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.

Steel Jam at Open House

Steel Jam performs this Sun., March 30:

1- 4 PM Open House at 114 Paradise Dr., Pacifica, CA
Steel Jam entertains potential home buyers as they view this beautiful property.
Come on out, groove to Steel Jam’s tunes, and have a look for yourself!

Calypso Dreams Released on DVD this Summer

Finally, Calypso Dreams, the award-winning documentary is scheduled for release on DVD this summer. The politics that delayed the release for almost 4 years has finally been cleared and the long-awaited video will be availabe in stores soon. For an extensive interview on the background of the film, check out this link: http://www.jouvay.com/CalypsoDreams.htm

Calypso Dreams was Winner of the Best Caribbean Documentary at the Jamerican Film Festival, Audience Favorite at the DC Film fest, Pan- African film festival, Mill Valley Film Fest and embraced by an entire nation in Trinidad, Calypso Dreams chronicles the rich and complex cultural roots of calypso music in Trinidad and Tobago.

Produced and directed by Geoffrey Dunn and Michael Horne with co-producers Mark Schwartz, Eric Thierman, associate producers Alvin Daniel, Sandra Derrell and Andrew Marcano (Lord Superior), Calypso Dreams is an intimate portrait of some of the true Calypsonians in Trinidad and Tobago, in performance and in conversation. Shot over 3 years in Port of Spain, Trinidad, the documentary includes such legendary calypsonians as Lord Pretender, Lord Kitchener, The Mighty Bomber, Relator, Lord Superior, Brigo, Mystic Prowler, Calypso Rose, The Mighty Sparrow, Terror, Valentino, Blakie, David Rudder, Regeneration Now, The Mighty Duke, Conqueror and many others.

Check this blog regularly for breaking news on Calypso Dreams.

Ray Obiedo & Mambo Caribe w Jeff Narell & Phil Hawkins

Appearing Friday night in Sausalito and Saturday night In Berkeley !
Ray Obiedo + Mambo Caribe, withJeff Narell - Steel Pans
Rose Anne Dimalanta - Keyboards
Michael Spiro - Percussion
David Belove - Bass
Phil Hawkins -Drums

Friday March 28, 2008, Studio 333333, Caledonia St., Sausalito
Doors at 8:00 Music at 8:30
To buy tickets Via Phone with Visa or MC 415.389.5072 or
Studio 333 Box Office
More info: http://www.murphyproductions.com/

Also appearing Saturday March 29, 2008 at Anna's Jazz Island
2 sets starting at 8 pm
2120 Allston Way Berkeley, Ca 94704
(510) 841-JAZZ(just east of Shattuck Ave & Downtown Berkeley BART) http://www.annasjazzisland.com/

Stanford's Cardinal Calypso Steelband

Cardinal Calypso is Stanford University's new campus steel pan ensemble. We are a student group founded in 2005 through a Pierce Award grant from the Stanford Alumni Association (2004 Pierce Award, "The 'Pan' American Project."). Our goal is to educate the university community on Carribean music and culture through workshops and performances.
Interested in Joining?

Contact Liezel

Lamorinda Group Kicks off spring Session

The Lamorinda Steel Drum Group kicks off the Spring session March 30. The session will run for 6 weeks ending on May 4. For info on other eastbay classes see the 2/28/08 post.

Spring Clearance on Steel Drum Stands

Look good and sound good. Only a handful available at spring clearance prices.
If you're looking for a sturdy professional model pan stand the PRO ADJUSTABLE, collapsible single pan stand is the one for you.
Get the security and value that you want in a stand at an unbeatable price. Bottom tripod is double-braced chromed. Top carrier is painted steel-grey.

Available at www.kakesa.com.

ECO-SHEEN the best protection for your pan

ECO-SHEEN is a new, revolutionary and environmentally safe way to clean, seal, polish, and protect your pan. Eco-Sheen can also be used on cars, trucks, R.V’s, boats, motorcycles, airplanes, mirrors; windows, fiberglass, chrome, plastic, or any glossy painted surface.

Use ECO-SHEEN in any weather - hot, cold, or humid. Your pan will shine!

