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Steel Tempo Steel Band Chris Cox Robert Clarke Caribbees Steel Orchestra Ralph Macdonald Swisstrin Steel Orchestra Junior Edwards Steel Magic Steel Orchestra BAS Pan Awards 2003 Notting Hill Panorama 2003 Pepe Francis Pan Royal 2003 Ebony Millenium Volunteers Roy Geddes Kool & the Gang Steel Orch. Justin Richards T&T Police Band
Editor Robbie Joseph Writers/Contributors Inspector Enrique Moore, Susan Morgan, Monika Nicoletti-Tung, Lionel McCalman Justin Richardson, Charmane Forbes, Michelle Francis, Chris Cox, Raphael Garcia, Ralph Macdonald, Robert Clarke 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 2003 was a terrific year for pan in the UK and for the British Association of Steelbands. We had a glorious summer which provided the right environment for pan music in all the different forums organised by BAS in conjunction with its many corporate partners. We are now looking forward to 2004 and our busy schedule which includes Pan Explosion, Pan in the Parks, Pan in
Trafalgar Square, Pan in Leicester Square, Notting Hill Panorama and Carnival, Pan in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the BAS Pan Awards. In addition, Pan European, Pan Trinbago and BAS are looking at the possibility of hosting the 2004 World Steelband Music Festival in London. What an achievement it would be for Britons as it will be the first time that the event is held outside Trinidad, the home of the steelpan. BAS are also working with the Rock College to ensure that our
pan tutors are properly accredited. 2004 marks the 40th Anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival and back in 1964 Russell Henderson, Sterling and Herman Betancourt were the first to play the steelpan at Notting Hill when Rhaune Laslett organized it. This event has evolved to become Europe's largest Carnival and BAS are working with the LNHC in making this event one for the history books. Get involved support BAS in spreading the Pan Gospel. winter-spring 2004 | pan podium 03
My first musical instrument was the guitar followed by the piano. In 1984, my father introduced my brother and I to Stardust steel orchestra where I started playing the double guitar pans. Once I learnt my first tune I mastered a two step dance behind my pan before going on to learn another. Within a couple of months I had learnt enough tunes to begin performing. Back then we toured around England and Wales, Some of our performances included playing for the launch of the Eclipse steel band, at the Tiverton Centre, the Scrubs and at the old Tabernacle.
Steel Tempo, which was originally set up to give ex-members of the Caribbees Steelband the opportunity to continue playing pan after leaving Alexandra Park School, has now been established for twenty-five years. This independent band has enjoyed performing all over Britain as well as in France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland. To celebrate their "silver anniversary" in 2003 the group travelled to Barbados for Cropover, where their performances were televised and where they were interviewed for Webb Internet Radio of New York. Steel Tempo performs for a wide variety of events including weddings, festivals, parties and carnivals, playing many different styles of music such as calypso, latin, reggae and jazz. The group has always been innovative, combining pan with other instruments and experimenting with musical arrangements to produce unique sounds and 04 pan podium | winter-spring 2004
rhythms and to provide opportunities for some virtuoso playing. The members aim to give performances which are vibrant and visual and where the audience can really get involved. The band members are all very close friends, having played pan together since childhood and in fact four members have been part
of Steel Tempo since its formation. Their friendship is evident in their performances, through which they aim to promote love and unity and hope to have a lasting effect on their audiences. Several band members are involved in teaching pan to schools and youth groups in the North West, and they have directed bands at such events as the promotion of Manchester's Olympic bid in Monte Carlo, performances for the Queen and appearances at the Schools Proms at the Albert Hall. For bookings and enquiries please contact the band on 0161 287 3619 or Email steeltempo@yahoo.co.uk
My History in Pan Chris Cox
Steel Tempo Steel Band
My first major performance was at a Steelband Music Festival followed by the 1985 Steel bands Panorama held in the Linford Christie Stadium. I played with Stardust in every steel band festival since 1984. In 1987 two new treble guitar pans arrived and I received an upgrade, I liked the idea of how they were set-up, one up and two down. In 1988, Randolph Baptiste hosted a competition within Stardust for the most dedicated player. I was a little surprised and overjoyed to have won and received a ticket to fly to Trinidad and play for a steel band out there. The majority of my stay was spent in Picton, Laventille. My aunt escorted me for my first practice down the Trinidad All Stars pan yard, where I was fortunate enough to play three-pan guitar for the zonal finals. In 1990 I began to experiment by playing with two bands on two different pans for Panorama. The first year I played the treble guitar for Stardust and four pan cello for Glissando. The second year, I
continued my experiment and played the Chariots (Six Pans, three up and three down). By 1992 I departed Stardust and played the Quads for Glissando. In 1993 I joined Ebony where I toured Europe and assisted in teaching youth classes. Owing to their quick development, Ebonique was formed and entered in the National Steel bands Panorama. After a few years the young players progressed to Ebony and Ebonique was dissolved. In my second year I again played the four-pan cello and haven't looked at another pan since. In 1996, I left Ebony and returned to Glissando taking over the position of manager. It was a challenge. My biggest achievement in the first year was acquiring sponsorship for Panorama and Carnival. This gave me encouragement to continue 'trying a ting'. I am so addicted to actually playing pan that I would still take a knock even if when my other duties were overwhelming. In 2000 I returned to Trinidad and played in the panorama semi finals for Bird Song. I am associated with Ebony by the UK Pan Society but only a few remember that my birth into the pan fraternity was with Stardust. I am termed the madman or the dirty dancer for my dancing skills. When I get the musical feeling, the sweetness makes me react through dance.
