in anticipation of the 2012 Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago, and international year-round carnival-related festivities and events. This track “Vibes Cyah Done” is not only a download and fete favorite, but has also been selected as the ‘Tune of Choice’ for the annual national steelband Panorama by The Codrington Pan Family.  It will be arranged by Cary, Khari and Keisha Codrington for the competition.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Friday December 30, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Cyah Stop Moving”
sung & composed by Terri Lyons
 

Global - This great track - guaranteed to keep you moving - is written and performed by the very talented and lovely Terri Lyons, and produced by the versatile producer and himself an award-winning performer, Kernal Roberts, son of the late legendary Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts. 
click to hear song

Web Posted - Wednesday December 28, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Lockdown”
sung & composed by Miguel Reyes
 

Global - Currently residing in New York, about two years ago composer and panist Miguel released his first full CD called “Panorama Fest 2010.” All the content was composed, written, arranged and produced by him.  Two of the tracks were Pan Injustice and De Last Band.

This competent musician is once again in the musical spotlight with several tracks including this one, Lockdown, for the 2012 Panorama season.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Monday December 26, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

BP Renegades go after 10^th Panorama victory

 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Ninth-time Panorama champions BP Renegades have taken a jump start ahead of their rivals in their quest to capture their elusive tenth championship title in the competition. The only band to score a hat-trick of victories in the high-octane Panorama arena, Renegades have chosen the composition Vibes, sung by soca diva Destra Garcia, as their selection for Carnival 2011. The band has turned inwards for its arranging talents from member Duvone Stewart, who will be arranging a tune for the challenging competition for the first time. Serious practice starts on January 3, after officials and members have thrown off the distractions of the yuletide season. On December 9, BP Renegades jumped into the swing of Carnival with the official launch of its mas band at its pan theatre at Observatory Street, Port-of-Spain.
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Web Posted - Monday December 26, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Desperadoes conquers Nigeria
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Based on reports, Witco Desperadoes made Trinidad and Tobago proud with its recent concert tour of Nigeria. The Laventille steelband returned home a fortnight ago. The 19-member delegation comprised Pan Trinbago Central Executive members, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Ken “Professor” Philmore, Nigeria/Trinidad and Tobago Chamber co-chair Ladi Franklyn, and a compliment of players from Desperadoes, to participate in Abuja Carnival. Made possible through the commitment of the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism of Trinidad and Tobago, this visit was an historic one as it marked the first time that T&T accepted an offer from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation of Nigeria to participate in the carnival.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 25, 2011
When Steel Talks

’Twas the night before J’Ouvert....

’twas the night before J’Ouvert....

. . . and all through the yard,
 no bomb tune was missing, no arrangement too hard.
The racks and the pans were made ready with care,
In hopes that St. Bradley soon would be there.
 

The panmen were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of road march danced in their heads.
Moms in her paint, and I feelin’ fine
had gone out a road for a jump and a wine.

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Web Posted - Sunday December 24, 2011
When Steel Talks

Musical Tributes Celebrate the Life of Ralph MacDonald

Global - Many came to celebrate and pay homage to the vibrant life and achievements of Grammy-winner and steelband enthusiast Ralph MacDonald, at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, USA. The steelpan music fraternity was well represented at his send off, which included a farewell serenade by ace steelpan musician Robert Greenidge as part of the musical tributes offered at the service.

Beginning a little after 10:00 a.m. MacDonald was honored through music, the spoken word and with the presence of the likes of Grammy award winner Roberta Flack, bassist Will Lee (David Letterman Show), vocalist Dennis Collins, jazz flutist Bobbi Humphrey, Etienne Charles, record exec Jerome Gasper and so many others.
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Web Posted - Thursday December 22, 2011
When Steel Talks

Steelpan Music Concerts Chime in on the Holiday Season in New York

New York - Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace and Mecca for the steelpan music instrument but New York continues to plant the seeds for present and future greatness, in addition to maintaining its past legacy for distinction. Bringing up the rear or coming in second is simply not part of New York’s DNA. With the holiday season upon us and the New Year of 2012 knocking at the door, it was lights, cameras and action in the Big Apple with a flare that only the city that calls “Broadway” home can produce. Jack Frost may have been nipping at the nose but that didn’t phase these performers and musicians - it was Steel Pan in New York. From half-pint seven year olds to two-tailed tux veterans, educators and professors - steelpan music on the grand stage was in full effect and second to none.

