PAN PODIUM LABORIE PAN PROJECT
A vibrant, youthful, talented community based band
SHELDON THWAITES Music in My Blood!
EBONY STEELBAND TRUST 50TH ANNIVERSARY
UK Premier Steelband Spreading the Steelpan Gospel
PAN NATION STEEL ORCHESTRA
Bringing Pan to the Nation
UK National Steelband Panorama 2019
Musical excellence thrives on creativity and outstanding performances!
the essential magazine for steelpan culture
news • reviews • interviews • special features ISSUE 27 / WINTER-SRING 2020 / FREE
RE U N IO N
C LU B
SE IN DI
R 40 YEAR VE S O
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EUROPE’S NO. 1 WEST INDIAN TRAVEL CLUB
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H RVI N G T E AN
the essential magazine for steelpan culture
news • reviews • interviews • special features
ISSUE 27 / WINTER-SPRING 2020
10/11 14/15 16/17 18/19
PAN NATION STEEL ORCHESTRA
20/21 CD REVIEWS/ READERS LETTERS
22/23 EBONY 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Review and Reflection on CDs and Letters On a Mission to teach the Artform to the Youth.
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Musical excellence thrives on creativity and outstanding performances!
29/30 BAS UK NATIONAL STEELBAND PANORAMA 2019
Emancipate and Play Yourself!
27/28 BAS LONDON NOTTING HILL JOUVERT 2019
A vibrant, youthful, talented community based band.
25/26 LABORIE PROJECT
Champion Arranger and Performing Artist.
UK Premier Steelband Spreading the Steelpan Gospel.
24/25 CORDEL BYAM
SHELDON THWAITES
STEEL PAN AGENCY WORKSHOPS
Expressive cultures of the Caribbean Diaspora
CALYPSO, CARNIVAL, STEELBAND CONFERENCE
Education and Fun in Music!
Celebration of Emancipation.
NOTTING HILL JOUVERT 2019
Music is My Blood
The Future of Steelpan lies with the Youth.
BAS/CAPCA JUNIOR STEELBAND PANORAMA 2019
NNEKA GRANDERSON
Bringing Pan to the Nation.
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Editors Message
Hello
Panpodium continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2019. We offer many thanks to our global social media partners for actively supporting and promoting the unselfish efforts of the global steelpan community to world audiences ensuring its recognition is always at the forefront. Spreading the steelpan gospel to uncharted territories and new global audiences. Special thanks to When Steel Talks for their yeoman services, as well as all our media partners who are too numerous to name individually.
The continuity of our culture lies with the youths of our global nations and the changes, developments, creations and innovations they introduce will maintain its momentum in this digital era to command its rightful place amongst conventional musical instruments.
Ebony Steelband celebrates their 50th anniversary this year and has hosted several events to commemorate their iconic milestone. The UK Premier Steelband has achieved so much during their existence and continues to push the boundaries to promote the steelpan culture far and wide.
The UK Steelpan Tuners Guild founded in 2008 continues to explore their quest for Excellence, Professionalism and Innovation through closer working relationships with other Tuners worldwide. This initiative can only prove beneficial to the continued development of pan manufacturing procedures and processes.
Steelpan’s global recognition is evident as musicians are promoting the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago worldwide through their performances in concerts, competitions, tours, albums and films.
In 2019, the UK hosted their 42nd National UK Steelband Panorama competition with Mangrove Steelband, the reigning champions, retaining the winner’s crown for another year. Notting Hill Carnival in conjunction with the BAS have hosted another successful event. Applauds to Matthew Phillip and Co for the continued development of Notting Hill Carnival and the promotion of the Trinidadian culture in the UK and Europe.
Panpodium continues to assist in the promotion of the steelpan and its culture through its digital media platforms and in conjunction with our universal media partners to ensure that we are reaching the wider audiences and capturing virgin territories that the steelpan culture is yet to reach and be recognised.
I offer my personal thanks to everyone who has contributed to Pan Podium’s success and look forward to your continued support in making Pan Podium a beacon for the artform.
Pan 4 Life!
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Pan Nation Steel Orchestra – Bringing Pan to the Nation!
Pan Nation is a North London based steel band founded in 2009 that provides a safe space for people to learn and grow together. They pride themselves on their musical family, and at just 10 years old the Pan Nation community has grown to a 70 and counting force of technically skilled young musicians. They celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2019. The band performs regularly at events ranging from Tottenham Hotspurs matches, to Leeds Carnival, to the London Lord Mayor’s Show. In their repertoire, they explore a wide variety of genres (as well as their roots in Soca), which just goes to show the amazing diversity of the steelpan instrument. 6
They have participated in the British Association of Steelbands’ (BAS) Pan Explosion and Junior Steelband Panorama competitions over the years. Their manager/arranger, Chris Storey, won the 2009 BAS Pan Explosion Under 25s category with Pantasia Steel Orchestra.
He then went on with Pan Nation Steel Orchestra to be victorious in the 2015 Over 26s Pan Explosion category and they also captured 3rd place in the under 25s category in that same year. They went on to captured 2nd place in the 2017 Pan Explosion competition. Not a band to rest on their laurels Pan Nation went on to attain 2nd place in the 2017 BAS/CAPCA Junior Steelband Panorama competition.
Kimarné Henry, one of their cello players stated, “Pan Nation is a family, and that makes playing pan even more of a special experience.” In 2019, Pan Nation competed for the first time in the UK National Steelband Panorama competition where they fielded one hundred players and played Chris Storey’s musical rendition of Lord Shorty, Nailah Blackman, Anson Soverall and Mical Teja Williams’s, Iron Love.
