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Leeds Silver Steel Sparrows Clyde Dias Stardust Steel Orchestra Adrianna Achaiba Mangrove in Bilbao Ebony in Switzerland Terry Noel Raf Robertson BAS Pan Explosion 2003 Kelvin Benjamin North Tyneside Steelband Vanya Reid Pantasia Steel Orchestra Clyde 'Lightning' George Zac Herbert Randolph Baptiste Douglas Dallaway
Editor Robbie Joseph Writers/Contributors Victoria Jacquiss, Zac Herbert, Clyde Dias, Phil Wood, Terry Noel, Martin Grah, Raf Robertson, Wendy Achaiba, Rhonda Baptiste, Amelia Dallaway, Dave Edwards, Pauline Williams and Vanya Reid. Photography: KRJ Photography Layout & Design: Indus Digital Services Published by: BAS BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF STEELBANDS The Tabernacle, Powis Square, London W112AV Tel: 020 7565 7813 Fax: 020 7565 7810 E-mail: panpodium@aol.com uksteelbands@lineone.net Website: www.panpodium.com The views published in Pan Podium are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher. All material contained in this publication are the copyright of Pan Podium. No material written or photographic should be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the publisher. No liability will be accepted for any errors which may occur within the magazine.
Editor’s Letter: Robbie Joseph As the summer weather reaches boiling point so did the numerous pan events. BAS Pan Explosion held on the 31st May2003 saw Ebony being victorious and Kyron Akal recapturing the soloist title. We were blessed with brilliant sunshine for our Pan Jamboree in Trafalgar Square on the 2nd August where seven of London's premier steel orchestras
entertained the throngs of visitors as well as the locals to our capital's newly refurbished landmark. Pan in the Parks saw more steel orchestras playing in the bandstands of Hyde and Greenwich Parks on every Saturday and Sunday leading up to the Carnival weekend. Saturday the 23rd August 2003, Panorama, The Champions of Steel competition for 2003. Nine steel orchestras vying for the title with Nostalgia and Panectar appearing as guest steelbands.
The pan treat does not stop there. Pan goes to Leicester Square from the 17th August and again on the 30th and 31st as well as the 6th and 7th of September. The Pan journey then leads to the V&A Museum on the 27th September with Nostalgia and Southside Harmonics. The pan year culminates with BAS 3rd Annual Awards Dinner & Dance at the Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury on the 6th December 2003. Get involved support BAS in spreading the Pan Gospel. summer-autumn 2003 | pan podium 03
I started playing pan in 1953 with a band called 'Strombobi' in Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad. I was one of the band's bass players and as it was a 'pan-around-neck' band, I had to carry the large bass drum around my shoulders. The steelband was now becoming popularised, as TASPO had returned to high acclaim from their trip to Europe. In the beginning my family were not too pleased with my choice of instrument, as steel bands then had very bad reputations. However, I loved the rhythm and couldn't resist being around the steel bands. Though I was lectured - and sometimes beaten by my parents, I continued. The most compelling argument used was, "What would the neighbours say?" Later on, the college boys (the sons of the middle classes) started playing the steel pan. My family then left me alone to pursue my dream.
Leeds Silver Steel Sparrows Leeds has fourteen high schools with steelpans, one third have teachers/players and regular gigging bands; approximately half play out occasionally thus the need for a city-wide steelband to represent the city and contribute to the Leeds West Indian Carnival. Leeds Silver Steel Sparrows Orchestra fulfilled this need. Their first practice was at City of Leeds High School in September 2000. The High School being the nearest one to the City Centre serviced by good bus routes and had the rarest of delights, a music room, dedicated to steelpans. The High School also served eight of the seventeen pan playing primary schools in Leeds. Leeds Silver Steel Sparrows steel orchestra was not the first citywide orchestra. Previous attempts had foundered in a blaze of hostilities and jealousy when players would not leave their 'patch' or co-operate with players from other schools. This time Victoria Jaquiss, the bandleader, 04 pan podium | summer-autumn 2003
started with younger players seeking out the ones who had played pan at primary school. She found most of them at the Leopold and Royal Park primary schools as both had particularly successful steel bands and produced a CD together in the summer of 2000 at the Leeds Music Support Service studio. Victoria was faced with a daunting task of setting up satellite schools and neutral practice venues. These came in the form of Merlyn Rees Community High school in South Leeds, John Smeaton Community High School and the East Leeds Music Centre in East Leeds. Leeds Silver Steel Sparrows had established firm foundations and Victoria organised meetings with their teachers to discuss repertoire and arrangements. They played at Concerts, Festivals and Leeds Carnival often not having played together before. In times of conflict of interests school bands would take precedence. Unsurprisingly, players were more
enthusiastic at first to skip lessons to attend concerts during the school day but playing in a twenty plus strong steelband alongside accomplished players became its own reward. The neutral venue at a local Chapeltown primary school has been found and they are now awaiting the completion of building work. However players are more comfortable on each other's 'patches'. Players from St Michael's RC College steelband now practise regularly at City of Leeds School, as do students from two other nearby pan-free high schools. These practices are so well attended that they had to put in extra steel pans and even with thirteen different pan instruments players have to share. By Christmas 2002 the orchestra had thirty players from twelve different schools and music centres. This orchestra is a great achievement both for Victoria and the Leeds Music Support Service. Pan Podium wishes them every success in the future.
My life Of Pan Music Clyde Dias
City-wide steelband for Leeds Music Support Service
I came to England in 1957 with Ken Johnson, Desmond Ming, and Keith Durham. Our intention was to make a living here as pan musicians. We left Trinidad with our pans but after two months, Ken Johnson left for Paris, to play with Eaman Thorpe. There were very few bands around at that time. Russell Henderson, Sterling Betancourt and a few others were already established. 'Katzenjammers' with Percy Thomas, 'Tropicanas' with Winston Jones, Cyril Kamai, Ken Singh and Sonny Hart, (the original four piece band) were around the most prominent.