BIO winter-spring 2004 | pan podium 05
His first performance at age fifteen was with the Barataria Senior Secondary orchestra, the first school steelband to perform in a Music Festival in Trinidad. He played with Solo Harmonites Steelband for all of his playing life in Trinidad but also performed with Trinidad All Stars for one Panorama competition.
Robert Clarke
His inspiration to develop his music came from Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe, Robbie Greenidge and Earl Rodney with Earl being his main influence. During 1983-85 whilst he was attending the John Donaldson Technical Institute in Trinidad to train as a machinist he arranged the school panorama pieces for the Barataria Senior Secondary steelband. He also played at most of the Trinidadian music festivals with Harmonites.
His main influence came from his father, Samuel Clarke, who was a member of the Starlift steel orchestra. He started playing at age seven and was taught by his father in their backyard. Robert has fond memories of playing hymns on the pan for his mother.
In 1986, on an invitation from Pepe Francis, Director of the Ebony Steelband Trust, Robert migrated to England where he developed his arranging skills when he worked with Darren Francis, Dexter Joseph and Albert Faustin. He won the 1987 soloist competition of the London music festival and came second in 1988. He also performed in the 'Mass Caribe' show based on the Christian mass by Felix Cross held at the Albany Empire. Around that time he did his grade 5 (theory) exams in music with Geraldine O'connor and played as well as arranged some musical pieces for Ebony until he returned to Trinidad in 1989. Robert stated, 'my life in London between 1986 89 was used to take a hobby and make it a career.'
and Oral music course at the Goldsmith College in London. He also got more involved in teaching in schools and completed an instrumental teaching course with the Associated Board Royal School of Music. During 1997-1999, he arranged for the Mangrove steel band and saw them achieve 7th, 3rd and 2nd places in the Panorama competition. This opportunity made him realise the depth and style of his music. Since 1999, he has concentrated on teaching, revealing the dexterity of the instrument and his music style to his students. Robert also musically arranged Mangrove's two musical pieces for the 2000 European steelband music festival. His current focus is on contemporary jazz and is currently working on the release of his first CD entitled 'Go with the Flow'. The title derived from the current flow of his music. Robert is making inroads into the music world leaving his unique mark. His vision includes arranging for a Trinidadian steelband in their national panorama competition and is open to any offers.
Caribbees Steel Band from Alexandra Park Junior School,Oldham "The Caribbees" steel band was formed in 1971. At that time it was known as the "Alexandra Park School Steel and Percussion Group" and consisted of three discarded bass pans, a borrowed tenor and various pitched and unpitched school percussion instruments. The school eventually bought their own set of pans but the quality wasn't very good and we really struggled. It didn't help, either, that I was trying to teach an instrument about which I knew virtually nothing! After a few years, however, the school bought a better set of instruments and the band started to improve and even gave a few outside performances. It was not until the local education authority bought us a good set of pans by Michael 'Natsy' Contant that real progress was made. Immediately, both the children and I gained more inspiration and by 1979 we had the confidence to enter the National Steelband Music Festival in London. We had no idea what standards to expect as we had never heard any other school steel bands, so we were delighted when we came second in our section. At that time we had some exceptionally talented children in the band and the next few years were very exciting ones, the band winning the junior section of the Steelband Music
Festival three consecutive years and also making it to the final of Thames Television's "Fanfare for Young Musicians", a competition for children's music groups. Our 'Natsy' pans served us very well but after almost twenty years they were showing signs of wear and tear and so in 1998, with the help of a lottery grant, we bought new instruments and doubled the size of the band. We now have fourteen members in the Caribbees, between the ages of eight and eleven.
summer fairs, festivals and workshops where members teach the art of playing pan to children from other schools. Most performances are local, but every now and then something out of the ordinary arises, for example, being invited to play at the Millennium Dome as part of Oldham's "Day at the Dome", or appearing on television as part of a news item about our town. The band always looks forward to their performances which I feel are so valuable in widening their experiences and enabling them to meet different people. I also think the band carries out an important role in presenting a positive image of their community and I've been very proud of the way that they always try to give a good performance and to show friendship and respect to their audiences, whatever their race, age or ability.
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During the period 1989-91 he developed his playing skills with Solo Harmonites before returning to the UK, where he did his Jazz
These days the band gives around twenty outside performances each year, for such events as
By Susan Morgan Teacher/Manage/Arranger
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Home Grown
Ralph MacDonald
born in Harlem, New York; his awareness of music came from listening to the Jazz station, Symphony Sin. His father, Patrick MacDonald was also a great influence with his own band, Macbeth the Great and his Creole Rhythm Band. Ralph's introduction to the drums came from his uncle, Urias 'Boogs' Fritz. All of his eight uncles played the drum, so drums and drumology was a fun thing for him. The conga was the first instrument Ralph played.