It’s as Easy as 1, 2, 3...
1. Apply ECO-SHEEN™ directly to your pan.
2. Spray it on evenly, right over the dirt, grime, or marks.
3. Polish with a soft dry cloth.

Product Features:

• Cleans, seals, polishes, and protects in one easy step without water.

• Works on any hard surface.

• Safe on all types of paint, including clear-coat.

• Cleans dirt, grime, marks, road haze, and road tar.

• Safely and effectively removes oxidation.

• Removes paint overspray.

• Great around the house for counters, kitchens or bathrooms.

• Use on glossy painted surfaces, metal, glass, mirrors, plastic, fiberglass, and chrome.

Our exclusive formula, Electrotek-PCM™ is saturated with positively charged ions, that chemically (ionically) adhere to the negative surfaces of the vehicle. ECO-SHEEN™ is enhanced with liquid carnauba wax which protects the vehicle’s delicate surface. After the final step with the polishing cloth, a hard waxed sheen remains giving a long lasting protective finish.

Available at www.kakesa.com

Trinidad and Tobago Police Marching Band

The Harmonizer A Must for Every Pan Player!

The Harmonizer is the most incredibly comprehensive reference music tool we have come across. It is a music course in itself. But it also allows you to get the most from your pan lessons or self-study courses. You will progress on your pan much faster when you add it to your learning program.

If you’re new to steel drums/pan, it is important to understand that music is a language, and the sound of your steel drum is your voice. The notes on your pan are equivalent to the alphabets in this language. But if you are to communicate intelligently, you need to know and understand the grammar and vocabulary of the language. That is found in music theory. And there is no more comprehensive tool or device on the market for that purpose than the Harmonizer.


The thing that the Harmonizer is best at is making music fun. It is fun when you can play what you want and play along with others. It is fun when you can compose and improvise with ease. It is fun when you delight others who listen to you.

Here are some other features and benefits you'll enjoy:
• It gives you mastery of chord names and usage.

• Shows how to use scales and modes for improvising and soloing.

• Shows you chord substitutions to give your playing more originality.

• Shows new and versitile chord progressions.

• Lets you transpose from key to key easily.

• Shows you how to modulate from one key to another smoothly.

• Shows you modes and chords derived from the diatonic (major) scale.

• Shows you modes and chords derived from the melodic minor (jazz) scale.

• Shows you modes and chords derived from the harmonic minor scale.

• Shows you intervals, chord extentions, and more.

• Helps improve your ear by showing you likely tonal possibilities.

• Gives you a vocabulary you can use to communicate to other musicians.

• Fuels your creativity by giving you more musical ideas to work with.

• Makes playing fun by making it easier to play along with others.

• Gives you confidence from a better understanding of music.

With this knowledge of music you will feel more confident playing your pan and enjoy jamming with others. It's amazing!
Comes in two color styles, Techno and Classic. Each has the same musical information and comes with a 40-page guide to understanding music theory.

It’s the best investment you’ll ever make in your music education. You already have the voice, why not learn the language that makes it sing!

Now available at www.kakesa.com!

Phil Hawkins Sneak Preview (Steel Drum) Concert

If you're looking for a great evening of music and food, please check out our next gig at Senzala Brasilian Restaurant on Sat. April 12, 7:30pm

Senzala is located at 250 E. Java in Sunnyvale, Ca. 408-734-1656 http://www.senzalarestaurant.com/

I'll be playing steeldrums and percussion along with:Murray Low - keysMarc van Wageningen - bassRay Obiedo - guitarPaul van Wageningen - drums

$5 Cover WONDERFUL Brasilian food available!

Come and hear a sneak preview of the new material from my next recording. We'll be heading into the studio the very next day to work with all the above as well as vocalistsMichelle Hawkins, Jessica Vatour, percussionists Michael Spiroand Pete Escovedo and trumpet master Randy Brecker.Hope to see a bunch of you there.

Thanks!

Phil Hawkins

Liam Teague joins CSM Panhandlers in Concert

When: 5/3/2008 [ 8:00pm ]

What: The CSM Panhandlers Steel Drum Band presents LIAM TEAGUE . . . "The Paganini of Steelpan". With special guests: Michael Spiro, Remi Spiro, The Nueva School Steel Bands.