Four consecutive nights of a silver plate full of great steelpan music treats, entertainment and theatre on a very high level blanketed the NYC landscape. The old musicians and Broadway adage “Let Me Entertain You” was never more alive.
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Web Posted - Monday December 19, 2011
When Steel Talks

WITCO Desperadoes Steel Orchestra Mourns the Passing of Ralph MacDonald

Global - WITCO Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, and by extension Pan Trinbago Inc. T.C., mourns the passing of Ralph MacDonald on the morning of Sunday December 18 in Connecticut, USA, at age 67 after a battle with lung cancer.

....many patrons attending the annual National Panorama competition in Trinidad would catch a glimpse of Ralph on stage at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, on congas in WITCO Desperadoes’ engine room.
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Web Posted - Monday December 19, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“No Bull”
sung by Steve Sealy
composed by Brian “Bean” Griffith
 

Global - Griffith (pictured) maintains that “Panorama is a cultural event that cannot really be judged; judges have a duty to remain focused, respect every artistic expression and not just scribble any score when the performance is over.” He believes that judges should spend more time visiting yards prior to the competition, to respect the hard work and dedication of the musicians who spend countless hours preparing their compositions on steel. Clearly not one to pull any punches, “Bean” is laying it all out in this no-nonsense track, No Bull.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Sunday December 18, 2011
When Steel Talks

Legendary Grammy Award-winning songwriter & percussionist Ralph MacDonald has passed
 

Global - It is incredibly sad to learn of Ralph MacDonald’s passing in the early hours of this morning (December 18, 2011)!!  When Steel Talks extends our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ralph. He was a true friend, fan and ardent supporter of When Steel Talks and Pan.

Ralph’s music is world-renowned; he is the co-composer of such hits as Just The Two Of Us (Bill Withers), Where Is The Love (Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway) and Calypso Breakdown from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack - to name but a few.

Together with ace steelpan artist Robert Greenidge, Ralph was a visual and dynamic driving percussive force with the iconic Jimmy Buffet band.  
original post

Web Posted - Sunday December 18, 2011
When Steel Talks

Ralph MacDonald: His “Mixty Motions” Revealed - The Epic Interview
 

Global - Percussionist Ralph MacDonald was visual and sometimes quietly intense but always expressive, and was an embodiment of unique island and conventional percussive rhythms.

The When Steel Talks (WST) crew was privileged to sit down with the dynamic musician in his Stamford, Connecticut home and preview Mixty Motions, which had been his newest CD - before its release.

MacDonald did a lot of interviews, but only here with WST, in addition to the detailed look at Mixty Motions, does the world get the inside scoop on his full relationship with the steelpan, and his intimate connection with what is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, and hear him proudly proclaim that his favorite orchestra is the mighty Desperadoes Steel Orchestra nestled in the hills of Laventille...
click for interview

Web Posted - Sunday December 18, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Contract”
sung by Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung
composed by Clive Zanda & Roger Banfield
 

Global - Calypsonian Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung whose home is in California on the USA’s west coast, makes frequent trips back to the land of his birth, Trinidad & Tobago. As is the norm, he lends his vocals to several tracks for the annual steelband panorama season, and 2012 is no different. The latest in a bevy of tunes sung by “Crazy” is this Clive Zanda composition looking out for the interests of the ‘panman,’ aptly called Contract.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Wednesday December 14, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

bpTT helps young people find future of pan
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Sweet steelpan music flowed through the halls of Crowne Plaza as young musicians demonstrated their confidence and capabilities at the graduation ceremony for vacation workshops in music sponsored by energy company BP Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT). Administered by the Pan in Schools Coordinating Council (PSCC), the workshops provided in-depth tutelage from highly qualified tutors in the areas of music composition, panorama arranging and pan playing techniques to over 80 participants.

....The music workshops exposed participants to skills training including music software, exploring and manipulating chord progressions and voicing to achieve different moods for musical phrases, motifs and compositions. One of the biggest advantages was that students developed a composition portfolio that will be used as part of their music studies for examinations. The workshops also sought to expand understanding of the steelpan as a dynamic instrument.
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 13, 2011
Yale News

Yale and Co-Op High students collaborate on ‘hip-hopera’
Initial score in part
by steelpan artist Andy Akiho
 

Connecticut, USA - Students at New Haven’s Cooperative Arts & Humanities Magnet High School will present the world premiere of “Broken Chains: A Gospel Hip-Hopera,” a musical written and composed by Yale graduate students, on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 21 and 22.