This worldrenowned percussionist has done it again with yet another great album. His latest CD, Homegrown, drew its name from the very fact that it was produced at his home built studio in Connecticut, USA. Other outstanding albums include The Path, Sound of the Drum, Counterpoint, Port Pleasure, Reunion and Trippin. On all his albums the pan plays a focal part. Ralph is the youngest of five children and was
Fatherhood at seventeen led him to work in a hospital where an injury to his left hand saw him audition with Harry Belafonte whom he worked with him during the 1960s. Ralph's interest in percussion came through William Eaton whilst he was a pannist. The folk music influence encouraged him to try out different percussion instruments in the workshop. He developed different styles, which the public could identify him with. Ralph thrives on being a pioneer. He never studied music at school but has this uncanny natural talent that flows away from conventional teaching. Ralph believes that experimentation that deviates from conventional thought unleashes unfounded talent and skills. During his time with Belafonte, Ralph started writing music. He questioned Belafonte's noninvolvement with Calypso and was encouraged to write 'Matlida'. In 1969 Ralph, William Salter and William Eaton formed a recording company. The company was called Antisia, after Ralph's children Anthony and Tenisia. In 1971, the company had a hit in 'Where is the Love', since then they have not looked back. During 1970-75 he worked with Roberta
Flack, who was instrumental in helping him establish himself as a writer; he worked with her on 'Killing me softly with his song' and gave her his song 'Trade Winds' to sing. During the period 1982-85, he was playing on 80% of records being produced and 90% of commercials as a musician working with Bette Milder, George Benson, The Average White Band, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Maggie Bell, Bob James, Main Ingredient, Tony Orlando, Van Mc Coy and Phobe Snow. He started with Jimmy Buffet in 1986 and went full time in 1988. He is recognised as a songwriter, producer, musician and artiste. Ralph completed tours of Australia, New Zealand and Canada and in 1994 a Japanese company contracted him to rerelease his albums, Sound of a Drum, the Path and Counterpoint on CDs. The following year Video Arts wanted a new album done. It was called Reunion because of the coming together of his old friends, William Salter, William Eaton, Grover Washington, Steve Jadd and Abraham Laborie after ten years. Ralph performs twice yearly in Osaka, Tokyo and Fukuokai in Japan. In 1998 he released Port Pleasure. When asked about his vision on the future of music he replied, "It is hard to state my vision but wherever music goes, there is nothing to beat live performances. 'Real music', which appeals to the wider audience because of its acoustic quality.'
Swisstrin In autumn 2001, Junior Edwards was asked to organise a concert featuring Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe. So the idea came to do a project with the goal of bringing Switzerland and Trinidad musically together. The band's name is also a result of this thought, SWISS for Switzerland and TRIN for Trinidad. Along with Monika NicolettiTung and Gabi Wigger, they put the project together and it was a great success.
The project was open to all ages. The group was able to gel from the start and worked hard rehearsing through the weekends to prepare for the Mannedorf Steelband Festival. It was a pleasant surprise for members of SWISSTRIN to meet Boogsie, the world steelpan icon personally. Boogsie arranged two musical pieces for the band with one given the title of the project, SWISSTRIN. They had Alphorns and a very talented young female vocalist, saxophone and flag wavers. Then to every one's delight, SWISSTRIN was chosen along with other bands from Switzerland and Europe to play at the EXPO.02 Swiss Steel Day. 2002 was a very good year for all the players who took part in this project. The bandleader and arranger, Junior Edwards, knew
how much it meant to see the players smiling, dancing, wining and having fun. So the organising
committee decided to carry on with the project in 2003. The 2003 organising committee included Anita Petri, Barbara Schira and Diana Wolf. It was a very busy year for the project. SWISSTRIN was again invited to play at the Mannedorf Steelband Festival as the organisers were so impressed by the initial performance. They performed with a Moko Jumbie, flag wavers and belly dancer. Again, the crowd had their money's worth, and it was another success. SWISSTRIN have also performed at many other gigs including the Steelband Festival, Cudrefin,
Longstreet Carnival, Zurich, including one to play after Boney M at a concert on the Heiteren. The band was a big one, with over 60 players. At Mannedorf, SWISSTRIN shared the evening with Ebony steel band of London and Extempo of Switzerland. For the future, SWISSTRIN is going to do a Swiss Carnival Project 2004 to take part at the Carnival in Switzerland. This includes many places all around the country, like Luzern, Basel, St. Gallen and a few others with the main event being the Zurich-Fasnacht weekend
FEATURE FEATURE 08 pan podium | winter-spring 2004
during the 27.-29.2.04. All players who would like to take part are welcome. Contact them at info@swisstrin.ch.
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Junior Edwards
During the ten years he spent with Skiffle Bunch, he travelled through Germany, Holland, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, Scotland, Wales, France, Italy, Norway and Switzerland. One of their best appearances was in the Royal Albert Hall in England. He also had concerts with Skiffle Bunch in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and even Mexico. In 1990, he was voted the "Player of the Year" in Skiffle Bunch. During a vacation in Switzerland in 1996 he met the first Alpine Steel band named "Papayas" coming from the Wallis Leukerbad (close to the "Matterhorn") who engaged him as their teacher. As result of this work he decided to stay and now teaches many other steel bands, whilst promoting the spirit of Trinidad. In 1998, he played at the Montreux Jazz Festival on Latin Jazz Night as well as various other gigs. In 2000 he performed at the "World Steelband Festival" in Trinidad and Tobago with "PANCH" the Swiss steelband.
