Monday, March 31, 2008

Narell Brothers, 3 Steelbands Honor Ellie Mannette

On Thursday, April 10, 2008, three collegiate steel bands will combine forces with two of America’s premiere pan talents to present a tribute concert for pan pioneer and legend Ellie Mannette in Morgantown, West Virginia.

The three bands (Miami U, Eastern Kentucky U, and West Virginia U) will perform the entire concert together, in “mass band” fashion. MU Steel Band director Chris Tanner estimates there will be more than 70 pan players on stage, a major milestone for university steelbands in the U.S.A.

Repertoire for the event includes original music from both Andy and Jeff Narell, as well as offerings from Chris Tanner and Jason Koontz, directors of the MU and EKU groups, respectively. The bands will perform about two hours worth of material in total.

“It has been a tremendous challenge for our students to prepare this much music in one year,” said Tanner, “but the reward will be worth the effort.”

Click on headlines for full story.

'In Steel' solo pan CD release

"In Steel', a solo pan act featuring Ferguson Glasgow from the Bay Area's Harmonics Steelband, recently released a new CD. The album has seven tracks showcasing Glasgow's talent as a lead pan player supported by bass player and guitarist 'Charlo' Jules.

The seven cuts include: Hot Hot Hot, Crisis, Calzouk, Marcela, Tenement Yard, Waterfalls and Bob Marley's Natural Mystic. The CD was released to coincide with the traditional spring launching of the Bay Area's pan-gigging season.

The CD can be purchased by calling 'In Steel' at 510 215 5938.