The production of “Broken Chains” — a hip-hop rendition of the life of St. Peter — is the most recent outgrowth of a longstanding partnership between Yale and Co-op High School.

Graduate student Patrick Gray wrote the libretto for “Broken Chains.” Steel Pan virtuoso and Yale composition student Andy Akiho composed the initial score for several of the main songs. Last spring, the Co-Op High School choir premiered three pieces from the musical, accompanied by a jazz quartet from the Yale School of Music.

....Co-op After School provided the 20 custom-made steel pans used in the show. The steel pan...is a particularly apt instrument for a play about “ideological oppression and non-violent resistance,” say the play’s organizers. Co-Op After School commissioned a steel pan master in Trinidad to make the instruments for the high school’s brand-new steel band, which supplies most of the musical accompaniment for the gospel hip-hopera.
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 13, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Chips’ Melody”
sung by “Squid”
composed by Antonio “Squid” Forbes & Jacquie Levine
 

Global - Antonio “Squid” Forbes is the son of Hector “Tack” Forbes, one of the founding members of New York’s Sonatas Steel Orchestra. Antonio played Pan with Sonatas in Brooklyn from 1984 until 2004 where he developed his skills as a panist and acquired arranging skills under Ken “Professor” Philmore.

For the 2012 Panorama season, Forbes has returned with this stimulating piece, Chips’ Melody, dedicated to the memory of one of Sonatas’ founding members Rodnick “Choko” Stevens, and also to Antonio’s late brother in-law Kevin “Pappy” Roberts. It embodies all the jubilance both men possessed.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Monday December 12, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Earthquake”
sung & composed by Miguel Reyes
 

Global - Composer and panist Miguel Reyes, who shares the same hometown with the late Aldwyn Roberts aka Lord Kitchener, is from Arima in east Trinidad. And like Kitchener, Miguel - the last son of Elma Reyes - is also deeply involved with the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. A competent musician, Miguel Reyes is once again in the musical spotlight, showcasing this track, Earthquake, for the 2012 Panorama season.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Sunday December 11, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“De Player”
sung by Destra
composed by M. Loquan, K.  Philmore, D. Garcia
 

Global -  With her lyrics (and vocals), Destra has put her own spin on a familiar topic of someone playing the field while in a relationship, but the ‘player’ is getting some sound warnings. It may touch a nerve within the Trini psyche.

For 2012 the music team of Mark Loquan, Ken Philmore and Destra  Garcia is together again.  “De Player” is one of the tracks they have worked on, and is arranged and produced by Junior “Ibo” Joseph.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Sunday December 11, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Pan Away”
sung & composed by Miguel Reyes
 

Global - Recognition in his homeland came Miguel’s way in 2009 when his acclaimed ‘pan tune’ Bandoleros - vocalized by Tunapuna Scanty - was performed in competition by steel orchestras at Trinidad & Tobago’s famed national steelband Panorama.

Once again Miguel Reyes  brings forth music, and for the 2012 Panorama season unveils Pan Away, featured here.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Saturday December 10, 2011
The Herald-News

The sounds of the world
 

Illinois, USA - “What makes this band unique is that it’s a full concert in a full CD,” said Ferraris, who teaches string and electric bass. “It’s all original music, and that is hard to come by, especially music written at this sophisticated level.”

Callaloo is a steel-pan combo that incorporates world music from the Caribbean, Brazil, Cuba, the Middle East and Africa along with Latin jazz, progressive rock and Jamaican styles.

“Callaloo,” for Trinidadians means “a mixed dish.” The steel drums, the group’s main melodic instrument, originated from Trinidad.

“We were at a percussion convention a few years ago and a lady from Trinidad was listening to our music and she said, ‘You guys are like Callaloo,’” said Peeples, a music lecturer and percussion instructor. “That is the story on our name.”
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Web Posted - Saturday December 10, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Only One Trinbago”
sung by Gene Toney
S. Reid, W. Devine & B. Reid
 

Global - Born in South East London, Steve Reid has been involved in Pan, both as a player and as a band director for more than twenty-two years.