musically together resulted in "SWISSTRIN". Players from all walks of life as well as different ages came together to take part. Highlights were gigs at the EXPO 02 and M채nnedorf Steelband Festival in Switzerl, where Len "Boogsie" Sharpe performed with Swisstrin. Junior also travels to London to play in the Notting Hill Panorama with Mangrove steelband as "Boogsie" is their arranger. After another Swisstrin-Project, Junior is working on bringing a band for the Z체rich-Carnival Parade and of course all players will be welcome! He has contributed to spreading the steelpan culture world-wide, just as others before him have done. When asked about his commitment to the instrument he stated, 'when the day comes, that I must die, I hope that heaven has its own pan yard, so that I can carry on playing this wonderful instrument.' His contact details are: Junior Edwards Elsastrasse 9 8004 Z체rich Switzerland Tel.: 0041 76 572 12 14 snoopkelly@yahoo.com
Steel Magic Steelband
Born in San Fernando, Trinidad, he began to play the steelpan at a very early age. Junior was eager to follow in his uncle's footsteps, Theo Stephens, who was a member of the popular band TASPO. His mother, Jeanette Edwards was also a talented tenor player. After playing with The Free French and The Hillside Symphony Steel Orchestras, Junior became a member of the "Skiffle Bunch" under the leadership of Junior Regrello and Vice-captain David Goddard; and it was there where he met the great Len "Boogsie" Sharpe.
Ralph Richardson is very proud and full at heart of his youth steel band, Steel Magic. Founded in 1988, it is one of a few youth steel bands in the whole of Switzerland. The players' ages range between 10 and 20 years old and owing to his unique style of teaching they are able to meet his high and ambitious expectations.
The youth band is hired for different events such as steel band festivals, schoolhouse parties, welcome parties for new migrated inhabitants, cultural festivals like Zurich-F채scht and Integration Africa Freedom. They also assist Sternschnuppe, an organisation that helps terminally ill children. Steel Magic's performances are always admired and enjoyed by their audiences. They have produced a CD entitled Touch of Class, in co-operation with the different groups of players trained by Ralph Richardson. It is a natural way of life for the youngsters of Steel Magic to join an adult steel band when they are grown up. Therefore it is not uncommon to find these highly trained former Steel Magic players in different Swiss steel bands. They also suffer from players leaving the country to learn a foreign language or to finish their education. As a result the number of players changes yearly, sometimes "the whole band" leaves. In spite of this Ralph has
never lost his energy to start anew. Presently Steel Magic has 8 young promising players who are playing pan for at least five years. Most of them are recruited from weekly workshops or projects at schools that are also part of Ralph's activities. The Swiss government supports music lessons for children in trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, violin, piano, drums, etc. Unfortunately, steel pan is still not accepted as a musical instrument by them. The high costs of lessons, new instruments, tuning, accommodation and transport are paid for by parents and rarely by sponsors. They have made a strong proposal to the government to recognise and financially support the steel pan as Steel Magic players as well as all the other young players are the future of Switzerland. Pan Podium recognises their efforts and achievements and strongly supports them in their quest.
FEATURE FEATURE 10 pan podium | winter-spring 2004
In the autumn of 2001 his idea of bringing Switzerland and Trinidad
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‘03
BAS Awards On Saturday the 6th December 2003, the Holiday Inn,Bloomsbury was the venue for the third British Association of Steelbands Annual Awards Ceremony. The event was established in 2001 to recognise and celebrate the contributions of individuals and groups within the steelpan community. Since it's inception, the event has grown in stature and is fast becoming a focal point in the Carnival community's calendar
Guests included Mr Selman Lewis, President of the International Caribbean Carnival Association in Miami; Professor Chris Mullard, Chair of the London Notting Hill Carnival Limited, and his Board of Directors - Roddy Crozier, Ashton Moore and Lewis Benn. The Chair of the Executive Committee of Carnival Arts, Mr Roy McEwen. The Chairs of the Artistic Arenas - Mrs Angela Duncan Thompson, Mr Ricky Belgrave and Mr Shabakka 12 pan podium | winter-spring 2004
Thompson, Mr Sterling Betancourt, one of the founders of steelpan in the UK, Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK 2003, Cheryl Ankrah and the guest of honour, Rudolph Walker, who made a speech covering the journey of British steelpan from the 1950's to the present day highlighting its achievement in participating in all musical forums.
Awards were presented to: ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS: Pantonic Steel Band Celebrating 15 years of promoting steelpan in the UK Stardust Steel Band Celebrating 20 years of promoting steelpan in the UK Ebony Steel Band Celebrating 35 years of promoting steelpan in the UK COMPETITION WINNERS: Kyron Akal BAS Pan Explosion Soloist winner 2003 Ebony Steel Band BAS 2003 Pan Explosion winners Mangrove Junior Steel Band Junior Panorama Champions 2003 Mangrove Steel Band National Panorama Champions 2003
The event was also supported by representatives of some of BAS's key partners, notably the Arts Council England, the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, the Greater London Authority and Pan Trinbago.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF STEELPAN: Ezekiel 'Biggs' Yearwood Contribution to the promotion of steelpan Charlie Ann Charles Contribution to the promotion of steelpan in the UK Theresa Rolllock
It was an evening filled with entertainment supplied by Ebony Steelband, RnB Group 'Morel', Kyron Akal, Russell Roberts, Aydenne Simone and Brent Holder with DJ Sugar K dishing out some catchy numbers. Martin Jay of Choice FM 96.9 was the M.C. on the night.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF STEELPAN IN THE UK Carl Nash Contribution to the promotion of steelpan in the UK Leroy Clarke Contribution to the promotion of steelpan in the UK Martin Jay Contribution to the promotion of steelpan (media) BBC London Contribution to the promotion of steelpan (nationally) Robbie Joseph Contribution to the promotion of steelpan (internationally) SPECIAL AWARDS: Southside Harmonics - Randolph Baptiste Inspirational Award Ansel Wong - Contribution to the supporting Caribbean Arts Randolph Baptiste - Lifetime Achievement Award 2003 It was a great night enjoyed by all who attended and everyone is now looking forward to next year's event. For further info see, Website: www.panpodium.com - Email : panpodium@aol.com Pic 1, shows Martin Jay of Choice FM receiving award from Robbie Joseph, PRO of the British Association of Steelbands, Pic2, shows Rudolph walker giving a speech at the Awards ceremony, photos by KRJ Photography, writing/info from Pan Podium
winter-spring 2004 | pan podium 13
Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe musically arranged his composition, Music in we Blood, for the Mangrove Steelband to retain their title of 'Champions of Steel' at the Notting Hill Panorama 2003 with 284 points. Since Boogsie started working with Mangrove back in 2000, their partnership has proven rewarding for both parties winning the title three times and placing second once. This year Boogsie pulled out all the stops to ensure victory.