Chris has instilled a true sense of togetherness coupled with his musicality in his players and is never afraid to push the musical boundaries to achieve the best from them and the band as a whole. He is greatly respected and well loved by all members of his band including their avid Fan Nation followers
Anyone who have heard their musical compositions/renditions played at BAS’s Pan Explosion and Junior Steelband Panorama competitions would know that Pan Nation is going places. They achieved fourth place in the competition proving to be the new band on the block that is able to hold their own in such an iconic musical competition as a first timer.
Their rehearsal space is at the
Holy Trinity C of E Primary School, Somerset Road, London N17 9EJ on Sundays from 2-4:30pm & Thursdays 6-10pm. Pan Nation can be contacted on the following email address: pan. nationuk@gmail.com
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PANP ODIUM YOUTH
Nneka Granderson on a MISSION to teach the artform to the youth.
PP: When were you first introduced to the steelpan instrument? NG: I was first introduced to the steelpan at Diamond Vale Government Primary School at age 8 playing double seconds. I grew up playing piano with my aunt and cousins and when given the opportunity in primary school I decided I would try it. I have always been intrigued by how the different steelpans combine to produce one sound.
PP: What was the first steelband you played for? NG: The first band I played for was Nutrien Silver Stars and since then I have played with First Citizens Supernovas, Tunapuna All Stars, Musical Gems, Pan Elites PP: When was your first panorama? NG: It was in 2010 with Silver Stars
PP: If you could play for any band in the world which band would you want to play with? NG: Each band brings its own unique vibe and experience that impacts differently, but I have always admired the vibe and discipline that Trinidad All Stars exhibits-both during panorama and outside of the season.
PP: What steelband competitions/tours have you taken part in? NG: Aside from Trinidad’s annual panorama competitions, I played in the Miami Carnival’s panorama competition and travelled with Musical Gems to Canada’s Caribana Panorama as a guest band.
PP: What was the most challenging thing you have done to do with pans? NG: Every panorama arrangement usually has one challenging part to play. It usually requires more practice and tactic to decide my hand movement in order to play it successfully. One year I also had to play the 4cello which was quite a challenge as well.
PP: What is your role in Supernovas Steel Orchestra? I am a 7 bass pan player on Supernovas Steel Orchestra’s Stage side.
PP: What are the important qualities/skills that an individual must possess to perform in a steelband? NG: I believe anyone that has a passion, enthusiasm, discipline and willingness for playing the steelpan can become a member of any steel band.
PP: Can you describe your musical experiences
playing with all the different steelbands that you have played for? NG: I have enjoyed playing with all the steelbands so far. Each band has a different culture and each arranger brings a different vibe and experience to the music that is played. Generally, the entire panorama experience is one of the best. To me, at least a couple months in the year, people who love the instrument come together to complete and play musical masterpieces to display on the ‘Big Stage’.
PP: What advice would you give to a new player? NG: You have so many choices as a new player. Each band has so many different ranges of steelpans that anyone can learn. Embrace the experience and be willing to invest time into practice and make sure you have all your music.
PP: What are your hopes and vision for pan in Trinidad and globally? NG: I hope that pan can one day be more appreciated and respected in Trinidad and Tobago as well as gain the recognition it needs as being our National Instrument. Globally, I hope that pan continues to be recognized and appreciated for the amazing instrument that it is. As the national instrument, learning about the history, culture and playing should be integrated into the curriculum, especially from young ages. The education system always seems to focus on other aspects of our culture but gives very brief introductions about our national instrument. I hope that with pan becoming more recognized and appreciated, its potential to foster positive social and emotional development is acknowledged.
PP: What are your musical aspirations for the future? NG: Hopefully one day I get the opportunity to introduce and teach young children to play the steelpan.
PP: What do you think needs to happen in the Trinidad for the steelpan instrument and its culture to be more widely recognised on all musical platforms? NG: While there has been a greater presence of the steelpan instrument across recent musical platforms, there can be more outlets for persons to access steel pan music throughout the country. For example: more radio stations playing varieties of genres of songs played on steelpan, as well as more pan jams or shows where bands get the opportunity to showcase their talents with people in and around the various communities.
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BAS/CAPCA JUNIOR PANORAMA STEELBAND COMPETITION 2K19
The British Association of Steelbands (BAS) in partnership with the Children and Parents Carnival Association under the leadership of Lee Woolford-Chivers hosted the competition. Junior Panorama Judges
The park was filled with sweet strains of steelband music from the junior steelbands completing their final rehearsals before the competition. Ebony, Endurance and Sussex Steel battle it out with a great display of their skills as young musicians. The love for pan was evident and all the players were supportive of each other, which was lovely to see. True camaraderie was shown with players from each band supporting the rhythm sections of the other bands and also sharing instruments and even canopies when the heavens opened in true English style weather whilst Endurance was performing.
The Future of Steelpan lies with the YOUTH! Ebony Junior Steelband captured the 2019 UK BAS/CAPCA Junior Steelband Panorama title with their energetic and scintillating musical rendition filled with vivacity of ‘So Long’ by Nadia Batson. Their tight delivery and dexterity earned them the Champion’s podium. A fitting achievement to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The Kensington Memorial Park, St Marks Road, London, W10 was transformed into a Carnival Village on Monday the 12th August 2019 for the annual CAPCA/BAS Carnival and Junior Steelband Panorama competitions. The warm sunny weather provided that Caribbean ambience to enhance the festivities. Three junior steel bands performed at this year’s Junior Steelband Panorama competition, Ebony, Endurance and Sussex Steel. 10
for the 2019 competition were Delphina ‘Panness’ James, Russell Roberts and Shareen Gray of Steelpan Trust.