The band I have been with the longest - since 1964, is the 'Tony Charles Steel Band'. It was not until 1966 that I was able to make a living from steel band - without a supplementary job. This continued for nine years, until Tony Charles recommended me for a job - teaching the steel pan in schools. My first school was in 1975, and since then, I have been playing my gigs at night and teaching pan in schools during the day. My first teaching job was at Haverstock Secondary School in Chalk Farm. In the early days, I sometimes had difficulty convincing teachers to release the children for the steel pan classes. Later, I took jobs in Haringey to teach in two more schools, and as the educational support was much greater, I left Haverstock to concentrate on the schools I was building up in Haringey. I am still teaching pan in Haringey schools, after 28 years. In 1976, I took two of my schools along, to compete in the Commonwealth Institute Schools' Steelband Festival, London, and this continued until 1980, when the festival was discontinued. We also took part in 'The Schools' National Steelband Festival', Coventry, (1983 - 1991), and in 'The Festival of Music for Youth' (1985-1995). I think music festivals, with adjudicators giving helpful advice, are good, and I have always been supportive of their artistic creativity.
BIO
I think there may be a case for introducing recognised qualifications for pan teachers, thus giving our art-form full recognition with other musical areas.
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Leeds Silver Steel Sparrows
Maria Stefanie Adrianna Achaiba Steelpan Prodigy
Stardust Steel Orchestra Celebrating their 20th Anniversary A quick drive up the Uxbridge Road to Acton Vale brings you to the Stardust steel orchestra. Formed in 1983, their founders include Karl "Misty" Gabriel, Givan Charles, McClean Julien, Perry Murphy, Randolph Baptiste (deceased), Roy Gabriel, Wendell Greaves and Roy Narine (deceased). The orchestra comprises of thirty to fifty players during the Panorama season and reduces to a smaller group for the rest of the year; their players come from local schools and the community. Over the past twenty years, they have appeared at every panorama competition except in 2001 when an unfortunate accident with their float prevented their participation. Stardust has achieved third place in the Notting Hill Panorama Competition in 1986, 1987 and second in 1989. They have had radio exposure and performed at the Royal Festival Hall, the Brent Town Hall and the Wembley Conference Centre. They have also performed numerous open-air 06 pan podium | summer-autumn 2003
concerts in the Ealing Shopping Complex and school fetes in the boroughs of Brent and Ealing. Private Gigs and performances for OAPs are also on their agenda. Their panyard is at the Acton Vale Community Centre with practice sessions on Fridays from 7p.m. Randolph Baptiste, the band's manager/arranger who sadly passed away recently played with Sundowners steelband of Vistabella, San Fernando for the period 1954 - 1968 and also managed them from 1965 to 1968. He also played for the National Steelband of Trinidad and Tobago during the years 1966/67. Before his passing Randolph stated "Stardust's aim is to train pannists to perform at any musical event". He also taught the steelpan artform in a number of schools in the boroughs of Brent and Ealing. Randolph boasted of the fact that he was the only steelpan arranger in the UK who also produced costumes for a Mas Band.
Stardust look at their institution as a medium for all races and people from different walks of life to come together and associate with something cultural and also understand the roots of the Steel Pan. The band encourages and develops the initiatives of all members and empowers the individuals to address their needs to enhance full participation within the organisation. The Band performs a full repertoire specialising in Calypsoes, Soca, Jazz, Reggae, Ballads, Folk, Classical and Dance Music. Their panyard is based at Acton Vale Community Centre, Acton Vale Estate, Acton, W3. Tel: 0208 746 0585. Interested in becoming part of this long established institution, then contact: Tara/Rhonda Baptiste at 16 Hoylake Road, Acton, W3 7NP. Tel. No 0208 740 0381.
Eleven year old Trinidadian born Adrianna was introduced to the piano at six months old. Before she could walk she was taught the c-major scale on the piano. She is the last of three children and the only girl. In 1995, her first public performance with the double tenor pans was at the Naparima Bowl - standing on a box where she mesmerised the audience. It was said that she was born with pan sticks in her hand. At age 3, she played a medley of four Xmas carols on the piano at her kinder garden school Xmas concert. In 1997, she performed at the Mount Hope Science Complex Xmas concert and at the opening of the T&T Institute of Technology. This little lady of pan performs regularly at graduations, xmas concerts, charities, dinners, conferences and other social functions. In 1999, at age six she competed in the under 16s pan
soloist competition of the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival where she placed 2nd out of twenty four competitors playing 'Minute in G' and was a finalist in the schools National Arts festival in the same year. In 2000, she played for the opening of the World Steelband Music Festival and also performed as a soloist in the finals. In 2001 she performed at the opening of the Caribana Festival in Canada and musically arranged 'Stranger' with the help of her father,Steve, for the Metrotones Steel Orchestra. Her first CD was produced in July 2001 and is alleged to be the youngest child in the Caribbean to produce a CD of steelpan music. She has also produced a Xmas CD with soca parang, parang and traditional Xmas songs and her third CD featuring classical music is soon to be released. Adrianna was crowned the Trinidad and Tobago National
Junior Arts Festival Instrumental Champion in 2002 and performed at the T&T Music Festival with her father's bands, Achaiba's Pan Assembly Juniors and Seniors. She also placed 1st in both the solo and duet categories of the Music Festival. She has also played with the Skiffle Bunch and Phase 11 Pan Groove steel orchestras in the T&T National Steelband Panorama competition. Adrianna is a musician with a special gift. She is said to have perfect pitch and can reproduce a piece she has heard just once on the pan or the piano. Music is her life and performing comes natural to her, she is a self-possessed, confident and cool performer. She stated, 'I just lose myself when I am playing and I am never afraid to play.' It goes without saying that music and pan are Adrianna's true love rivalled perhaps only by her love for KFC chicken and McDonald's. summer-autumn 2003 | pan podium 07
Mangrove
Ebony Steel Orchestra
In the Bilbao Street Arts Festival
in Switzerland ‘s 12th Annual Steelband Festival
Mangrove steel band traveled to Bilbao on the 3rd July 2003 to perform at their Street Arts Festival. Bilbao was officially born on June 15th 1300 when Don Diego Lopez de Haro bestowed the "carta magna" upon local people, granting them a trading monopoly on the river estuary. The town developed along the banks of the Nervion River flourishing as a commercial port. Bilbao is also famous for its celebrated writer and philosopher Miguel de Unamano and its extraordinary Guggenheim Museum.
blessed by the heavenly Father. The crowds were a little disappointed that Mangrove could not play all day but were uplifted when told that they would be appearing again in the evening.