Honouring the life of Randolph Baptiste 1938-2003
Notting Hill Panorama ‘03 - Champions of Steel
Boogsie leads Mangrove to Victory again
Nine steel orchestras competed for the title with Europe's finest, Ebony, led by Anise 'Haffers' Hadeed, the arranger who holds the world record for winning the most Panoramas, thirteen times, capturing the runners up position with 281 points playing 'Trini to the Bone'. Pepe Francis, Ebony's Director, could clearly be seen in front of the band during their performance waving a huge bone. Glissando Steel orchestra led by veteran arranger/tuner Rudy 'Two Lef' Smith placed third with his musical rendition of 'Trini to de Bone'. North Stars,
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the band from Huddersfield who shared the title last year with Mangrove attained fourth position with a Clarence Morris arrangement of 'Music in we Blood'. In fifth position was Metronomes playing a Ken 'Professor' Philmore's arrangement of 'Music in we Blood'. Sixth place went to Real Steel, hailing from Plymouth on the south coast, led by the young arranger Leroy Clarke with 'Pan Paradise'. They placed third last year behind Mangrove and North Stars who tied for first.
Seventh place went to the young Croydon Steel orchestra playing in their first panorama. Paul Dowie their musical arranger did their rendition of Music in we Blood. This orchestra is one to look out for next year. Stardust steel orchestra, the band that was founded by Randolph in 1983 after he left Ebony where he was also a founder member played 'Pandora'. Randolph arranged the tune before he sadly passed away and his daughters Tara and Rhonda completed it. In final position was Southside Harmonics, the former Lambeth Youth Steel Orchestra who played first at this competition. It should be noted that Southside has not competed at this competition for the last two years. They played Eustace Benjamin's arrangement of 'Pandora'. We now look forward to the 40th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival in 2004 and the wealth of pan music that these orchestras bring to this competition.
RESULTS PANORAMA 2003 - CHAMPIONS OF STEEL NAME OF BAND
MANGROVE STEEL BAND EBONY STEEL ORCHESTRA GLISSANDO STEEL ORCHESTRA NORTH STARS STEEL ORCHESTRA METRONOMES STEEL ORCHESTRA REAL STEEL ORCHESTRA CROYDON STEEL ORCHESTRA STARDUST SOUTHSIDE HARMONICS
POINTS
284 281 272 269 264 253 242 239 238
POSITION
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
BEST BAND ON THE ROAD NAME OF BAND
SOUTHSIDE HARMONICS NOSTALGIA SOUNDS OF STEEL METRONOMES STEEL ORCHESTRA EBONY STEEL ORCHESTRA PAN NECTAR CROYDON STEEL ORCHESTRA GLISSANDO STEEL ORCHESTRA FOREST GATE
POINTS
POSITION
177 176 175 171 168 164 162 158 155
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
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Pan Royale The Queen's Royal College Foundation, a charitable trust established in August 1995 is the producer of this event. The 2003 Pan Royale concert was in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Culture and Tourism Ministry. Their vision is to make Pan Royale the premier steelpan music festival in the world. Funds raised are used to help the college with operating expenses, activities for the benefit and welfare of students and teaching staff and maintenance of plant and equipment. Other events organized by them include Outta De Blue and Chefs Royale.
Augustine 'Pepe' Francis Pepe Francis was awarded the Black Enterprise Award 2003 for his diligent and conscientious work with the Ebony Steelband Trust and also with the steelband movement as a whole. Friday 10th October 2003 was truly a momentous occasion for the steelband fraternity in the UK. Pepe's efforts have broken down barriers and open doors into the mainstream world of business in the UK for steelbands. He has made sure that we are no longer categorised for just pan music or only represented/ recognised in the environs of pan. Pepe is a well deserved winner who has worked very hard for over thirty years promoting steelpan across the divide. His greatest success has been the birth of the Ebony Steelband Trust and the ongoing work with the Ebony steelband, both the band and the Trust work hand in hand to promote steelpan and Pepe's dream.