Ebony scored 256 points to capture the title from the reigning champions, Endurance Steel Orchestra, who treated the audience to a tight and melodic arrangement of Voice’s, ‘Alive and Well’, which saw them attain second place with 232 points. Sussex Steel who played their musical rendition of Kerwin Du Bois’s ‘Right for Somebody’. Sussex Steel continues to work tirelessly, inspiring their young musicians to produce some exciting and melodic music. This youthful band had bags of drive and enthusiasm which will prove to be useful assets in future competitions.
On the day the audience was treated to an explosion of sweet steel band music played by young enthusiastic pan musicians. Steel band music continues to be the overall winner; the wealth of music on offer certainly captivated the audience. This infectious music is spreading like a global pandemic and Pan Podium is ably assisting in its dispersion. Everyone is now looking forward to next year’s competition with great enthusiasm. Pan 4 Life!
RESULTS: 1ST – EBONY STEELBAND TRUST – 256 POINTS 2ND – ENDURANCE STEEL ORCHESTRA – 232 POINTS 3RD - SUSSEX STEEL ORCHESTRA – 208 POINTS
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Sheldon Thwaites – Music in My Blood!
Society has always been delayed in it’s understanding of the revolution that is Pan.
Music runs through my family and connects me to my ancestors. My grandmother Mavis Thwaites was the rock of my family, as she was a god-fearing woman that played the organ at St’ Mary’s Sunday Service in Port of Spain, Trinidad. She raised four kids, including her son Robert, who at 13 years old won Trinidad & Tobago’s first two Panorama competitions with Pan Am North Stars in 1963 & 1964. Because of the negative image of steelband at that time, this was an extraordinary accomplishment for a teenager, as echoed in the song “Outcast” by The Mighty Sparrow.
In 2002, I began attending the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, an institution responsible for nurturing talents like Dave Chapelle and Meshell Ndegeocello. Duke was the first place I received official instruction since my paradiddle lesson at age 5. Although I was receiving top training at Duke Ellington, Washington D.C., it was a hostile environment for a young impressionable kid.
Moods Pan Groove in NYC. I took part in my first Panorama as a drummer at age 14.
This song is the epitome of my father’s experience in pan and in life. Robert’s girlfriend, Nola, who would later become my mother, had a brother Lynn Barton and cousin Mervyn “Cashew” Thorpe who were also members of North Stars. Mervyn “Cashew” Thorpe was the first drummer ever to win Trinidad & Tobago’s Panorama. PanAm North Stars toured the world spreading the Trinidadian culture through pan. One of their most influential stops was the U.S.A which later became Robert and Nola’s home.
Check his website: www.Th8aites.com
In 2004, I moved to Boston for a fresh start to join my two siblings Sherwin & Shawn Thwaites , who were both studying at Berklee. This new journey began with the Boston Arts Academy and concluded with Berklee College of Music. This time was a transitional period where I would learn how to effectively manipulate and organize my music into an arrangement on a double second. Since graduating in 2010, I have toured and recorded with Lauryn Hill, Amel Larrieux, Somi, Walter Beasley, Kareem Thompson, Culture Efx, Cobi & Daughtry. A huge accomplishment for me was recording and producing “PanLara”, an album that features the steelband and vocal and has a replay value and shares the sonic quality of any mainstream song.
Pan Masters Steel Orchestra in Washington, D.C. was where I fell in love with the distinct “boom bap” sound of the drum-set at the age of five while at my father’s band rehearsal. The musicians in the band noticed that I possessed a unique sense of rhythm and an ear for music as I often corrected their six-bass player. I distinctly remember the band playing, “Teaser” by Becket, an arrangement I know to this day. These experiences led me to realize my love and passion for music. The band’s drummer, Kenneth Joseph, showed me a “paradiddle” and from that moment my destiny was set. This experience bridged the gap between natural ability and technique. In 1997, I began to play drums with Pan Masters for Washington’s annual DC Carnival & New York City’s Labor Day festival. Eventually getting the attention of world renowned pannist, Robert Greenidge, who arranged “Ben Lion” for
REVIEWS
CONVERSATIONS IN PAN
BOOK REVIEWS BY AR LET TE WIG GINS
Conversations in Pan is a sixty-eight pages paperback that is filled with steelpan poetry that starts with a poem on A Man and His Pan, which initiates the story told in poems about the instrument, the musicians, the trials and tribulations of the steelpan culture’s journey on different platforms; fittingly finishing off with Women in Pan that gives the impression that the culture is open to all in this present day unlike in the beginning when it was male dominant. The author confirms that the purpose of her book is to enlighten, entertain and educate using her poetic voice and platform and she has certainly achieved this in her production, introducing to some and expanding to others; showing how poetry can be incorporated into the steelpan culture that is rich, vibrant, and unique. The passion you feel when undertaking this book’s poetic journey of the steelpan certainly ignites the appetite and encourages the reader to keep turning the page to the next poem with great enthusiasm and expectation with their minds wondering what’s next! The process of writing about an instrument that the author loves gave her purpose, determination and discipline to produce a book filled with passion and adoration about the steelpan, showing how poetry can be incorporated into a culture that is rich, vibrant, and unique - the world of the Steelpan. Published June 14th 2019 by iUniverse
www.iuniverse.com
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PROFI LE
Vanya ‘Pan Woman’ Reid
1977 - 2019
ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS 2003 PAN EXPLOSION - PHASES WITH PANTASIA STEELBAND 2006 PAN EXPLOSION - EL QUADICO - 2ND PLACE MANGROVE STEELBAND 2009 WINNERS PAN EXPLOSION - INFATUATION EBONY STEELBAND
Vanya performed with the following steelbands: St Pauls and Aĺl Hallows Steelband Eclipse Steelband Mangrove Steelband Ebony Steelband Women of Steel Sound Specialists of Laventille Petrotin Phase II Pan Groove PCS Silver Silver Stars TCL Skiffle Bunch Crescendos Musical Tamana Pioneers San Juan All Stars BP Renegades
because her presence was everything to so many. She was radiant, talented, stylish and affectionate. A caring and expressive individual, in everything she did, to everyone she encountered. Rest in music, love and peace
By Debra ‘Pan Diva’ Eden
Born in 1977, with an ear that appreciated decades of music from all genres, way beyond her years. The original compositions of this Pan Woman reflected her gifts and was the outlet for a talent she shared. She played Piano, Guitar, Violin and Pan. She owned each and spent quality time composing. This was a gift displayed over her life as a musician, arranger, mentor, friend and woman of steel.