The Basque people, 'Bilbainos', love to party and Mangrove were certainly well received. Their early performance was in the shopping precinct of La Calle Ercilla and was temporarily delayed by the rain but when they got started they certainly brought the festive spirit to onlookers. As Mangrove was playing the sun penetrated the clouds and encircled the large crowds that had congregated, as if
Mangrove's evening's performance saw them playing on a float traveling through the Bilbao town centre entertaining the huge crowds that lined the streets to witness and enjoy the sweet sounds of the Mangrove Steel Band. Amongst their catchy renditions were 'We Jammin', 'Maria Maria', 'Smooth Operator',' I shot the Sheriff', and 'Trini to de Bone'. ,
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Mangrove did not just bring the magic of steelpan music to Bilbao they also brought their sporting abilities when they dominated the basketball and table tennis facilities at the Alberque Bilbao Aterpetxea, where they stayed. A very physical basketball game played in the wee hours of the morning on their last day in Bilbao not only revealed their sporting prowess but the very strong brotherly togetherness that Mangrove's family possesses. Representing Mangrove in Bilbao were Matthew Phillip, Ricky Dickson, Justin Russell, Jason Russell, Ryan Cummings, John David, Debi Gardner, Debbie Romain, Rose Alfred and Andrew Facey. Bilbao is looking forward to their return next year.
Ebony Steel Orchestra, Europe's finest, performed at Switzerland's 12th annual steelband festival held in Ennedorf on 20th June 2003. Ebony was the main act of the evening and their exciting and impressive performance captivated the audience. Extempo steel orchestra opened the evening with their excellent repertoire that included a variety of styles. Extempo, Swisstrin and Ebony steel orchestras entertained the 700 strong audience. The high level of music delivered by the one hundred odd pannists only proved to wet the audience's appetite and left them crying out for more of the hot Caribbean party. Swisstrin, led by Junior Edward did the second set. Being the largest steelband in Switzerland with 65 players they filled the stage completely, playing mainly party music. Their presentation included a man on 20-foot stilts, belly dancers and a couple of flag bearers.
The whole tent nearly burst with excitement when Dudley Dickson accompanied by Ebony and Extempo percussionists did a Limbo show with some special fire effects. It has become a sort of a tradition to organize something special, usually unique for the last set on the festival. Ebony and Extempo did so by playing a set of party music together. What was
unusual about it was that they only had one afternoon rehearsal together before the show. The leader of Extempo, Martin Grah, flew over to London at the end of May 2003 to deliver three of Extempo tunes to Ebony and to take three of Ebony's back with him. The six tunes were presented
in a party set without a break, including intermezzos with soloing etc. Everyone including the players enjoyed the very powerful delivery. Ren Bachofen, the festival organiser, confirmed that he was astonished with the Swiss players' performance. In the past Swiss bands played at a lower energy and tempo but those who have followed the Swiss pan evolution will actually not be surprised again.
One of the Pan Jumbies from the liming corner said, 'The evening was maybe the best ever in Ennedorf.' 'This is what happens when you put musicality and show in one basket.'
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In 1967, he came to the UK and became a psychiatric nurse. Later in Leicester he was involved in running his first steelband in the UK, The Melodians (1970-73). In 1972, he attended and presented a paper, "The steelband leader as a social educator and administrator" at the first ever seminar on the steelband in Trinidad. In 1973 he returned to London and was involved in forming the Steelband Association of Great Britain. In 1975 he organised the first ever adult steelband festival at the Commonwealth Institute overcoming initial scepticism that it was not possible.
Terrance Noel JP
He is a founding member and chairman of the Commonwealth Arts Association and was on the staff of the Commonwealth Institute as a visiting teacher doing workshops on the Caribbean in schools around the UK. He also wrote his first book 'From Bamboo to Pan' a description of the history of the steel pan that was published by them.
Born on 04/02/1940, by age 14 he was actively involved with steelband music. He played with Teen Stars; Bestcrete Harmonizers, Arima Melodians and Esso Tripoli steelbands. Terry was involved in the creation of the Police Steelband after joining the Trinidad Police in 1962.
Terry is a keen promoter of steel pans in the UK and overseas. He formed two of his own bands: The BA Groovers in 1978 and the BT Melodians in 1987. Over the years he has taken the steel pan to 29 countries around the world covering all the continents and has played at many important events for the Royal Family. Whilst working at the London Borough of Harrow, he was instrumental in getting ethnic music (Indian sitar and steelpan) accepted as part of the GCSE exams. At the birth of Prince William he commissioned a piece of music (Prince William March) from the late Anthony Prospect. This was specially recorded by BA
Groovers and presented personally to the late Princess of Wales. In 1986, he returned to Trinidad to finish his second book, 'Play Pan, Learn Music the Steel Pan Way' and launched it in 1988. While over there he was responsible for establishing the first ever steelband course for school children in Trinidad. This took place in Arima and was launched by Pam Nicholson, the then Minister of Education. He organised summer steelband concerts in the parks of Greater London in the 80s and steelband Jamborees in Trafalgar Square during the summers of 1993-96. In June 1992, he was appointed a magistrate. He also introduced the steelpan to Northern Ireland at Harpurs Hill Junior school and organised for two schools, one catholic and one protestant, to join together in a workshop and play as one band in a junior festival in Barbados in October 2000. Debi Gardner, Director of Notting Hill Carnival and secretary of BAS stated, "I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play with Groovers. Terry was not only responsible for introducing the wonders of pan to many different countries around the world, he also instilled in players discipline and professionalism - qualities that remain with each one of us to this day. Terry is certainly one of our unsung hero's."