For all those who know him, you will know that he has a passion for steelpan music and the promotion of steelpan. Over the years he has introduce pan music to many new and virgin areas, across the UK and in Europe, teaching the young along side the old and disabled, in Pepe's world "No one is left out",
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The format of the event was a four-day festival of nightly concerts which featured performances by the best known local and foreign steelpan practitioners including other contemporary musicians and chorales. The concert features music that covers Calypso, Jazz, Euro Classical, Ethnic, Pop, Gospel, Folk and Crossover genres. Their first concert in July 1996 featured Simply Music, David Rudder, Panazz and H2O Phlo since that time Pan Royale has grown in stature on the musical circuit and has featured the likes of Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe, Mungal Patasar, Andy Narell, Ella Andall, Baron, Pamberi Steel Orchestra, Raf Robertson, Ralph Mac Donald, David "Happy" Williams Trio, Rudy "Two Left" Smith, Robbie Greenidge, Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra, Trinidad All Stars Steel
Orchestra, Exodus Steel Orchestra, Redemption Sound Setters Steel Orchestra, Stalin, Signalite, Jeunes Agape, Lydians, Denyse Plummer, Black Stalin and Mavis John to name a few. Pan Royale is an annual showcase of indigenous arts coupled with famous international acts. Pan Royale 2K3 saw this festival increased from three to four nights with the opening evening in Tobago on Thursday, 23/10/2003 featuring Andy Narell and Sakesho, Ken Philmore , Signal Hill Alumi Choir and Redemption Sound Setters Steel Orchestra with Tambrin Band . The show then reverted to the QRC grounds, St Clair for the rest of the weekend. Friday 24th was dubbed their Jazz evening with the entertainment supplied by Brother Mudada, Andy Narell and SakĂŠsho, The David "Happy"
Williams Sextet, Othello Molineaux and Lou Donaldson. The following night was the Orchestras' evening with Brother Resistance and The Network Riddum Band, BP Renegades Steel Orchestra, Exodus Steel Orchestra, Ralph Mac Donald and his NY All Stars with Robbie Greenidge who brought the curtain down on the visiting acts. Tremendous audience response to their performance included the purchase of more than 150 copies of Ralph's CDs immediately thereafter. Sunday's show saw the Nazarene District Choir with Nazarene Worship Centre Steel Orchestra, Christopher "Tambu" Herbert, Marionettes Chorale with Renegades Jnr. Steel Orchestra, Signal Hill Alumni Choir with Redemption Sound Setters Steel Orchestra and Lydians Singers with Lydian Steel. The general consensus among those who attended Pan Royale 2K3 was that it was truly an established forum for the promotion of the national instrument within all genres of music. Patrons are now counting the days to Pan Royal 2K4.
Well done Pepe. Keep flying that flag high! Pan Podium and the rest of the UK steelpan fraternity would like to thank Pepe for his laborious efforts. winter-spring 2004 | pan podium 17
September 2001 saw the introduction of the Millennium Volunteers, a government initiative designed to encourage people aged 16-24 to learn new skills whilst benefiting the community using the slogan 'build on what you are into'. It was set up at Ebony to encourage volunteering in activities not generally associated with volunteering, thus enabling young people to learn additional creative skills.
MV's acquired confidence and self believe meant that they were willing to go the extra mile.The Ebony volunteers, the next generation of pan players performed at many occasions throughout the summer months. From school fetes and BBQ's to private functions and Lords Cricket ground where they were filmed in a live broadcast for Channel 4 TV. In July 2002, the group embarked on their premier international tour to Cannes, France, also representing the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. To ensure a successful tour its members did a lot of extra practice. The ethos of hard work and dedication is the motivational trademark for Ebony that this next generation have inherited. Credit goes out to the unsung heroes, the tutors Samuel Dubois, Darren Francis and Carlene Etienne who have made the teaching of pan music a seemingly effortless skill. They have nurtured and developed the MV's from their first days, up to and beyond Carnival 03. A notable advantage of the scheme is that it has brought many multi skilled players together and some members have been involved with film making, e.g., the filming of the
For many recruits, their dream of performing at the Notting Hill 2003 Carnival was fulfilled. Irjah Alexander, Charmane Forbes, Candice Dubois, Joelle Gardiner and Lorraine Duncan took part in the BAS 2003 Pan Explosion Competition and achieved 4th place.
I remember as a little boy growing up in Guyana, coming face to face with the great man at a steel pan festival. He was a strong individual dripping with gold ornaments around his neck, wrist and fingers. He was a larger than life figure and everyone wanted to be acknowledged by him. At that time he was the leader of the most successful steel band in Guyana, Silvertones. He received countless national awards for his fifty years of contribution to steel pan in Guyana.
Many individuals have gone onto further education or have developed their interest in music technology. In particular, 24-year-old Charmane Forbes, who now holds the post of MV Coordinator. Ebony are also running the Connexions Initiative scheme, designed to encourage young people aged 16 to 19 who are not currently in education or training, to develop vocational and personal skills in steel pan and the studio as an enabler to further education. Charmane wants to explore the personal creativity of the pan players combining it with steel pan music to develop original compositions. On the subject of future plans, Charmane says " I plan to continue building partnerships with other organisations with a view to further developing the skills of young people and the work of Ebony. I also have plans to work with other Millennium Volunteer projects, in particular projects which are music and event related-working together to educate young people."
PROFILE 18 pan podium | winter-spring 2004
Guyana is immensely proud of its steelpan fraternity, but no pan player or band leader instills a greater sense of national pride than Roy Geddes. He is an inspiration to all and draws respect from everyone in their pan fraternity.