A true pan woman who is credited for her versatility. Vanya had the ability to play well and learn almost anything with pure passion and drive. She did this naturally and it gave her a pleasure that only pan can give. A proud lover of steelpan music who was respected by many as she contributed her skills in many bands both national and international.
She transferred the mentoring skills gained in her work with young people as an advisor in Harringey Council.
Vanya loved to inspire and encourage musicians and openly discussed ways to develop and willingly shared her personal experiences.
Vanya ‘ Pan Woman’ Reid will be someone the pan lovers in the world will remember, love and talk about long after she has left our presence
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2019 London Notting Hill
Celebration of Emancipation!
J’ouvert
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The Notting Hill Jouvert celebrated its sixteenth anniversary in 2019 after it was revived in 2004. The pre-dawn tranquillity on Ladbroke Grove was broken by the sweet strains of steel band music in West London, revellers adorning themselves in oil, mud, powder or brightly coloured paint depicting the celebration of emancipation as the masses of people were seen chipping down the Grove in true Trinidadian style.
Ebony, London All Stars, Endurance and Nostalgia had the revellers chipping down the Grove in true Trini style to the sweet strains of steelband music coupled with the copious amounts of alcohol they consumed. That combination certainly had them enjoying themselves fully. The rhythm section certainly added to the ambience. Ebony won the 2019 British Association of Steelbands’ (BAS) Bomb Tune Competition with their rendition of, ‘Want to Dance with Somebody arranged by Carlene ‘Sweet Wrists’ Etienne’.
As usual, the celebration started from Sainsbury’s car park at the top end of Ladbroke Grove on time at 6:00 a.m. The rhythm section entertained the gathering crowds with pulsating beats until the trucks carrying the steelbands rolled off down Ladbroke Grove. The steelbands snaked along Ladbroke Grove as the revellers swelled to great numbers filling the air with a mist of powder whilst covering each other with brightly coloured paint. The London Jouvert celebrations saw steelbands and the traditional rhythm sections playing along Ladbroke Grove and turning around at the bottom of the Grove and returning to Sainsbury’s car park. An unauthorised chap playing music from a shopping trolley at the bridge also had a group of revellers jumping up.
This nearly all steelband event (invaded by band playing soca through headphones), provides lively steel band music, which is well received by the public and is constantly growing in popularity. The British Association of Steelbands continue to work laboriously to ensure its growth is sustained through the inclusion of more steelbands and masqueraders and maintain its status of being an important ingredient of the cultural fabric of Notting Hill Carnival.
When the celebration ended at 9:00 a.m. the revellers were begging for more. Everyone is looking forward to more successful Jouvert celebrations in the future and BAS continues to work laboriously to ensure its growth is sustained through closer working relationships with the various Carnival partners/entities.
2020 should see an increase in steel bands on the road for Jouvert as this event continues to grow in stature.
BAS J’OUVERT BOMB RESULTS: 1st – Ebony Steelband Trust 2nd – London All Stars 3rd – Nostalgia Steelband
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WORKSHOP S
Steel Pan Agency
Steel Pan Agency was formed in 2010 by Shareen Gray who is also founder of the charity, Steel Pan Trust. The Agency delivers assemblies/presentations and workshops at schools, and for corporate, private and community event. Most recently the agency delivered a workshop at the YouTube Headquarters in Kings Cross, London as a drop-in activity for their users with millions of subscribers and a performance for the Channel 4 corporate team. The workshops have become very popular at hen parties, summer fairs, birthday activities and by a number of youth groups. In schools, workshops can be for up to 240 pupils in one day all receiving a taster session and a presentation about the history and range of the steelband orchestra. These workshops are both educational and fun, they are inclusive permitting all ages and abilities to achieve results in a short session.
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Steel Pan Agency founder, Shareen Gray, said, “they have evolved over time, we quickly learned new methods to make a group of beginners play recognisable simple melodies that as a group sounds very impressive, we get results within 15-minutes and our service users are literally always blown away�. The agency also delivers performances at weddings and corporate and private functions. It is however the workshops that are transported in the Steel Pan Agency smartly branded van that is bringing the unique selling point to this company.
Steel Pan Agency has over 15 steel pan musicians working regularly, has visited over 500 schools with great reviews and will be celebrating their 10th year in April 2020 and has so far delivered over 1,000 performances/workshops across the UK. and increase the numbers of instruments, particularly those in schools that need replacing and this is a continual battle.