FEATURE 14 pan podium | summer-autumn 2003 10
Raf Robertson Accomplished keyboardist and Arranger in Calypso Jazz. Raf's long musical career began in the early 1970's. While still attending high school in Trinidad, he played dance music with the 'Solid 7 Combo'. He later studied in England and the USA continuing his career as a professional musician with tours in Europe and North Africa. Following his return to the Caribbean in the early 1980s, he participated in workshops throughout the region lecturing on developing calypso jazz and the potential of the steelpan. At the same time, Raf was performing at various concerts including those organised by the Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board and the delightful 'Ivory and Steel' taped series presented at the Frank Collymore Hall in Barbados
and the Central Bank Auditorium in Trinidad. He toured for several years with pop star Eddy Grant and performed at the St Lucia Jazz Festival and with other wellknown artistes such as Ralph McDonald, Branford Marsalis, Grover Washington and Roy Haynes. Raf also recorded a segment of BET's Jazz in the Sun series in Jamaica and has played for the past two years at the U.S Congressional Black Caucus events. During one of his more recent sojourns in Barbados he taught school and produced two CDs at his own RiffRaff Studios. He has arranged music for steelbands and judged steelband and calypso contests in Trinidad, Barbados and New York. Raf has been working in Washington, D.C since the late
part of 2000 as musical director for the PG County Community College Metropolitan Ebony Theatre's musical, 'Once on this Island'. Raf and his band have since been featured in the area at Calypso Jazz concerts organised by the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago and by the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Washington D.C and has taught music and played gigs regularly at various venues. He has released his third album entitled 'Universal Rhythm coming after his two previous albums Just Teasin' and Branches. To listen to some of the tunes on his latest CD go to www.cdbaby.com/rafrobertson. To contact Raf send an e-mail to raffkeys@hotmail.com summer-autumn 2003 | pan podium 11
Pan Explosion 2003 Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Pantonic Steel Orchestra. BAS 5th annual Pan Explosion competition celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Pantonic steel orchestra was held in the Tabernacle, Powis Square, London on the 31st May 2003. Mangrove Junior Steelband (Junior Panorama winners for the fourth consecutive year) and Pantonic Steel Orchestra provided a warm and invigorating welcome to everyone who attended Pan Explosion in the foyer of the Tabernacle. The aim of the event is to encourage young pannists to explore and develop their composing, arranging and performing talents. The ensemble category is restricted to twenty-five year olds and under, whilst the soloist is for thirty year olds and under. The competition provides a platform for the innovative youthful talent available in the UK. Martin Jay, the Prince of Soca from Choice FM 96.9 compered the event with Mike 'Zig Zag' Forbes
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providing music on the night. KRJ Photography mounted an exhibition of pan photography in the foyer of the Tabernacle whilst Carl 'Bugsy' Gabriel provided a photographic slide show in the auditorium. The judges at this year's event were Princess Rollock, Randolph Baptiste and Gerald Forsyth. Pantonic opened the show with some entertaining renditions. Martin Jay gave a brief speech of the aims and achievements of Pan Explosion before starting the soloist competition. There were four competitors with Kyron Akal, the outstanding young composer, arranger and pannist amassing 259 points to capture first place with his composition, 'Essence'. In second place with 238 points was
Samuel Dubois, a new comer to this competition. His composition was entitled 'Atlantis'. Samuel was also jointly responsible for the composition and arrangment for Ebonique. In third place was Justin Richardson, Justin's composition 'Lisa Maria' attracted 234 points. Justin is an outstanding pannist and through this competition has revealed his composing and arranging skills. Watch out for him next year.
Carl Nash the young and aspiring musician played his composition 'Happiness' that brought some to the audience. At 16, he was the youngest competitor in the competition. Carl's future participation using this platform that BAS has provided could only prove beneficial to him. Four bands appeared in this year's competition. Ebony, Ebonique, Pantasia and Southside Harmonics. Ebony entered the competition as the reigning Champions, their renditions of 'More Love' composed and arranged by the youthful and gifted Brent Holder who is a two time champion soloist in Trinidad and arranged for Ebony in Panorama 2002. He also arranged their tune of choice 'Ah Home' their performance saw them retaining their BAS Pan Explosion title with 520 points. Pantasia entered this competition for the first time and captured second place with 478 points. Their first rendition of 'Phases' was
composed and arranged by Vanya Reid who confirmed that the musical piece was based on the different phases in her life to date. Chris Storey was responsible for the arrangement of their tune of choice, 'Trini to De Bone'. Watch out for Pantasia in future competitions! Southside Harmonics another first timer to this competition led by Julian Gibbs, joint composer and arranger with Carl Richards of their own rendition 'Jam Dem Down' and the arrangement of 'Blue Bossa' attained third place with 460 points. In fourth and final position was Ebonique, Ebony's sister band, their own composition, 'Seven' was composed and arranged by Samuel Dubois and Carlene Etienne. They also arranged their tune of choice, 'Frenzy'. They amassed 439 points. All the competing and guest pannists had everyone in the Tabernacle moving to the sweet
melodies and vibrating rhythms being emitted from their steelpan instruments. In this competition there are no losers. Commendation goes out to each and every player for their commitment and dedication in preparing for this event. This sort of competition provides the ideal platform for young composers and arrangers as well as players to display their innovative skills and excel towards bigger and better things. Let's hope that more bands grasp this developmental opportunity provided by BAS in the future. Soloist competition 1. Kyron Akal - 259 pts 2. Samuel Dubois - 238 pts 3. Justin Richardson - 234 pts 4. Carl Nash - 233 pts Band competition 1. Ebony - 520 pts 2. Pantasia - 478 pts 3. Southside - 460 pts 4. Ebonique - 439 pts
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Founder & Manager of North Stars Steel Orchestra
Kelvin Benjamin
The snow was falling so hard the wipers couldn't clear it and the wind howled as if from the Arctic. The clapped-out Luton van struggling on its way back from Glasgow with the members of North Stars Steel Orchestra feeling so cold they couldn't tell whether the loud rattling was the sound of the engine, or the chattering of their teeth. But they all still glowed with the warmth of the Scottish audience reaction to that night's performance as support act for Gary Glitter. Welcome to British pan music 1970's style. A familiar scenario to that generation of pan men who had arrived from Trinidad intent on establishing its music in Britain. Kelvin Benjamin is one of those and knows the road to becoming UK Panorama Champions in 2002 was paved with suffering and tribulation. "But I wouldn't have wanted it any other way", he says, "because to survive in those days you needed two things: a love of pan music that came from deep in the heart plus real mental discipline. Those are the same two qualities you need to become a champion". Kelvin founded North Stars in the Yorkshire town of Huddersfield in 1975 and finally achieved a life's ambition in 2002 winning Panorama for the first time. It crowned a memorable year for him playing at Buckingham Palace in the Royal Jubilee Festival and retiring from ICI/Syngenta. "There have been bad times along the way", he reflects, "perhaps the worst of all being the first time we ever entered the Panorama, and came last. But we've always come bouncing back".