It is clear from its community work that the Ebony steel band family possesses the credentials that make it a possible candidate for any community award.
A pioneer of Pan
Millenium Volunteers
A new generation of pan players for Ebony
After several months of practicing, the MV's first professional performance was at the Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square in March 2002. Their next performance was at the Flora London Marathon in April 2002 where the group's happy, tropical, vibrant and energetic sound, kept both spectators and participants going.
Trinidad 2002 World steel pan championship and for the JVC-Sharp shooters and Carlton LWT competition for which they had their work screened on the cable community channel. They have also appeared on BBC'2's Newsnight.
Roy Geddes M.S.A.A
This new dimension has not only made the learning of steel pan more accessible to beginners at Ebony but also broadened the awareness of it. Since 2001, over 170 young people have completed 100s of hours of volunteering by taking part in the scheme.
In 1976, I was one of the student teachers who approached the principal of the Cyril Potter College of Education and requested the formation of a steel band in the teachers' training college in Georgetown. The principal's response was, "Tell Roy Geddes to come and see me in my office". Excited I relayed this information to Roy who responded, "Tell your principal to come and discuss it with me in my pan yard". Of course in those days, it was out of the question for the educated elite to be seen near a 'pan yard' and that was the end of our dream to be pan players. Roy was born in Georgetown in 1939. He joined Casablanca steelband at the age of 14 and under the mentorship of Sonny Austin and Oswald Philips he perfected his skills as a performer and arranger. His first performance was at the Ritz, where he excelled and by 1958, Roy embarked on
the journey as a pan tuner. As an emerging pan tuner, Roy was an asset to any steel band and he left Casablanca to join Tripoli. He moved to Invaders and was invited to become a member of the National Steel Band of Guyana. In 1964, he joined forces with Fred Massay to form The Silvertones Steel Band, which later became The Roy Geddes Silvertones Steel Band. Roy was the leader, arranger, manager and tuner of Silvertones - the most recognised and acclaimed steel band in Guyana. The establishment of the Roy Geddes Pan School and the Museum of Steel Pan, in Georgetown, Guyana acknowledges his achievements with the pan. His pan yard in Georgetown is acclaimed to be the best maintained pan yard in Guyana and the Caribbean. His band, 'Silvertones' has dominated the steel pan arena in Guyana for decades, their achievements include playing for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11, winning nine national musical festivals, raising funds for the University of Guyana, churches, schools and youth clubs, playing at the Caribbean Heads of Governments Summit in 2002, establishing the Roy Geddes Pan School and the Steel Pan Museum. It was no surprise when the steel pan fraternity in Guyana awarded Roy Geddes M.S A.A, the honorary title of "Defender of the Steel Pan". by Lionel McCalman
BIO winter-spring 2004 | pan podium 19
Justin 's interest in music began when he started playing the steelpan with Metronomes in 1986. He performed with them at the Rotterdam Carnival in Holland as well as in Spain, Germany and the UK. Justin has fond memories of playing with Metronomes at the National Steelbands Festivals, Notting Hill Panoramas and Carnivals over the years. In 1987, he came third in the soloist competition of the steelbands festival and in that same year started piano lessons at the St Aloysius secondary school. This action increased his interest in music and after getting his mother to buy him a keyboard he started to compose his own musical tracks.
Kool and the Gang Steel Orchestra
Kool and the Gang is an offspring of the Symphonettes and Cincinnati Kids steel orchestras, both of which were small conventional youth steel orchestras from the St James area. The trend for these orchestras was that many of their players graduated to the larger more established orchestras. Kool's founding members include ace composer, arranger and player, Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe, Frankie Allen, Anthony St Rose, Ramesh Amaday, Junior Bravo, Raphael Garcia, Michael Peters, Desmond Gill, Alan St Rose, Elliot Jagessar, Trevor St Rose, Johnny Rodricks (deceased), Vishnu Manoo, Patrick Long and Errol Yearwood.
They took part in their first and only National Panorama in 1972 as a small conventional band and have competed annually in the Berger Paints Las Lap Competition at the Harvard's roundabout. In 1998, Kool & the Gang hosted its first family fun day at the King George V Park and since then it has become an annual event. The Orchestra's funding in the main comes from its members but some assistance has been obtained from the Unit Trust CoOperation of T & T Ltd. In the past, Frankie Allen was responsible for their musical arrangements but presently this responsibility has fallen to young Keron Valentine. Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe has done a number of musical arrangements for them including the 'National
Anthem' and 'Love me tender'. Kool also fielded a football team and their 1972 squad consists of founding members: Edmond Gill, Raphael Garcia, Dickie Brown, Michael Peters, Ancil Allen, Vishnu Manoo, Glen & Patrick Long, Junior 'Zoot' Jackman, G. Paul, Allan, Anthony and Trevor St Rose. They participated in the St. James Infirmary, Woodbrook Youth Centre, Islamic and Diego Martin Recreation Leagues. In 1975 they won both the Woodbrook Youth Centre and Islamic leagues and placed second in the Diego Martin league. Their success continued in the Islamic league when they retained their title in 1976. Kool and the Gang have proved that over the years pan music, sports and family life are the driving forces behind their success. They have shown that a small orchestra can sustain the rigors of survival once you have unity.