Reid wrote this song after visiting Trinidad and Tobago in 2008, the homeland of wife Bernadette. It was his first visit to this island paradise, which left an impression on him that there is, Only One Trinbago.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Friday December 9, 2011
The Daily Iowan

Iowa Percussion to hold holiday show
 

Iowa, USA - After an intense November concert series, Iowa Percussion will welcome the holidays with a percussion pops performance featuring songs of the season.

Iowa Percussion and the PanAmerican Steel will perform a free show at 7:30 p.m. today in the Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St.

...."Nothing creates a festive mood better than percussion instruments," he said. "We use steel drums, marimbas, bells, xylophones, drums, steel pans [from the Caribbean] and all sorts of percussion instruments to create a range of interesting musical styles."

....One of the musicians who will perform is Dubuque native Christine Augspurger, an undergraduate percussionist in her fifth year at the university.

She said there are three different ensembles playing in the performance. Aside from the PanAmerican band, Steel Band II and Steel Band III will perform as well.
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Web Posted - Friday December 9, 2011
When Steel Talks

Hanging with Steel Panist Extraordinaire Emmanuel “Jack” Riley
 

Tobago, W.I. - We are at Scott’s Holiday Apartments, in Mt. Pleasant, Tobago [for Pazzaz, the Pan Jazz show held earlier this year on April 29 in Tobago]: panist Jason “Peanuts” Isaac, Fitzroy “Poporoy” Henry, Riley and myself, Keith Anderson. Riley is a man on the move. He announces he will have his morning coffee. Foolish me, thinking it’s Nescafe, is taken aback when Riley opens the Hennessy brandy and in one gulp it is destroyed.

He is not warm towards me, so I sit quietly. I was told: Don’t call him “Cobo Jack.”
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Web Posted - Thursday December 8, 2011
When Steel Talks

December 8 - The ‘Pan Buzz’ to date:  “Gypsy” Must Account
 

Global - After much deliberation by our judges’ panel, and endless gulps of black coffee, it is my pleasure to present the Pan Buzz Awards 2011. First let me thank all those who sent in nominations.

....Duvone Stewart (bptt Renegades), Señor Seion Gomez has stepped into the big league on Pan. Seion campaigned in the Second Division of pan (Medium category), but has now been given the tough assignment with the Solo Harmonites.
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Web Posted - Thursday December 8, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

United Way holds annual Christmas concert
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Sunday, November 27 was the date, the venue the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, the event United Way of Trinidad and Tobago eighth Annual Christmas Concert billed as “Carols and Classics on Steel” — although it wasn't. But of that, more, later.

....For this member of the audience the highlight of the first part of the programme was the Bridge of Hope Pantastic Messengers Steel Orchestra playing (if my programme did not deceive) “Every year, every Christmas”, “Laughing Children” and the one and only true carol performed from start to finish of this Christmas concert, “Come all ye faithful” — and from the sublime to, well, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”.

....After the excitement of the draw Desperadoes Steel Orchestra took over the entertainment with “Love is a Many Splendoured Thing”, “Let the Music Play” and “Love’s Theme”. The programme promised a medley of Christmas Music, but my notes are silent on that subject, however, I do remember and thoroughly enjoyed Despers’ spirited rendering of the “Can-Can” from “Orpheus in the Underworld” by Offenbach – the one and only classic performed in this concert.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 7, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Let Pan Reign”
sung by TC Brown
composed by Amrit Samaroo & TC Brown
 

Global - For the 2012 steelband panorama season, Amrit Samaroo has teamed up with respected St. Lucian soca star TC Brown to bring us Let Pan Reign. Formally introduced to each other by the Pantime Steel Orchestra, Samaroo’s melody came together perfectly with Brown’s contemplative yet vivacious lyrics.

“Never before have I clicked so easily with a writer as I did with TC,” Samaroo explains. “He got the idea of the piece before we even spoke.”
click to hear song

Web Posted - Wednesday December 7, 2011
The Comet

Hours of Practice Bonds Steel Drum Band Like Family
 

Maryland, USA -  I remember back in freshman year when I went to my first CHS Steel Drum Band concert. I thought it was really cool because I had never really heard anything like a steel drum before except for the small musical section in The Little Mermaid. Sometimes when I walk down the hallways after school, I can hear the tinny sounds of the drums following me.

