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Jazzance Canada 1 Enthusiasm, energy and eclectic sounds were the order of the evening on October 24, at The Music Hall in Toronto. This inaugural performance featured three of the finest steelpan soloists. The international cast show cased the talents and skills of gifted steelpan musicians: Rudy Smith, Ken "Professor" Philmore and Andy Narell. The show was attended by representatives from the jazz and steelpan community from leaders to players as well as jazz enthusiasts. The performances from the musicians were exciting and electrifying. Ken "Professor" Philmore's performance was one of high-energy and laden with rhythm, engaging the audience throughout the performance. It was a set that was reverberating with "soul" and provided an urban environment for his repertoire. Rudy Smith, a straight- ahead jazz musician was inspiring. He touched us with his smooth and soothing renditions of jazz favourites. His instruments were really gems and some participants suggested the sounds were similar to that of an organ. Andy Narell demonstrated that the instrument is versatile moving from Latin to contemporary American jazz selections. Narell provided us with a good cross section of his earlier compositions along with some of his more recent releases. The backup musicians for Smith : Kieran Overs, Bernie Senensky, and Anthony Michelli are highly respected and came through like a beacon. Grenadian born Kingsley Ettienne and his quartet: Doug Richardson (saxophone), Rich Brown (bass guitar) and Comio Okee (drums) were examples of good backup musicians. The concert demonstrated that there is a wealth of creative energy among steelpan soloists. The distinct styles of music: straight ahead jazz, urban and Latin and contemporary genres blend well musically in a live concert format. The overwhelmingly positive response to this Jazzance event sets the stage for more of the same next year. Trincan Music would like to congratulate the musicians for the outstanding performances, and other individuals who worked so diligently to make the show a tremendous success. Related Jazzance Activities
Steelpan Recordings For the eager collectors of steelpan and Caribbean folk music, the new releases for 1998 provide a cross section of new material from the 1998 Panorama steelpan competition along with more traditional musical selections. There were also new releases from the Heads-Up group. December New Releases
Title: 100 Years of Latin Love Songs The title says it all. Paquito D'Rivera is back with a strong collection of Latin Love songs. D'Rivera opens with a famous Argentine tango, "La Morocha" a track that breaks into a wonderfully engulfing set of Chilean, Colombian, Cuban, Dominican, Brazilian, Puerto Rican and Mexican, compositions. "Corcovado," "Ay Ay Ay," "Acercate Mas," "Amor Sin Esperanza" and "Corazon Partio" are completely inspiring. The icon in the world of Latin jazz takes turns on clarinet, alto and soprano saxophone. This is a collection of mature genres as vallenato, merengue, bossa nova, and the more recent salsa. This cd has the ability to elicit as much joy and satisfaction as when the original tracks were first released. We strongly recommend this month's new release. New Releases over the last six months included:
Title: Pan Jazz Improvisations Smith is still the sharp-stinging, double tenor steelpan player with an excellent output of straight ahead jazz. The selections on the CD are full of lingering sweet pan sounds. "Autumn Leaves" "Satin Doll" "But Not For Me" "St. Thomas" are presented with a lot of conviction. This collection also conveys the talents of Felix Roach adding a breezy improv spirit. Smith and Hadeed delivered with a commanding performances that shines in every facet.
Title: Behind The Bridge Andy Narell combines Trinidad's steelpan music with both American Jazz, Brazilian and Antillean genres. His arrangement and adaptation of "Nuff Respect" is one that is somewhat soothing. "Rainorama" another arrangement specially made for the instrument, offers a clean and precise rendition. Narell then moves to Brazilian compositions of "Lamentos" and "Segura Ele" where he interprets these tunes with the help of carioca percussionist Paulinho de Costa.
