In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, panist extraordinaire Tristan Brewington-Japsi speaks on his love of the steelpan instrument and how it has impacted his musical life and future
New York, USA - Tristan; he is a valued member of Steel Sensation, ADLIB Steel Orchestra, and Supernovas Steel Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago. He is quiet and unassuming but don’t let that fool you. He is loaded with talent, natural ability and intellect.
He is a natural. As the son of Ian Japsi, well-known New York-based drummer and band leader of Steel Sensation - Tristan has always been around the steelpan instrument. Most recently with the inspiration of his second cousin, Amrit Samaroo, Tristan has successfully turned his focus on arranging. Already an accomplished and respected player versed in several of the instruments in the steel orchestra family, he has his sights set on a future in music education. Among his many accomplishments, Tristan is the first person to play a steelpan instrument within the confines of a New York school marching band.
Replies
I always read these profiles of these young pan artistes featured by WST and I always walk away disappointed. BUGS once came on the forum and gave me an insight into the psyche of this NEXT GENERATION and he could not have been MORE CORRECT. But even though I can reconcile it, it still breaks my heart.
Why are you disappointed?
Send me an email and I will give you a full answer if you want to engage: musicfromthetropics@yahoo.com