I wanted to know why CHS has a Steel Drum band when my old school didn’t, so I decided to investigate. It turns out that once upon a time, Jim Wharton, the music department chair and teacher of the band and orchestra, went to a Steel Drum band concert.

“I thought it was such a neat sound that I wanted it for my students, so I attended a world music concert and I made some connections to get some drums to start a group here,” Mr. Wharton said.

He also said “it was quite an experience learning to do that. I attended some workshops, and one of the men there was Elli Mannette, who was one of the men who made some of the first modern steel drums.” And thus, the Catonsville High School Steel Drum Band was born.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 7, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Voodoo Woman”
sung by “Designer”
composed by Cris & Alston Jack
 

Global - Previous years’ collaborations between Keith “Designer” Prescott and Alston Jack and family produced Time (2010) and Bamboo Man (2011). Together again for 2012, the track Voodoo Woman continues the working relationship. Veteran singer Debbie Haynes accompanies Designer. Alston Jack, a native from the isle of Tobago, has been passionate about the steeldrum since he was 9 years old, when he became a member of the Tobago All Stars Steel Orchestra.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Tuesday December 6, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Steel Pan Melody”
sung by “Choklet”
composed by Hayden Lynch & Elva King
 

Global - Hayden Lynch hails from Trinidad W.I, where he was born in 1957 in the village of Tunapuna, east Trinidad. At age five he started to play Pan on an old tenor pan in his back yard.

In 1990 he migrated to the USA and continued playing pan with ADLIB and Despers USA.

Steel Pan Melody is his third song with Elva “Choklet” King. In 2008 she sang Musical Invention, 2011 - Children You Must Love Your Mother and for 2012, this track, Steel Pan Melody.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Monday December 5, 2011
When Steel Talks

NBC’s Sing Off Christmas Special “OK” - But America is Still Singing the Afro Blues
NBC takes it where it hurts for Judges’ snafu - Panorama, take note

New York, USA - According to TV Guide, the November 28 two-hour finale of “The Sing-Off” plummeted 37 percent in the coveted demo from a year ago - and lost some 20 percent in viewership. No surprise there. You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to figure this one out. Once Afro Blue was eliminated by the judges a week before finals - it was good night! Folks always want to see the best against the best.

....this evening’s Christmas show was okay and enjoyable. It featured past Sing Off champions from season one and two - Nota and Committed, along with this season’s champion Pentatonix.  Other groups also participated.

On the joint performance of the classic “Ooh Child” by Afro Blue and Committed, judge Ben Folds�’ comments - “I think everyone, not even so secretly, looks up to you two groups as the standard. You guys are absolutely amazing.” A severe case of too little, too late - you think?
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Web Posted - Monday December 5, 2011
The Daily Campus

Drums with 55-gallon voices
Steel Pan Ensemble provides percussionist perspective on classic albums and pieces

Connecticut, USA - The UConn Steel Pan Ensemble put on a show at Von der Mehden recital hall Sunday evening. The ensemble, consisting of 17 undergraduate students, and directed by Robert Stephens, performed seven pieces reflecting a variety of musical styles and cultures. The set included "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," originally composed and released by The Beatles on their 1968 album of the same name. Also performed was "Jump For Joy," a song reflecting the genre of SoCa, a cross between Soul and Calypso; originally composed by Austin Lyons and Rowans Lewis.

Other pieces included "Meditation on an African Groove," "Cha Cha Sandwich," "Morning Dances," "Bees Melody" and "Mule." All songs were arranged to be performed on the ensemble's unique combination of instruments; including not only Steel Pan drums, but keyboard, cello, guitar and bass.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 4, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Road Recipe”
sung by Garth David
composed by Perry Martin
 

Global - What do veteran calypso artist Garth David and fine wine have in common? Like fine wine, Garth gets better and sweeter with time. Garth’s musical “brew” was concocted in 1978 when he launched his career as a vocalist. For the past 20 years he has been patient; “maxing and relaxing” and waiting for the right time to pop the cork off his career.

....Currently, Garth is the lead singer with The Brass Circle, led by soca pioneer Ed Watson. He is also a lead vocalist with Clarence Curvan and currently plays with Hometown Squad, New York.  he lends his vocals to this Perry Martin composition, Road Recipe.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Saturday December 3, 2011
Herald Star

Christmas concert Dec. 9
 

Steubenville, Ohio, USA  - From the sacred to traditional to calypso, everyone will enjoy the spirit of the holidays, a spokesman said, when the Catholic Central High School concert band and choir, Bishop Mussio Junior High School band and choir and the CCHS steel drum band present their annual Christmas concert on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Lanman Hall in Steubenville.