Title: Graduation Ken "Professor" Philmore is one of the top steel drum players in the world and has played with the jazz greats as The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Lionel Hampton, Tito Puente, George Howard, Phyllis Hyman. He has also toured with Lord Kitchener, and worked with Pat Bishop, Ralph Mc Donald. His performances range from international steelpan jazz festivals to concerts as Madison Square Garden, jazz festivals in St.Croix, Atlanta and Barbados. Philmore's CD can be described as a fusion of the pan with contemporary urban music. His young and energetic approach is well executed on this CD. "Hibiscus Drive" "Graduation" "I Can't Help It" are welcome additions to the steelpan genre The Philmore's performance can be described as genuine, a graduate from the panyard university.
Title: PanYard Sketches A compilation of some of the finalists in the National steelband panorama competition held in Trinidad. The latest and greatest of the large steelbands that compete in the prestigious Panorama competition. Some of the selections are: "Pan for Carnival"- Amoco Renegades,"O Trinidad .. Love Again" - PCS Nitrogen Starlift, "Me and Mih Lady" - Neal and Massey Trinidad All Stars. "Behave Yourself" - Exodus. This is an authentic collection of indigenous steelpan selections especially written for the instrument.
Title: One Caribbean Voice The Signal Hill Alumni Choir was established in 1984 with the aim of fostering and promoting high standards in their indigenous art forms and to establish cultural links with their brothers and sisters all over the world. Their attention to detail can be heard in the unique arrangements of calypsoes by The Mighty Terror, Roaring Lion, Lord Kitchener, David Rudder, The Mighty Shadow, Tobago Crusoe and The Merchant. The selections include: "Poverty is Hell," "Rainorama," "Caroline" "David Rudder Medley," "Pacro Water" and "Home Sweet Home" and "One Caribbean Voice."
Title: Santa Cruz Jam The Panjammers is a Pan-Round-The -Neck steelband from Santa Cruz, Trinidad. In 1981, the band won the Panorama Pan-Round-The-Neck competition. The victories continued in 1982, 83, 84, 92 and 94. The band maintained its high standard of performance. The band has a wide repertoire consisting of calypsoes, latin, pop and traditional steelband selections. There are fifteen selections on the CD: "La Bamba" "Latin" "Mary Ann" "Perfidia" "Breezing" "Rebecca" "Calypso Medley" "Oyo Como Va" "Give In To me" "wind Beneath My Wings" "All Aboard" "Samba De Orfeo" "Hello" "Jahagi Bhai" "Jamaica Farewell" "Never On Sunday" "One For the Savannah."
Title: Exodus at Scherzando Exodus steel orchestra gained a place in the finals of the national steelpan Panorama competition and stayed in the top three places since winning the national Panorama competition in 1992. This first compact disc illustrates the band's pursuit of excellence. Exodus offers charming interpretations of "Poet and Peasant Overture" and "In The name of Love." The band delivers a range of calypso and soca selections from "Ray;s Medley" "Bahia Girl" to "Madness," and "Calypso for Africa". The arrangements and execution reflect the band's trademark for delivering winning performances. Availability of CDS in Stores
Also available through the catalogue at http://www.steelpan.com.