Panpodium congratulates the selfless and laborious efforts of Sussex Steel to continue to promote and spread the steelpan gospel in the Sussex County of England and also further afield. Their continued efforts will certainly lead to success.
Contact SPT: tel: +44(0)203 659 2131 email: s.gray@steelpanagency.com Please follow Steel Pan Trust on: Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Instagram & Snapchat
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EVE NT
FE ATUR E
Calypso, Carnival, Steelband: Expressive Cultures of the Caribbean Diaspora YORK UNIVERSITY, CANADA 26-28TH SEPTEMBER 2019
The conference confirmed carnival’s diasporic diversity and commitment to live music with concerts on all three evenings, the pivotal role throughout being led by Alexander D Great. King Cosmos opened the first evening with some of his own calypsos, accompanying himself on ukulele. He was backed by Toronto based calypsonian Roger Gibbs on Marimboula, Nestor Sullivan on iron (using a newly invented harness by Ron Shah), Andrew Martin (Congas), adding an authentic Caribbean groove to the songs. Pannists, including Salah Wilson, Wayne Donawa and Haroun Shah engaged in “jamming” a number of classic calypsos while Manuel Monestel (Costa Rica) paid tribute to the country’s legendary centenarian Walter Ferguson in lecture and, song with his guitar. Roger switched to guitar to accompany Toronto’s iconic Calypso Monarch Macomere Fifi to the delight of all. On the subsequent evening Alexander D Great joined Salah, Wayne and Haroun in renditions of Rudder’s “Trini to de Bone” and “Calypso Music” while Salah’s daughter and 7 year-old granddaughter enchanted the audience; a memorable musical experience to end an epic conference.
global issues with Rudolph Ottley and Nestor Sullivan covering calypso and steelpan respectively. Evolution of the pan by Hameed Shaqq and calypso progression through the years by Roger Gibbs’s live performance captivated the audience. Andrew Martin discussed the calendar layout of carnivals in major cities and the benefit accrued for the travelling entrepreneurs. The local response was an exacerbated “nationalistic polarity among the Caribbean diaspora in these areas”. Kal Juman suggested methods to circumvent this through sponsorships/partnerships in carnival; a model that has global appeal. Video extracts of Christopher Laird’s 40-year-old archival history of carnival arts was a highlight of the meeting which London’s organisers hope will be further expanded at the 8th Biennial Steelpan Conference on 23rd - 25th October 2020. Denise Challenger closed the meeting with development of an archive of one of Caribana’s founders, the late Kenn Shah which began under Prof. Innes in 2016.
BY HAROUN SHAH AND ALEXANDER LOEWENTHAL (ALEXANDER D GREAT)
A first for Trans-Atlantic collaboration, Paul Lovejoy (Toronto) and Haroun Shah and Alexander D Great (London) embarked on a new initiative to forge closer links among the Caribbean Carnival diaspora. The theme was the street-base expressive and connecting axis of Caribbean Culture and Arts. Analysis of the late Professor Christopher Innes’s history, social and musical impact of street art was the opening session of a three-day meeting at York University. Innes’s wife Dr. Brigitte Bogar and co-author of his dynamic work in this era gave a passionate and moving tribute to his work he had undertaken over the last 30 years to champion “Carnival, A People’s Art’ and ‘Taking back the Streets’. Haroun Shah followed by expanding the concept and rationale for retaining street festivals across the diaspora and demonstrated the bouquet of interrelating Calypso, Mas and Steelband activities at Notting Hill Carnival. He linked the achievements of the series of steelpan conferences that marked the growth of interactive expression of carnival arts in the UK between 2006 - 2018 with recognition and engagement of the Windrush Generation. This was eloquently expanded and presented by Alexander D Great on the history of the London Calypso Tent. From Toronto, Salmon Cupid, introduced his E-Pan and aired his frustration by what he considered a dated system. An inspired Salah Wilson, whose band won Panorama four consecutive times, described “the competition as the driving force for steelpan innovation”. Darrell Baksh journeyed us through the episodic periods of Caribana, highlighting attempts to ineffectively ‘re-brand’ itself. He considered the ‘cultural value of the festival was under threat’ and suggested strategies for reclamation. Past challenges, conflicts and deliberations of Caribana were emotionally debated by Sam Lewis, Louis Saldenah and Winston La Rose as a panel discussion. La Rose fervently supported Innes cry for Toronto’s Carnival to be returned to the city centre. Intersectionality/ gender issues by Nikoli Attai, Fernanda Sierra and Leidy Alpizar added gravity to the programme. Other speakers broadened the perspective to more 20
The Late Professor, Christopher Innes, who organised the Conference, ‘Carnival a People’ Art and ‘Taking Back the Streets ‘at York University in 2008.
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REVIEWS
CD REVIEWS
BY DELPHINA
‘PANNESS’
JAMES
THE TRUE BEAUTY OF MUSIC IS THAT IT CONNECTS PEOPLE.
FRESH AIR – Len “Boogsie” Sharpe Highlight tune: Taking it Easy I believe that this is a timeless album that every Pan lover should have. The songs on Fresh Air are all written by Boogsie, arranged by Boogsie and Clinton “JR” Crawford and all lead pans are played by Boogsie. Fresh Air has great funk and soul grooves that give a calming atmosphere. Boogsie’s improvisations and playing tone are very pleasing to the ear that adds to his beautiful music.