Where: COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO THEATER
1700 WEST HILLSDALE BLVD , IN THE CITY OF SAN MATEO

Ticket Info: TICKET PRICES ARE: $ 20.00 GENERAL ADMISSION $ 18.00 FOR SENIORS / STUDENTS AND CHILDREN (under 14). More info coming soon!

Below is a video of CSM P at last spring's concert:

Shabang! steel drum band schedule for March'08

Check this link to see where Shabang! will be performing in March: http://www.shabang.us/calendar.html

Below: Shabang! at Caribbean Night Pool Party last summer

A Message from (Boogsie sharpe) a Master

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‘Boogsie’ – playing 'My Way" solo on Double seconds

By NASSER KHAN Sunday, March 16 2008
Affectionately known as “Pip” to his close friends (as in “Pip and the Convict” he says), Lennox “Boogsie” Sharpe, 54, is one of TT’s most gifted — “God-given” he acknowledges — talents in the steelpan arena. He is generally acknowledged as one of the greatest steelpan players, if not the greatest ever.

The five-time Panorama arranger winner (winner of three of the past four Panorama finals), plans to catch up with his good friend Jit Samaroo’s nine wins and has a burning desire to three-peat — a goal that has eluded him on two occasions. He is motivated by this goal so we can look forward to his presence in the coming years, he insists.


Lamenting on the on-going sad state of facilities for the national instrument and the treatment meted out to pannists in general, Boogsie hopes that the powers-that-be will come together to truly brand the national instrument and protect all the rights that go with its invention and innovation (proprietary, intellectual, etc).


He hopes they can develop and maintain ways to show the nation’s appreciation for this country’s gift to the world, as he calls it. Boogsie has established his genius over the past forty-plus years with his arrangements for many calypsonians, vocalists and steelbands in TT and the Caribbean, North America, and Europe and has been composer/arranger-in-residence at Phase II Pan Groove (currently Petrotrin sponsored) since 1974.


Sharpe does not read or write music yet he conceives elaborate compositions and arrangements and teaches them to the players note by note, phrase by phrase. Described as ‘the Mozart of pan’ by Wynton Marsalis, he remains a humble, generous man whose St James home is a repository of his treasured memories many of which he emotionally described during this interview and are captured in the following 20 questions:


1. Where /how did you earn the nickname “Boogsie”? My mom, the late Grace Isabella Sharpe, says that when I was born an angel called out “Boogsie” to her. No one knows what it means.


2. When and where did you play your first steelpan? As a youngster, at this very location, which in addition to being our home was also the panyard for the Symphonettes led and arranged for by my cousin Rupert ‘Shadow’ Nathaniel.


3. Of all your recordings available, which four arrangements would you most like people to hear? “In the Rain Forest” the winning composition/arrangement at the World Steelband Music Festival in October 2000; ‘Woman is Boss’ Panorama winner 1988; ‘Trini Gone Wild’ Panorama winner 2005; ‘Musical Vengeance’ Panorama winner 2008.


4. Favourite calypso/soca song(s) of all time and by whom? ‘Pan Night and Day’ by the late great Kitch ‘School Days’ by Sparrow


5. Where were you born and where did you grow up? Born at Benares Street, St James, and grew up right here.


6. The one place you would like to visit and why? Toronto, Canada to visit my three grandsons especially to see the last one who is now four years old….that is my greatest wish at the moment. I hear that Scotiabank announced the sponsorship of Caribana so I am hoping they will consider sending a contingent of this year’s Panorama champions.…yuh could write dat in de papers?....ah hope de boss man at Scotia read de Newsday (laughs heartily as he proudly shows of a picture of his three grandsons. His fourth grandson, Hashim, of whom he is very proud and who lives with him, has taken a liking to the steelpan).


7. Your favourite meal or dish/food? A good chicken pelau with some callaloo and a cold diet Sprite to wash it down.


8. Who were the people or person who influenced you the most to become the acknowledged great pannist/arranger you are today? Definitely my father who used to take me to various panyards and to play in competitions as a youngster once he realised that I had the talent… and of course my mom, who I dearly loved… cherish your mother, you hear.