Kelvin's love for pan music started in his home village of Salazar Trace near Point Fortin. He remembers the inspiration he got from Hi-lites steelband and his yearning to join them. There was never any doubt in his mind that the only instrument for him was the tenor pan. When he followed his parents to the north of England though there were few pan music opportunities. There was a small group led by Raymond Joseph (who later moved to London to run Metronomes) but eventually he realised he would have to take up an invitation to move to the Midlands and join the band Phase One, led by Victor Philip. "Victor taught me more about pan than any other person and I owe him a real debt of gratitude. All the time, though, I knew I wanted to run my own band". And so he returned to Huddersfield and North Stars was born. "One of the things which makes me most proud of our band is the sound. Although we are now moving into our fourth generation of players, people always recognise the 'North Stars Sound' which I would say is most characterised by a hard driving rhythm and a clean melody from the tenors". It has given us a dedicated following all over the country. So Kelvin Benjamin is a happy and fulfilled pan man, but if anyone thinks for a minute that this means he has lost his motivation they will be in for a surprise. "Having reached the top I like it and I'll be trying to stay there for some time. Roll on Panorama 2003".
North Tyneside Steelband Steelin' it up North! Fourteen years ago there were no pans in the north east at all. In 1989, two Tyneside schools each took delivery of a set of Tony Charles pans. One went to a school in Whitley Bay and a community steelband was formed by Dave Edwards who learned to play and teach pan in the early 80's in London with Gerald Forsyth. The band soon outgrew the school and moved to a larger community centre. That's how NTSB was born. The novelty of a steelband in the area attracted many performances. Although most of the players were school children they also ran an adult session to cope with the demand and two small professional steelbands (Pan L. Beaters and Steel Spirit) were spawned although both are no longer active. Members with various special needs are always welcomed. They have appeared at the last two National Steelband Festivals organised by Coventry LEA and organised three annual national festivals in the mid nineties. NTSB's cooperation has helped to start at least six other bands across the region with some of them being tutored by young members of NTSB as part of their young leaders training
programme. They have just completed a major project across the region called 'Steelbands North for Youth Music' in partnership with the Sage Gateshead, Tynemouth College and a couple of local councils. The project enabled the introduction of over a thousand young players to steelpan with many still active within bands. Through this project they were able to work with tutors and pan tuners/manufacturers from other parts of Britain. This helped to widen their repertoire and improve techniques and playing styles. They maintain four sets of outreach pan instruments in various centres within a 50 mile radius which are used by emerging bands and provide access to pans for several schools. They have a gigging side of 20, an adult group known as the Winkly Panners and a training band of 15. It would be no exaggeration to say that NTSB, as well as being the longest established band in the area, are widely regarded as the best and are certainly the most active with a very wide repertoire from island songs through classics, latin, jazz , pop, rock and roll, dance and blues. They fulfil over 50 engagements each year which bring in most of their income and grants secured from
large charities and businesses help to run residential workshops and trips throughout the UK. They have never travelled abroad but maintain good global links. As the band's musical standards improved, providing a challenge, players stayed and took on responsibilities within the organisation including leading and arranging as well as administrative tasks. Two past members, Wendy Brown and Gail Forster, have played in London and Trinidad with Ebony and Phase II, whilst 25 year old Karina Atkinson frequently takes over the mantle of musical director from Dave. Their vision is that the steelband movement in the north-east will continue to grow and need more tutors/directors thus NTSB's focus on training to fulfil these future roles.