NICE & EASY – Rudy Smith Highlight tune: Body and Soul Nice & Easy features 3 ensembles that Rudy “TwoLeft” Smith has been a member of from 1984 to 2010 including his own Rudy Smith Trio and the Rudy Smith Quartet. There are musicians from all over the world that accompany Rudy’s sweet playing. This is a Jazz heavy album with compositions by Rudy and the other musicians. Rudy is a budding inspiration for the young improvising soloist.
DIS 1. 4. RAF – Andy Narell (in memory of Raf Robertson 1952-2015) Highlight tune: Dis 1. 4. Raf This 2-disc album is definitely worth checking out and adding to your Pan album collection. All songs on D1 are composed by Andy Narell (except no.3), with sweet chords and harmonies that take you on a journey. Andy is playing Pans made by the late Dr.Ellie Mannette to create this contemporary Jazz album. The blend and mix of the instruments are perfect and you can hear the professionalism in the production. Disc 2 is a collection of tunes on Pan and Piano. PAN LARA – Pan Lara Highlight tune: Take 5 Pan Lara is a collection of Pan musicians playing a selection of Sheldon Thwaites arrangements. The album includes a nice tribute to Ken “Professor” Philmore with an exciting rendition of ‘Pan by Storm’. Pan Lara has a variety of genres including pop and jazz. The band have thoroughly rehearsed this musical treat giving the listener wanting more and I do hope there will be another album with the same production, arrangement style and with more tunes. 22
WR IT E
IN’S
Paris France.
Magda B
Just wanted to say a very big thank you for my feature on your Panpodium website. When you first asked for the interview I was hesitant but I am so glad that I accepted. I have played this wonderful instrument called the steelpan for many years in many steelbands and having the opportunity to talk about my musical journey with the instrument to a global audience is phenomenal.
Hi Panpodium
Diego Martin, Trinidad
Rasta Gregory
Congrats on yuh milestone achieved. Yuh new website lookin good meh bredder and ah see yuh really pushin de culture on Facebook ( I does call it Maco Book), Twitter and Instagram. Social Media is ah real good ting Bro. It reachin plenty more people and yuh gettin de message out dere! Bredder nuff respect to you and keep on doing what you are doin fuh we culture. Blessings in the name of the Most High.
Yes Bro
READERS LETTERS
Hello Panpodium
Just wanted to wish you a happy 20th anniversary and to convey my special thanks for the hard work you do in promoting the steelpan culture. Your photos are amazing. Looking forward to your Trinidad 2020 Panorama photos.
Texas, USA.
Victor Lewis
Good Day Panpodium
Hoping that you remember me. I was introduced to you at the Notting Hill Steelband Panorama competition this year. It was a pleasure speaking to you and learning all about the history of the steelpan and its many trials and tribulations that has led to its success. I must congratulate the many people who have contributed to its current success and trust that the multitude of young musicians I saw involved in this year’s competition will take it to another level. The continuity of any artform lies with the youth! Thank you and please stay in touch.
Richard McConnell
Glasgow, Scotland.
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Ebony Steelband’s 50th Anniversary
Europe’s Premier Steel Band Spreading the Steelpan Gospel Ebony Steelband was founded in the autumn of 1969 in Shakespeare Road, Acton, London. Founding members Cape James, Winston ‘P’ Joseph, Hugh and Wendell Hargreaves and Leeford Sylvester practised in the garden shed at Shakespeare Road; an activity which initially annoyed the neighbours, who would throw potatoes at the shed. However, it was not long before the same neighbours began enjoying the music and even making their own recordings of it. Cape initially wanted to name the band ‘Ebonites Steelband’ but the name was already taken, so he opted for ‘Ebony Steelband’ instead. Ebony’s first tune was Lord Kitchener’s ‘The Road Make to Walk on Carnival Day’, which they played at their inaugural gig on the Isle of Wight. Many more gigs were to follow, including performances at nursing homes, the Nurses’ Association Dance, Notting Hill Carnival, and the band’s first television appearance was on Hughie Green’s ‘Opportunity Knocks’, a talent show produced by Thames Television. The band began to grow, and more members including Randolph Baptiste, Earl Lewis, and current director, Pepe Francis, joined. In addition to being a steel band, Ebony also had its own mas band. The first mas makers joined in 1972, and by the mid-80s the mas band had become very popular. As Ebony Steelband grew in size, a new practice space was needed. The band made use of the church hall in Spencer Road, Acton, but players had to carry pans back and forth from Shakespeare Road as there was no storage space at the church. It was hard work, but they persevered for the love of the music and the ‘pan jumbie’ within them. The band moved to the Priory Centre in Action until the 1980s, when they moved to the Grenada Centre in Acton, then The Crypt in Paddington where they stayed for a few years. After this, Ebony moved on to the Carlton Centre in Kilburn, followed by Acklam Road in Ladbroke Grove, right in the middle of Notting Hill Carnival. The band were resident at Acklam for many years, and it was during this time that they achieved a recordbreaking nine consecutive panorama titles under arranger Annise ‘Haffers’ Hadeed, with pans tuned by Dudley Dickson. In 2004, Ebony left Acklam and moved to several locations during the following years. These included local schools, 24
panyards of neighbouring bands Mangrove, Glissando and Metronomes, and Westway Sports Centre, before finally settling at their current residence, the Yaa Centre in Maida Vale, London, as a member of the Carnival Village Trust.