FEATURE 20 pan podium | winter-spring 2004
Justin‘Redz’ Richardson
In 1972, the same year Phase 11 Pan Groove and Third World Steel Orchestras broke away from Starlift to form their own orchestras, this small community steel orchestra hailing from Benares Street in St James, Trinidad was established. This orchestra is more of a family than a steel band, even before 1972 the family spirit was alive with its founder members as well as their wider community. Kool has a vast repertoire and its name 'Kool' derived from the nature of the orchestra whilst 'the Gang' was due to the number of non -players who congregated around the band.
At age fourteen, Justin attended a studio course at the Whittington Youth project where he was taught about MIDI, cubase sequencing and sampling. This new knowledge helped in the development of his music and its style. Whilst he was still at secondary school he and his friends with the help of their music teacher formed a steelband. After composing two tunes they entered the school steelband competition and were victorious. When he left school in 1992, Justin was part of a steelband workshop that saw him teach children who attended youth clubs during the summer holidays. His quest for knowledge saw him undertake a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts Music that enhanced his production skills. Justin was able to produce his own music video at 'Raw Material' and in 1994, during one of his college performances he was spotted by Clayton Hines of TOV and Renegade/Hardware
Recordings who signed him to his label. Justin's first release was 'Gold EP' and was also licensed to the German company, SPV. His second release, 'Sky', was a track that got played by almost every DJ in the London drum and bass circuit. MCA, Acid Jazz, Sony Japan and Production House also licensed this track. Since then Justin has developed in leaps and bounds in the world of drum and bass. He has created his own label 'Genotype Recordings' with two singles released in November 2003. Justin has never forgotten his humble beginnings in music with the steelpan and has played with many steel orchestras since he first started in 1986. He has performed at the London Panorama competition with Metronomes from 1986 -2003, Ebony in 1995,1998 and 1999 and Mangrove from 1999-2003. His performances extended to the Trinidad National Panorama with Renegades steel orchestra in 1997 and 1998. He has competed in the 2002 and 2003 BAS Pan Explosion soloist competitions and has done some gigs with the Pantasia steel orchestra. Justin is currently teaching the steelpan artform in the Roundwood Primary School in Harpenden. This young and talented musician has proven through achievements that anything is possible with consistent application.
BIO winter-spring 2004 | pan podium 21
Upcoming Pan Events 2004 (All events are supported by the Arts Council London) DATE
EVENT
LOVERS LIME
02 May
Trinidad & Tobago Police Band
BAS 5th Pan Explosion Competition/The Tabernacle 26 June Pan in Leicester Square 27 June Pan in Leicester Square 04 July Trafalgar Square Pan Jamboree 17 July Pan in Leicester Square 18 July Pan in Leicester Square 24 July Pan in Leicester Square 25 July Pan in Leicester Square 08 August Pan in Leicester Square 28 August BAS/LNHC Panorama Championships 29 & 30 Aug. 40th Notting Hill Carnival September Carnival at the Victoria &Albert Museum 4 December 4th Annual Awards Dinner & Dance
CARNIVAL
Arrested by Steel The T & T Police Band has been in existence for about 136 years. It first started around 1897 with eleven members and a band master which soon expanded to 18. Today, the strength of the band stands at 62 members. The band was known as a Military Band with reeds, brass and drums. However, during the 1970's there was a change and electronic instruments were introduced by the first local bandmaster, Mr. Antonio Prospect. This new feature brought much greater attention. The band soon started playing for all the major shows in Trinidad. The band became the most popular orchestra in the land and the leader - Mr. Prospect was idolized in song by the Mighty Sparrow in a calypso called "shake your baton like Mr. Prospect." Since Mr. Prospect passed away there have been three band masters who have retired and the fourth, Enrique Moore, is presently leading the band. The Band's first European tour to Germany was during October to November 2003. This tour brought with it a further change in the structure of the band. For the past five years the Police Band added about five tenor pans in its ranks mainly for show at the Independence Parade held annually on the 31st of August. However, when the invitation from Germany to take part in the music festivals this year was received, Enrique decided to add a ten piece steel band to the Police
Band. Of course, music had to be written for this new addition to the orchestra and personnel had to be found to play these instruments. The players for the steel band came from the Police band itself. Some members were asked to put down their brass instruments and start learning to play the steel pan. It was not an easy task, but they stuck to their task and in two months were ready for the draft.
The combination of steel and brass was an interesting one. Even, the Musical Director was shocked by the sound of the orchestra. New music had to be written for this tour of Germany and Enrique did not have a clue what was required of the police band for a tour of this nature. Nevertheless, he decided to take their local music to Germany. Their repertoire was a mixture of foreign and local music. This combination took the people of Europe by storm. All of their performances in Hamburg, Berlin, Neubrandedburg, Neumunster, and Cologne were well received. The tour was a great success and the performers had a great time. Enrique has decided that the national instrument, the steel pan, will now be a regular part of their performances in the future. He is now in the process of acquiring instruments for a 40 piece steel orchestra in the Police Band.
FEATURE 22 pan podium | winter-spring 2004
After Carnival Chill out, cool-down & culture fair on the beach Ash Wednesday 25th @ Crown Point Ash Thursday 26th, Friday 27th and Saturday 28th February 2004 @ Store Bay Pan - Kaiso - Culture Groups daily from 10am Sunday is Goat Races @ Buccoo Pan Sticks FOR SALE contact: Felix Joseph T: 020 8478 8773 - 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 winter-spring 2004 | pan podium 23