FEATURE FEATURE 14 pan podium | summer-autumn 2003
Contact: Jan Smith 125 Kirkwood Drive Kenton Newcastle NE3 3AT, (0191) 284 2929, jan@steelbandsnorth.org.uk. summer-autumn 2003 | pan podium 15
Vanya Reid Music in my Blood
The piano was her first instrument at age 5. Born in Tottenham, North London, she was captivated by the unique sound of the tenor pan coming from her primary school's assembly hall. She approached Clyde Dias, the pan tutor, and asked for his tuition. Vanya stated, 'I related to the pan just like the piano and picked it up very quickly.' She entered a lot of competitions and traveled to many places in and around the UK. In 1988, at age eleven she was introduced to Dennis Osbourne, the manager of the Eclipse Steel Orchestra by her mother who was a youth worker at the time. In 1989, she officially joined Eclipse and played with them in their first Panorama. She stated 'I was really excited and coming from a school steel band to a big band was scary and also challenging.' With the guidance of Dennis and Kurt Jagdeo (the current manager) she began to establish herself and took on a bigger role in the band's music. At 15, she encouraged her school to buy some steel pans and did her GCSE music on pan composing her first two pieces of music, Iron Man and Brazil. She confirmed 'I knew then that I had a talent.' 16 pan podium | summer-autumn 2003
At 17, she became a section leader in the band and experimented with chords and tenor arrangements which were used once Kurt agreed. By 19, she was responsible for arranging all the band's gig songs and was having more of an impact on the Panorama music. For the past five years she has been the Treasurer and is now more of an arranger for Eclipse. Vanya stated, 'Pan helped me to come off the streets and made me responsible and understanding towards other people. Vanya works as a keyworker with young people at risk of social exclusion for Haringey and a lot of them are now playing for the band.' In 2002, she played for Trinidad All Stars which was the best experience of playing pan in her life. She learnt the tune, 'Fire Storm' in three days and felt honored to play with such a great band and to be asked by Leon 'Smooth' Edwards for her opinion on the music. She has also worked with Mark Williams, arranging for the Gladesmore Youth Steelband who won the Croydon Festival in 2001 and 2003. She teaches in some schools in Haringey and conduct workshops during the holiday period. Vanya
Pantasia Steel Band composed a jazz piece entitled 'Phases' for the Pantasia steelband in the British Association of Steelbands' Pan Explosion 2003 competition and achieved second place even though it was the first time for Vanya and Pantasia. She stated, 'Phases was based on the different phases in my life. I like to listen to Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Stevie Wonder and Al Green. My music is based on jazz, soul and latin.' Vanya envisions pan being more established in schools. She said, 'The Steelpan is now more accepted as an instrument and part of the national curriculum. It is turning our young people into confident and bright individuals.' She plans to release an album of Jazz, Soul and Latin using the piano and pan and extends her gratitude to Kurt Jagdeo for her success. Pan Podium believes that the halls of stardom beckon this highly talented and gifted young musician.
Pantasia derives from the word Fantasia which means 'a potpourri of popular tunes woven together'. The name was chosen to emphasise the fact that the music was being played by steel pan instruments. Pantasia Steel Band was founded in 1995 when a few friends who were unable to rehearse with their Steel Orchestra, decided to set up a 'gigging' side. This enabled them to continue playing steel pan. The band is currently based at the Broadwater Farm Community Centre, Tottenham, London, where it enjoys genuine interest and enthusiasm from onlookers. Over the years, Pantasia has attracted players who have experience of performing at national and international arenas such as Notting Hill and Trinidad carnivals.
One of Pantasia's successful projects includes running a beginner's class. The class aims to develop opportunities for individuals to learn the art of playing steel pan. It also has a particular emphasis on reaching young people who may have limited prospects for music making. The project grew in popularity and the band's membership increased to approximately 25 players. Due to circumstances beyond the band's control, the project was 'put on ice'. It is anticipated that a similar project will resume in autumn 2003.
praise received was overwhelming. The band's profile was certainly raised that night and this in itself signalled the beginning of many more festival and competition entries. This was truly an enjoyable, memorable and learning experience for the band.
Pantasia has a wealth of multitalented players, some of whom teach in schools and aspire to become musical arrangers. Their skills were rewarded when Pantasia became runners up in BAS Pan Explosion 2003. This was their first competition and the
If you are interested in joining Pantasia, please contact Pauline Williams on 07956 813226 or visit their website www.pantasiasteelband.co.uk.
Pantasia's plans for 2004 include participating in Notting Hill Carnival and the European Steelband Music Festival scheduled to take place in London. It will be a challenge, but creativity and determination can only lead to positive results.
summer-autumn 2003 | pan podium 17
I was born in St Johns, Antigua, and took up pan in the 1940's, as a young lad who had just left school. I joined The Red Army steel band and soon became a pan tuner, making all the pans for the steel band. We were a very successful outfit - rivalling all the top bands of the day 'Hell's Gate', 'Brut Force' etc. In 1950, after the great hurricane, I left Antigua to work in Dominica, making pans and starting up a steel band there. I also started making pans for the 'Invaders', the 'Merry Makers', and for other bands on that island. I left Dominica for Britain in 1956.
Clyde 'Lightning' George George Bean, famed Chicago based horn player, recorded with 'Lightning' on the CD "Steelin' the Night", George was a member of the Duke Ellington Big Band and was privileged to perform with the Duke himself. A video of the recording can be seen in the gallery of www.steelinjazz.com. See for yourself how George enjoys Lightning's pan.
'Lightning' was the first to play Bertie's invention for amplifying the steelpan, the Bertphonetie. Trinidad's 1965 Jouvert Bomb competition was won by Highlanders playing, "Let Every Valley be exalted". It was a jubilant moment for the instrument. Never before, did such sweet tones and melodies come from the steel pan
Trinidad Carnival 2003 was dedicated to pan and honored Bertie Marshall for his invaluable contribution to the instrument, adding harmonics to the tuning of the steelpan instrument ensured its evolvement from its original biscuit tin status. Bertie chose 'Lightning' to represent him as a judge for the Trinidad & Tobago J'ouvert pan competition 2003. Marshall stated, "Lightning plays the instrument with great finesse. With his musicianship and skills, you won't find a sweeter pan player."
Clyde 'Lightning' George has developed his pan skills to the status of virtuoso of the instrument. Many musicians from Port of Spain to Chicago have enjoyed live jazz jam sessions with Lightning. Celebrated Chicago artist and professor, Willie Pickens, has recorded and toured with 'Lightning'. Look for them together at the Poolside Soiree's of the Diego Martin Pan Institute for Carnival 2004.