9. What is your greatest accomplishment? Winning the World Steelband Music Festival in 2000 with my composition and arrangement of ‘In the Rainforest’…I hope you have the CD. Also, being honoured by UTT recently (proudly displays photo and certificate).


10. Even though you won your 5th Panorama title this year what was the feeling like when you heard that you had won? It is hard to explain the joyous feeling especially after the pain we all felt at last year’s tough loss when the entire pan fraternity thought that we should have won.


11. What is your most prized possession? All these photographs on the walls you see of all my family including my grandparents, my parents, my children and grandchildren. I truly appreciate the mothers of my children too.


12. What do most people NOT know about you? That Barrington Levy, the Jamaican reggae star, is my first cousin (pointing to one of the many pictures on the wall). Also, that I am a good piano player.


13. What ,when, where was your first paying job? As a pan player with the steelband Crossfire on Nepaul Street back in about 1965….50 cents, plenty money back then for a young boy.


14. Do you support the changing of the dates for Carnival and why? I’d rather not touch that one.


15. If you could dine with anyone in history, who would that be? Nelson Mandela...that is a great man.


16. If you could hire any singer or band (other than Phase II) to perform in your living room, who would you pick? Stevie Wonder doing ‘Ebony and Ivory’, my favourite non-calypso, pan song.


17. What advice would you give to young people? Love your own people and culture…we tend not to appreciate ours.


18. Who was your hero or idol growing up? In pan, Mr Anthony Williams and in music otherwise, Stevie Wonder.


19. What would you say is your greatest virtue? Helping people, a virtue I learned from my mom whom I cherish and love so dearly.


20. What daily motto do you live by? Take one day at a time.

Steel Jam Headlines “KQED Women’s History Month” fete

Steel Jam has just been invited to perform:
for
“KQED Celebrates Women’s History Month”
(sponsored by KQED, Wells Fargo and Subaru)

--Wed., March 19, 6:30-8:30 PM (Awards ceremony followed by reception, with Steel Jam)
--At KQED (2601 Mariposa Street (at Bryant) in San Francisco
--RSVP your reservation by Monday, March 17 via email (rsvpwhm@kqed.org) or phone: (415) 553-2382
--Space is limited · Complimentary valet parking

Putting the sting in your sticks

Experienced pan players know your sticks feel sweet only after you've beaten down the edges from playing for a while. Why? Because you get more surface contact between the note and your stick.

That's why some pros grind down the edges of their new mallets to get that well used feel. With PanWest Stealthsticks, you don't have to wait for that happy day. We grind down the edge for you, just enough so 'they feel like yours' from day one.
As you can see, we don't just put latex on some pretty-colored tubing and call it a mallet. We think of every possible way to make you sound good and feel good. If you can relate to this, these sticks are for you. Get yours now at Kakesa.com!

Sacred Geometry in Steelpans

We are excited to introduce the new Double Second-SS, a layout we feel resolves the differences between all the variant patterns that have emerged and solves the challenge of standardizing this particular set of pans.

With the evolution of Tony Williams’ Spider Web Pan, the Circle of Fifths has become the standard for the lead/tenor pan, eclipsing the previously preferred Invader pattern. However attempts to standardize the Double Seconds have only lead to a proliferation of adjustments and re-alignments of the layout first established by Dr. Ellie Mannette.

The fact that dissatisfied builders are still experimenting with the layout is proof that until now no one had arrived at that perfect symmetry that is the unanimous and undeniable standard for the doubles. We can now demonstrate that the newly aligned Double Second –SS has accomplished this feat. We make no claim of ownership here, for this is simply the integration and evolution of the work pioneered by Mr. Williams and Dr. Mannette.

In arriving at the SS layout we used a geometric standard already evident in the Circle of Fifths and applied it to the double seconds. The reason why the lead/tenor is easily accepted as a standard is because it makes geometric sense and is supported by the principles of mathematics and physics.