Over the last 50 years, Ebony has celebrated many achievements and travelled the World to perform. Highlights include gaining trust status in 1986 and performances with pop legend Billy Ocean, and at London Marathon, Tate Modern, World Steelband Festival and International Conference and Panorama in Trinidad and Tobago, FIFA World Cup in Germany, Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, Grenfell memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral, a commission with electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk, Prince’s Trust events at St James’ and Buckingham Palaces, and receiving the Queen’s Unsung Hero Award for the band’s contribution to the community. Ebony has been performing at the Notting Hill Carnival and National Panorama Competition for several decades, and holds 22 panorama titles to date.
This year, Ebony has hosted a series of events to celebrate their golden jubilee. These include ‘Celebrating with Steel’ at Portobello Green, ‘E50: In Conversation with Pepe’, ‘Hidden Talents’, an Ebony junior band production, and most recently ‘Ebony Remembers’, an evening that celebrated and gave thanks to people that have contributed to the Ebony family, and enabled it to develop and grow from its humble beginnings into what it has become today. Stories, tributes and special memories were shared, all accompanied by renditions of some of the band’s most loved hits. Ebony Steelband is eternally grateful to generations of players, supporters, mas makers, trustees, arrangers and tuners for contributing to this milestone; here’s to the next 50 years!
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PROFILE
Meet Champion Arranger & Performing Artist
By When Steel Talks
Cordel Byam
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Brothers - Cordel and Nigel Byam
Cordel Byam was apparently fated to be bonded to the steelpan (his favorite voice in the family of instruments is the cello). From the age of nine, with one of Grenada’s champion steel orchestras, New Dimension, practicing just to the back of his home, his path was set as he spent his initial nineteen years with the band, some of that time guided by the band’s previous long-time champion arranger David “Peck” Edwards.
“He made me develop an ear for music” Cordel says of Edwards, likening the latter’s style to that of the late Master Clive Bradley and the iconic Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. They are also his key steelband influences along with the late legend Dr. Jit Samaroo. Cordel learned well, as evidenced from the results of his first entry into the country’s national Panorama this year. He made his musical mark definitively as his arrangement of Trouble In The Morning and the band’s scintillating performance of it led to New Dimension Steel Orchestra being crowned champions in the country’s 2019 Panorama competition.
A far cry from his first days as arranger in the country’s Junior Panorama, for him back in 2011. Because even though the judges “placed” him second, “They actually wanted to disqualify me....because they were saying that Mr. Edwards did the song [Power In The Soca],” Cordel disclosed. The judges simply did not believe Cordel could possibly be that good. Apparently due to the ongoing mindset of the Junior Panorama judges, they would continue to dish out consecutive “second” place positions for two more years.
Those days are long behind him; he has now triumphed on his country’s national Panorama stage, a momentous achievement, especially since David “Peck” Edwards himself also arranged in the same Panorama for two other bands. Adjudication, it would seem, may have come around to the reality of the talents of a still-young Cordel Byam.
Prior to leading New Dimension to their twelfth national Panorama championship in 2019, the musical pairing had already resulted in recent triumph. A few months earlier he arranged Bridge Over Troubled Waters for the orchestra in ‘Pan Xpression’ (Grenada’s version of the Bomb tune competition). For Cordel, it was his three-peat in that musical arena, his third consecutive ‘Pan Xpression’ win. The first two came during his time as arranger for Pan Wizards Steel Orchestra, where that collaboration ‘brought home the gold’ in 2017 and 2018.
But 2019 has been bitter-sweet for Cordel; he lost his beloved sister Adrina “Dreazy” Byam—herself an ace panist—to lupus on February 23. Along with fellow players in New Dimension, Cordel dedicated both the Pan Xpression and Panorama victories to Adrina. On the Pan Xpression success: “The Bridge Over Troubled Waters wasn’t my victory, to be quite honest, it was my sister’s....Throughout all my victories, she was there.”
With regard to the steelband art form in Grenada, he would like to see “the Government seeking more interest in the younger ones, trying to implement it [Pan] in the schools.” Music is truly Cordel’s life; as the band’s musical director he collaborates year-round with the stage side of New Dimension, and is a performing artist with his trio “Smooth Expressions.” He is also part of the music circuit in the Caribbean with Carnival Cruise Line. Cordel is managed by his brother Nigel Byam.
See more from Cordel Byam in this on-camera interview, here - https:// www.panonthenet.com/upclose/2019/cordel-byam-championarranger-in-grenada-9-27-2019.htm#vue
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PROFILE
The Laborie Pan Project
www.laboriepan.org
For more information: laborie.pan@gmail.com
The band’s complete record at Saint Lucia’s Panorama: • 2012 2nd place Junior Panorama • 2013 3rd place Junior Panorama • 2014 3rd place Senior Panorama • 2015 4th place Senior Panorama • 2016 Champions Senior Panorama • 2017 2nd place Senior Panorama • 2018 2nd place Senior Panorama • 2019 2nd place Senior Panorama
In 2012, the Laborie Steel Pan placed second in Saint Lucia’s National Junior Panorama, a remarkable achievement considering the youth of the group and its lack of experience in such competitions. In 2016, the band made history, with Andrius Edwide as its young arranger (he was 20 years old at the time), when it became the first band from a rural community in Saint Lucia to win the competition.
The band has over the years also forged links with prominent steel bands Birdsong and Silver Stars in Trinidad, as well as Mangrove, the defending UK Panorama Champions. For the second year running, members of Caribbean Grains Laborie Steel Pan did perform with Mangrove at the Notting Hill Carnival this year.
Over the past three years, Andy Narell has also organised, hosted and tutored international steel pan workshops in Laborie, attracting musicians from the USA, Trinidad, Australia, Trinidad and France. These 10-day sessions are packed with instruction, steel band rehearsals, masterclasses and group lessons with Narell and special guests. In addition, these workshops give participants the opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine, the beaches, the hospitality of a welcoming community, as well as hikes and historic sites. They also contribute to the growth of culture-based tourism in the community.
taste for a variety of musical genres, and they have nurtured their individual and collective musical talent.