It will continue Bertie's goal to take the "noise" out of pan and his dream to hear only "sweet" pan. The institute will accommodate up to 15 persons for intensive pan study programs. The design of the Bertie Marshall Pan Theatre is by architect and celebrated musician, Clive 'Zanda' Alexander. 'Zanda' is currently working with 'Lightning' on a CD to be released in November 2003. "Extempo KaisoJazz". A musical idiom both artists are celebrated for. The Pan Institute is honoured to have Bertie, Lightning and Zanda on its board of directors. Together with Sterling Betancourt, Elton Pouchet, and Ray Holman, the board is planning the programs for Panorama and the World Steelband Music Festival 2004. These programs will be posted soon at www.paninstitute.com. They will include 2-6 week s seminars for foreign musicians interested in pan and for those qualified, joining local bands in competition and performances at the Institute's weekly soiree "Music, poolside"
PROFILE 18 pan podium | summer-autumn 2003
Bertie and Lightning's mutual respect and love of the steelpan have led them to establish the Diego Martin Pan Institute. The institute is devoted to the instruction of pan worldwide and is dedicated to all that is the best in pan.
photo: Clyde (left) & Birtie Marshall
My life in Pan Zacharia (Zac) Herbert
The celebrated pan inventor and innovator, Bertie Marshall, first recognized Clyde George's musical talent. Clyde's musical skills were honed when he was a teen in Marshall's legendary band, the Highlanders Steel Orchestra. Bertie saw that Clyde learnt the music like a bolt of Lightning, thus the nickname 'Lightning'.
In London, I met and set up a 'gig band’ with 'Boots' on the bass, 'Ziggley' Constance on the second pan, 'Tongie' on the guitar pan and Bynoe and myself on tenor pans. They were all Trinidadians and all extremely gifted musicians. However the relationship within the band, though very good on a music level, was sometimes tested to breaking point by the gambling, which was a prominent social pastime. The band broke up, and I moved on and linked up with a group of Antiguan pan musicians, in Hackney, London.
In the early part of 1972, I took my first teaching job at Paddington School. I was employed as a part-time steel pan tutor, by the ILEA music service and later increased my workload to five schools. As the bands improved, I took a group of the best players from Lambeth and Paddington schools and joined them together. This was the beginning of 'Paddington Youths Steel Band'.
In 1976, the band entered the CDC Panorama competition at The Notting Hill carnival, but did not place among the top bands. The next year, we joined forces with Frank Rollocks' 'London All Stars', and the band came second in the competition. In 1978, we decided to enter again under the name of 'Paddington Youths'. We added new players to our ranks, and we grew bigger and bigger. Paddington Youths won the Panorama competition in 1978, and placed second in 1979. In 1980, we placed third in the Panorama competition and second in the competition for Best Steel Band on the Road. In 1980, I returned to Antigua (for the first time since I left in 1956) for a holiday. When I returned to London, I found all the best players of Paddington Youth steel band had been poached by the 'big bands'. Paddington Youths Steel Band was disbanded in 1983. In my teaching career, ILEA had granted me full-time teaching status (1975), and I served as a full-time steel pan music instructor. I retired from my teaching post after 23 years. Today, I am still actively involved in the steel pan movement. I am very happy watching some of the youngsters I taught in the past, as they play in steel bands in and out of the country.
BIO summer-autumn 2003 | pan podium 19
participated in two more Panorama competitions in 1967/68 before emigrating to England in 1968.
Randolph Baptiste Pioneer, Musician and Tutor Randolph Emmanuel Baptiste was born on 11th January 1938 in the town of Claxton Bay in Trinidad. He was to become an established musician who would be instrumental in the pioneering of the steelpan. Randolph came from a family of musicians and exposed to the guitar, clarinet and piano from an early age. This early schooling meant that he was able to pick up a melody or pitch a note with relative ease and retain it for a considerable time. Soon after the Second World War, steelband orchestras were beginning to make a cultural and social impact on the society of Trinidad & Tobago. These orchestras were heard regularly on the radio and held practice sessions nearly every night especially towards the festive Christmas season. At the age of ten, Randolph's musical destiny was established.
Randolph joined his cousins in Kentucky Stars in 1950 but was not allowed to attend rehearsals for fear of fighting which occurred regularly in the panyards in those days. Eventually he was given permission to attend on the promise that his cousins, who had recognised his exceptional talent, would look after him. Randolph quickly became a leading member of Kentucky Stars and recruited younger members as the older ones left. The band was renamed Central Ebonites (emulating the famous Ebonites from Morvant in East Trinidad) and in 1953 Randolph took leadership of the orchestra. Under his guidance and instruction, the orchestra played at venues and functions throughout Trinidad and in 1956/7 played for Hollis Dowridge Mas Band, a famous Carnival masquerade band at the time, originating from San Fernando in south Trinidad.
Randolph left Central Ebonites in 1959 and moved to San Fernando where he joined one of the most famous steelbands at the time, Sundowners. This orchestra competed in the 1960 Music Festival at the Queens Hall, Port-of Spain and was placed third behind Dixieland the winners and Invaders the runners up. Having won the Music Festival, Dixieland toured the UK that year and missed taking part in a documentary entitled "Eighteen on Steel". Dixieland's absence gave Randolph and the Sundowners the opportunity to be featured in the film. Randolph distinctly remembered Ellie Mannette doing a solo performance as part of the documentary.
FEATURE 20 pan podium | summer-autumn 2003
Randolph appeared again with Sundowners at the 1962 Music Festival and became the leader of the steel orchestra in 1966, taking the orchestra to the Trinidad Panorama finals. Randolph
On his arrival, Randolph came into contact with some fellow West Indians who had a steel orchestra and had heard of him. Randolph agreed to do some tuning and arranging for them and performed with them at the Ideal Home Exhibitions in Olympia in 1969. The booking proved to be a fateful. There he met Winston "P" Joseph and Ehtelred "Cape" James who were trying to form a steel orchestra in Shakespeare Road, Acton about five houses away from where Randolph lived. The steel orchestra was none other than Europe's finest, Ebony. Randolph started tuning, converting single into double pans and setting the format of Ebony band in April 1969. He managed the band and held practice sessions twice weekly. Their first booking was to play on the Isle of Wight in late August 1969 and during the period to 1997 he secured performances prestigious venues, cabaret,
weddings, dances and parties throughout London and the rest of the UK. One of the most memorable bookings for Randolph was the three nights Ebony performed in the famous Ronnie Scott's in 1974. His desire was to make Ebony one of the most popular steel orchestras in the UK. Success came in 1975 when the band appeared on Hughie Greens Opportunity Knocks. Overnight Ebony became a household name. The band was booked every weekend. In 1976 a taxi company owned by Pepe Francis (Ebony's current manager) sponsored the band. Randolph entered Ebony in the very first Steel Band Panorama competition held in Britain in 1978 and achieved fourth place. The band continued to perform at the annual competition under his management and attained second place in 1980 and 1982. Randolph left Ebony in 1982 and in 1983 formed another steel orchestra called Stardust. Stardust achieved third place in the Notting Hill Panorama Competition in 1986 and 1987 and has performed at 19 of the 20 Panoramas since the inception of the orchestra. Under Randolph's supervision the orchestra was also a regular participate in music festivals, which he also helped to stage.