"Plato said God geometrizes continually." - Plutarch

"We do not listen with the best regard to the verses of a man who is only a poet, nor to his problems if he is only an algebraist; but if a man is at once acquainted with the geometric foundation of things and with their festal splendor, his poetry is exact and his arithmetic musical." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Can we apply the same geometric logic to the Double Seconds? Absolutely.
The secret is in using the same geometric pattern abstracted from the lead/tenor as a standard and applying it to the two whole tone scales (which are how the seconds are divided) correspondingly as it is applied to the chromatic scale in the lead/tenor.

The pattern tool is the hexagram, a six-pointed geometric star figure; the compound of two equilateral triangles. Otherwise known as Sacred Geometry. Below, is the Circle of fifths showing hexagrams formed by the two whole tone scales:












Of course, we cannot simply abstract the hexagrams in the way it is laid out in the circle of fifths. Dr. Mannette was quite aware of all this when he came up with his pattern for the double seconds. But he stopped short of synchronizing or creating symmetry between the two sides.
Only Dr. Mannette can explain why he chose to create two asymmetric sides.

Note that each triangle is an augmented chord. Now, using the same hexagram, we can arrange the two sides of the double seconds to be a reflection of each other. Below is Dr. Mannette’s traditional pattern, followed by the proposed SS pattern.

As it stands right now, the right side of Dr. Mannette’s double seconds is perfect, and fits the proposed standard. It is the left side that has to be adjusted to reflect the geometric standard already established on the right side.

Observe in the proposed standard, the formation of the hexagram on the left side, not found on the corresponding side of Dr. Mannette’s model:

Double Seconds SS

Observe also, that the two sides in the new standard are an exact mirror image of each other. Try playing the chromatic scale and see how your right hand perfectly mirrors the movement of the left.

Here’s an interesting aside: the movement of the hands in playing the chromatic scale on the SS, forms a unicursal hexagram. “This is a six pointed star that can be traced or drawn unicursally, in one continuous line rather than two overlaid triangles.

This is significant as the triangles are often used to represent opposites such as fire and water or male and female. The unifying of the symbol into one represents the synthesis of opposites.
The ability to draw it in one continuous movement, is significant in ritual magick.” -Wikipedia

To learn more on Sacred Geometry go to these links: http://www.charlesgilchrist.com/

Spring Steel Drum Classes

PanWest Steel Drum Newsletter

Happy Spring to all!

Spring steel drum classes at Walnut Creek Civic Arts Shadelands Campus begin April 2, 2008. We must have a minimum number of registrations two weeks prior, or the classes will be cancelled. Please go to this link for more information: http://www.arts-ed.org/reginfo.htm .

Classes at the Orinda Community Center run April 7 to May. 19 (7 weeks). This is a mixed class of beginners and continuing students. Please complete registration by March 15. For more information, here is the link to the Center: http://www.ci.orinda.ca.us/parksandrec/ .

Classes at the Alameda School of Music will start April 8. For registration, please email Harry or call 510 222 1123. Here is the info for the Alameda School of Music: http://www.alamusic.com/ .

The Advanced Class in session right now in Moraga. This class meets on Sundays and is ongoing. This class is by invitation only. Students must be able to at least decipher music notation.

Live Performances

Here is a link to my band’s public performances this Spring. Come have some fun with us when you can:
http://www.shabang.us/calendar.html

Shabang Steel Drum Band at Intl Fair

BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR FREE INTERNATIONAL FOOD, MUSIC, AND FUN EVENT!!
!! Sponsored by Windemere Developments !!

Sunday, May 20
Windemere Parkway, San Ramon, CA
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Not any vendor's nor restaurant's food but professionally catered food
Not just one or two bands but SEVEN BANDS (Bluegrass, Jazz, Indian, Greek, Mariachi, Barbershop, and Carribean Steel Drums)

Hard to find this kind of event, ha? So, don't miss it! Bring your hat!

Directions:

Coming north on 680 –
Exit at Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon and turn right onto Bollinger. Continue for approximately 5 miles, turn right on Windemere Parkway.

Coming south on 680 –
Exit on Bollinger Canyon and turn left and follow the directions above.