By Labowi Productions
In Saint Lucia, a vibrant, youthful, talented community-based steel band!
A steel band is always much more than an orchestra, and there is a small community in the south of Saint Lucia that demonstrates this beautifully. The Laborie Pan Project is an initiative of Labowi Promotions, a community-based organisation that has almost three decades of experience in promoting arts and culture as instruments of community development in and around the village of Laborie. Between 1996 and 2015, Labowi Promotions produced Jazz in the South, an autonomous component of the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival that was dedicated specifically to jazz and related music from the Caribbean – including from the diasporas in Europe and North America. The Laborie Pan Project’s performing steel band is the Caribbean Grains Laborie Steel Pan, a vibrant group that provides quality music education to its members; that constantly enrols new, young musicians; that actively participates in community events; that provides welfare support (health and education) to members in need; and that helps all its players become responsible and self-confident members of their community and society. Since its establishment in 2006, the Project has trained more than 150 children and young adults in the community, and has given them many opportunities to perform and express their talent. The band’s first public appearance took place in February 2007, and it has since performed at a number of local festivals and events, as well as at concerts in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Under the leadership of Band Leader Quill Barthelmy, there are now two performing bands, including a Junior Band with players as young as five years old. In 2011, the Laborie Pan Project reached new heights thanks to its collaboration with worldrenowned composer, band leader and performer Andy Narell, who is now a part time resident of Laborie and has worked consistently with the band’s young musicians over the past eight years. Thanks to Narell’s teaching, inspiration and mentoring, band members have developed a broad and diverse repertoire, they have developed a 28
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UK National Steelband
Panorama Finals 2019
RESULTS: 1ST. MANGROVE STEEL BAND (284 POINTS) 2ND. METRONOMES STEEL ORCHESTRA (270 POINTS) 3RD. EBONY STEEL BAND (269 POINTS) 4TH. PAN NATION STEEL ORCHESTRA (263 POINTS) 5TH. CROYDON STEEL ORCHESTRA (245 POINTS) 6TH. PHASE ONE STEEL ORCHESTRA (237 POINTS)
NHC/BAS looks forward to your presence at the 2020 competition and your continued support of the steelband culture as the continuity of it lies with these young musicians who have invested their time, effort and dedication in making this iconic event possible.
Playing in the final position was Metronomes Steel Orchestra who chosen to play Nadia Batson’s, ‘So Long’ arranged by Leroy Clarke who was also their drummer. Metronomes captured second place with their outstanding performance on night and were awarded 270 points.
Pan Nation a newcomer to this competition and celebrating their tenth anniversary in 2019 captured 4th place with 263 points playing Chris Storey’s musically arranged, ‘Iron Love by Nailah Blackman. Phase One Steel Orchestra hailing from Coventry played, ‘Savannah Grass’ with musical arrangements done by Stephon and Riann Phillip. They were awarded 6th place with 237 points. Phase One continues to encourage the youth to embrace the steelpan culture.
The event started around 7:30 p.m. with Ebony Steelband celebrating their 50th anniversary and delivering a Duvone Stewart’s arrangement of ‘Trouble in the Morning’, a great performance that earned them 3rd place with 269 points. Croydon Steel Orchestra followed with a Paul Dowie’s musical arrangement of Savannah Grass which saw they capture 5th place with 245 points. Paul continues to inspire his many young musicians. Mangrove Steelband the reigning champions was next to perform and their energenised and scintillating rendition of Andre White’s arrangement of Kes’s Savannah Grass was superb and saw them retain their UK Panorama Champions title with 284 points.
Musical excellence thrives on creativity and outstanding performances!
The Notting Hill Carnival (NHC) in conjunction with British Association of Steelbands (BAS) hosted the 42nd UK National Steelband Panorama finals on the 24th August 2019 at the Horniman’s Pleasance Park Kensal Road. This was the second time that this event was kept in the park with a larger audience in attendance. All monies collected from the gates will be distributed amongst all the competing steelbands, this initiative ensures that the pan musicians and their bands would benefit from their performances on the night.
Kensal Road off Ladbroke Grove was transformed into the ‘Drag’ for the BAS’s annual UK National Steelband Panorama finals. The Drag was a hive of activity from 3:00 p.m. with throngs of people walking along from Ladbroke Grove along Kensal Road congregating at each band to enjoy the sweet strains of steelband music as the orchestras rehearse their renditions for their glorious ten minutes on stage.
The atmosphere was electric with all six finalists running through parts of their tune to ensure they were ready to give their best performance. The ‘Drag’ was like a musical river with music flowing from the bands that push the crowds along the way as they drifted from band to band. The rumble of the basses sounded like the river crashing along its meandering way whilst the midrange instruments emitted harmonious tones replicating the sounds of running water over its rocks and pebbles. The front line’s melodious tones will add to the musical river’s existence to lead you into a state of musical harmony. Scales, Chords, Melodies, Harmonies, Syncopation, Allegro, Allegretto, Capriccio and Orchestration were the ammunition for this musical war.
The players were the soldiers of these musical armies as they came to Kensal Road, the battlefield, and where a musical explosion of the sweet strains of steel band music was heard. This is one war where everyone involved is a winner and no one gets hurt. Hundreds of pan musicians practiced hundreds of hours to play thousands of steelpan instruments in this iconic annual musical battle.
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