Tel: 1 (613) 523-9533 Please forward your comments to:
Pan Script Editor PAN AMBASSADOR SPREADING MUSIC By William Doyle-Marshall Etobicoke -- It was back in 1975 during an interview with Deborah John, then a journalist with a weekly publication that Trinidadian Pat McNeilly was christened Panman Pat. He had no calypso sobriquet at that time. This was in the decade which followed his sixties appearances as Big Daddy on the celebrated children's variety radio programme aired over Radio Trinidad and hosted by the late Kathleen Warner (Aunty Kay) and Bob Gittens (Uncle Bob) and known fondly as "the Aunty Kay show". It is safe to describe Pat as multi-talented. A lot of his time goes into training other people. For many years, his Tuesday nights in Toronto were spent with adults at North Albion teaching them the instrument that has become his trade mark. In 1983 and 1985 Pat captured the Canadian Calypso Monarch title. He has also been sharpening his emceeing skills on Canadian audiences especially during the pre-Caribana season at calypso tent shows. Children between grades three and six in the then Etobicoke Board of Education attend Monday afternoons after four programme where they learnt the art of playing steelband. High school students who learned their skills from McNeilly conduct these sessions. McNeilly pan sticks' impressions can be found in many community orchestra around Ontario. The majority of players from Pan Fantasy Orchestra were students of McNeilly. A group of 18 teachers who formed the Etobicoke Teachers Steelband were either teachers of Elmbank Middle School where the Trinidadian musician was employed. He has made three trips to Trinidad in 1990, 93 and 1995 with his school band Pantastix. They were students from North Albion and West Humber Collegiates in the City of Etobicoke. McNeilly took 1996 off to undertake major fundraising efforts to cover expenses for his students to return to Trinidad in 1997. While on tour students take their school work with them which is done under McNeilly's supervision. "It is a reuglar school day except the children are playing music," he explains. McNeilly reports proudly after each visit "they come back and stay excited for a long time. That excitement keeps them involved throughout the year." Some are involved with Pan Trinbago Canada Board and have received awards. "The greatest benefit is that they stay involved," McNeilly concludes. All those who went have been bitten. They maintain friendship with players from Renegades, Success Stars and Pan Knights. Some of the players who have since exhibited leadership from their involvement with steelbands include Al Foster, Jayson Gayadeen, Shirl Clarke and Allan Ramsarran. McNeily's prominence on the Canadian scene is the result of his dedication to promoting the art of playing steelpan. After toiling dilligently over the years, Trinidad and Tobago organisations here finally in 1995 acknowledged McNeilly's work. They presented him with the Republic Day Award and Caribbean Cultural award for promotion of steelband and calypso. Before the recognition came the experienced pannist/teacher/trainer joked "I was starting to feel weary. Before I used to get vex, now I am getting awards." Pat who teaught in Etobicoke High Schools -- North Albion and West Humber -- divided his day between both schools teaching steelband as a credit course. He began in 1984 as a part-time project, two hours a week at North Albion. While there, the Trinidadian pannist recognized the need to upgrade his skills. So off he went to Queen's University where he studied successfully for his Ontario Teachers Certificate and a qualification in music. This involved voice and instrumental music training. McNeilly is one national of Trinidad and Tobago who proudly promotes steelband wherever he travels. His instrument is always in tow and without hesitation Pat is known to accompany other performers at cultural events, even without compensation at times. Perhaps his most singular achievement is his ambassadorial type activities that have literally infected Canada with pan players. It is almost impossible to meet anyone who was not introduced to the instrument by this energetic Trinidadian who is well known as Panman Pat. A rather significant year for Pat was 1993 when Naparima Alumni formed a partnership with his two school bands -- North Albion Pantastix and West Humber Collegiate Steelband, formerly West Humber Pangroove -- to be known as theEtobicoke Schools Steel Orchestra. Naparima members have been maintaining a relationship between the band members and offering role modelling and partnership as well as tutoring to players. In addition, they help students with the more difficult subjects as they reach grade 13. A gift of a whole outfit of steelband instruments has since been handed over to the band by the alumni, mainly for public performances. That year too Pat McNeilly was presented with the Coffee Boys Rafie award -- (named after Raphael Passey, a pannist, who died in a fiery crash on Toronto's Lakeshore Boulevard) which he terms one of the greatest achievements for a pan person on the Canadian scene. It was a Canada wide search for nominees and McNeilly emerged above the rest. Out of the Naparima connection has evolved an annual scholarship worth $500.00 to the student graduating with the highest academic rating. The student must be accepted at a university or a post secondary institution. Unison Noel, an engineering student, at the University of Toronto was the first 1993-94 recipient from Elmbank Middle School, Etobicoke. Because graduating students did not meet the criteria for the awards none were given out in 1995. Instead Ryan Ramlal -- West Humber and Navin Jagdeo -- North Albion -- received outstanding achievement awards. The student steel orchestra performs throughout the year in approximately 25 concerts, thanks to the start by Panman Pat McNeilly. |
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