According to Chris Simmons, CCHS band and choir director, "The high school concert choir will perform works from multiple genres, spanning acapella jazz, classical and contemporary."
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Web Posted - Friday December 2, 2011
Yorkshire Evening Post

Tribute to Leeds arts pioneer
 

Yorkshire, England - Plans are being made to commemorate an “irreplaceable” pioneer of the arts in Leeds.

A Christmas concert in Chapeltown is to be dedicated to the memory of theatre director, writer and teacher Geraldine Connor, who died unexpectedly in October.

The 59-year old, best known for her world-renowned production Carnival Messiah, suffered a heart attack.

....The Chapeltown New World Steel Orchestra’s Christmas Concert, with a Caribbean twist, is to be held at the Leeds West Indian Centre on Sunday, December 18.

The event will be dedicated to Geraldine’s memory and is expected to be a sell out.

Concert organiser Arthur France, a life-long friend of Geraldine, who lived in Harewood, said: “We are performing the concert this year in Geraldine’s memory. She really is totally irreplaceable.
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Web Posted - Friday December 2, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

‘True Trini Christmas’ with Ray Holman
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Ray Holman, esteemed composer, arranger and pan player is bringing back the old time days with his first annual Christmas 2011 musical presentation, “A True Trini Christmas” on Thursday December 8 at 6.30 pm at the newly remodelled Little Carib Theatre.

He says, “This show is being billed as a “True Trini Christmas Show”, therefore patrons can expect to hear all genres of Christmas music that we Trinis enjoy hearing at Christmas time.”

He added that patrons will be treated to an evening filled with parang and Christmas Carols as the musical journey will be filled with traditional favourites, as well as some recent Christmas compositions by him.

....Holman said of his first annual concert, “I am very excited about this Christmas project which allows me to share with the public the Christmas music that we all love. I will be introducing Christmas compositions of my own which will be sung by some of my special guests.”
read more     then   discuss here

Web Posted - Friday December 2, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“This is Bacchanal”
sung by Eunice Peters
composed by Edwin Pouchet & Alvin Daniell
 

Global - This is Bacchanal features Eunice Peters on vocals, at work on a track featuring music by Edwin Pouchet and lyrics by Alvin Daniell.

Eunice has been singing songs for the Pan since 1999 and has established herself as one of the top female singers in this area.  Her list of songs include Colours, House of Music (the theme of Starlift’s Panyard); Pure Party (the winning selection of Silver Stars in the Medium Category 2004) and more.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Thursday December 1, 2011
When Steel Talks

December 1 - The ‘Pan Buzz’ to date:  “Gypsy” Must Account
 

Global - I hope Pan people are looking at what the Trinidad & Tobago Minister of Culture, Winston “Gypsy” Peters, is doing with taxpayers’ money. Is he giving it away to friends and family? Winston “Gypsy” Peters must tell John and Jane Public why he is getting down on Pan people, and financing - to the tune of $1.2 million dollars - his son Colin Jackman’s misadventures with soca. The recent International Soca (substitute ‘Comedy’) Awards was a disaster.
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Web Posted - Thursday December 1, 2011
When Steel Talks

Song for Panorama 2012
“Gie Dem Tempo”
sung by Denyse Plummer
composed by Edwin Pouchet & Alvin Daniell
 

Global - Gie Dem Tempo showcases music from champion arranger and Silver Stars Steel Orchestra leader Edwin Pouchet.  Edwin grew up in pan, hearing pan morning, noon and night. His bigger brother Junior Pouchet was synonymous with the band Silver Stars.

Lyrics for his compositions have been written by Alvin Daniell.  Denyse Plummer vocalizes this track.
click to hear song

Web Posted
When Steel Talks - Special

Champion Panorama Tunes of Trinidad and Tobago
 

Global - A critical component to winning any panorama competition is the song the orchestras choose to use as the basis of their panorama arrangements. Over the years these songs have inspired classic panorama arrangements. When Steel Talks invites you to take a look at and listen to, these famed tunes which have played more than just a cursory part in the history of Pan, and the lives of the players and fans.
click to hear and/or view