of them the opportunity to experience their cultural heritage. I am sure that children of different nationalities and backgrounds are also experiencing the ingenuity and artistic accomplishment of the creation of this wonderful instrument, the steelpan, which is so widely recognized as an invention of Trinidad and Tobago." All the children I have taught in school are representative of this country's racial diversity and ethos of the school. My band follows the same example." This gifted musician was proven a true pioneer. Not only an accomplished musician and arranger, he was also the bandleader of Stardust Mas Band and was recognised as the only steelpan arranger in the UK who also designed and fabricated costumes for a mas band. His accomplishments over the years have helped to enhance the appreciation and achievements of steelpan on the international music circuit. Sadly Randolph passed away on the 13th August 2003. Randolph has planted the musical seed in many young minds ensuring that the pan's heritage and culture continues and grows. Blessings go with him on his next phase of his musical journey.
Randolph professional career was as a peripatetic music teacher working in schools in the borough of Brent, using his chosen instrument - the steel pan. Speaking to Randolph at his home a few years ago he told Pan Podium: "I have taught more than two thousand individuals to play the steelpan and have given some summer-autumn 2003 | pan podium 21
Upcoming Pan Events 7pm to 12.am 24 August BAS/LNHC Panorama Championships(Supported by Western Union)Defending joint champions Mangrove Steelband and North Stars Steel Orchestra will be competing against seven other steel bands for the title of "2003 National Panorama Champion". Guest appearances by Nostalgia Steelband and Pan Necktar Steelband.
Pan Music, the Food of Love
Douglas Dallaway
12pm to 9pm25/26 August Notting Hill CarnivalWest London becomes a kaleidoscope of colour and sounds when it plays host to the best of Caribbean cultural arts. 15 steel bands will be performing alongside more than 60 masquerade bands and 40 DJs at the 39th Notting Hill Carnival.
Eleven-year-old Douglas Dallaway has been holding pan sticks since he was one. Continuing in his family's musical tradition of four generations, he officially joined their steelband, Dallaway Steel Orchestra, from age six. Although small for his age, Douglas has confidence, determination and wisdom beyond his years. He loves making people laugh and is not afraid to stand out and be different, a good example is his decision to grow his hair long and wear it in cane row plaits despite the ridicule at his predominantly white school and constantly being mistaken for a girl. He always turns a humiliating situation into a hilarious one using his keen sense of humour. His fascination & biblical respect for animals has led him to become a vegetarian. He completed a diploma in basic PC skills from home on a computer funded partially by his own contribution to the band's work. He stated, 'When I leave school I would like to continue playing pan and develop my athletics and sporting activities.' His interest in pan came from watching his older brother Carl, a recent competitor in the soloist category of BAS 2003 Pan Explosion competition.
real cool'. His biggest goal is to win the soloist competition of the World Steelband Music Festival in Trinidad and Tobago. He gets a sense of comfort and confidence when playing if his family is present and wants to help spread the pan gospel as pan means everything to him. He stated, 'a family that plays together stays together. I feel good about using and sharing my pan talents with everyone. I like spreading love & happiness and making people laugh.' Douglas thinks that pan competitions are beneficial as lots of musical ideas are shared. His friends have mixed feelings about his playing pan but he confirmed that they were missing out. When asked about showing more young people what pan could do for them he answered, ' We could play out more to encourage people, put leaflets in schools, invite friends to some gigs, do some free lessons at fetes & BBQ's, not every one will want it but some will discover their talent like me and have a go. Young, talented and full of love is Douglas Dallaway, willing to share his talents with the rest of the world to make it a happier and better place to live in. There is not much more you can ask of him. Join him in spreading the love, start playing this wonderful musical instrument.
FEATURE 10 pan podium | summer-autumn 2003 14 22
Douglas plays the cello, tenor, guitar and bass pans with his favourite being the cello. He felt a sense of achievement from making their CD. He said, 'It was
12pm - 4pm30 August Leicester Square (Supported by Westminster City Council) 12pm - 4pm31 August Leicester Square (Supported by Westminster City Council) 12pm - 4pm 6 September Leicester Square (Supported by Westminster City Council) 12pm - 4pm 7 September Leicester Square (Supported by Westminster City Council) 11 am - 6pm 27 September Carnival at the Victoria & Albert Museum 7pm - 2am6 December 3rd Annual Awards Dinner & Dance Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury Unless stated, all events are free. For further info contact British Association of Steelbands, the Tabernacle, Powis Square, London W11 t. 020.7565 7813 | f: 020.7565 7810 | e. panpodium@aol.com
Pan Sticks FOR SALE contact: Felix Joseph Tel: 07808 847 974
Subscription Form The British Association of Steelbands Name Organisation Address
Postcode Telephone Email UK £3.00 - Overseas £5.00 I enclose a cheque/postal order for the sum of £ made payable to BAS. Annual Subscription - Please send this form to: British Association of Steelbands, The Tabernacle, Powis Square, London W11 2AV summer-autumn 2003 | pan podium 23