Services for Bertram (Speedy) Ash Small

Bertram “Speedy” Ash Small was a pioneer for the steelband fraternity of New York, founding member of Humming Birds Steel Orchestra (USA) together with Ellie Mannette, founded and led EXZIBITS Steel Orchestra (USA), and former member of Desperadoes (Trinidad).

His wake will be held tomorrow - Sunday 4th December - in Brooklyn, New York.

The funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Church on 113 Engle Street in Englewood, New Jersey on Monday 5th December @10 a.m.

“Speedy” as he was known in the New York pan circles, was the consummate Pan man, and friends with Clyde Durant (Moods Pan Groove), Lennox Phillips (Pan Ivory), Carlton Lax Marcano, Holly William, Cyrus Busby, Joseph “Franklyn” Gerard, Rudy King (Deceased), Mikey Enoch (Deceased) and Baby Pierre (Deceased).

Bertram “Speedy” will be sorely missed.

My condolences to Bertrum "Speedy" Ash's family and friends on his passing.

I first met Speedy when he came into Desperadoes in 1966. He had previously played with City Symphony. Speedy was a Double Tenor Pannist whose playing ability helped Desperadoes Carnival Triple Crown Victory in 1966 and their triumph at the Champ of Champs Classical Competition at Queens Hall in 1967.

I always remember his golden tooth whenever he smiled, which was quite often. Speedy migrated to New York in late 1967. He was one of the Pan Pioneers in Brooklyn when he formed a Steel Orchestra by the name of EXHIBITS in the early 1970's.

At Panorama 1974, Denzil "Belt" Botus arranged Kitchener's "JERICHO" for Speedy's Band. They had a good chance of winning panorama that year, but rain fell that Saturday Night and the panorama was cancelled. Exhibits jammed all the way West to Grand Army Plaza that Labour Day Night. The band had some of Desperadoes stageside players. I recall pannist like "Dust", Gavin, "Franklyn", "Prince", "Beans", the original "Teeths", and a wicked percussionist section.

In 1976, Speedy led Exhibits to panorama victory with arrangemennts by the late Mr. Lynch. At panorama 1978, Speedy played a single tenor on his own personal panstand, when all the other players performed on panracks. This was the first time I had ever seen that. Maybe Speedy inadvertently started that trend (lol). There will be a gathering at Lystra, his sister's home on Sunday.

Speedy is the 12th member from Desperadoes' 1960's stageside that has passed. Rest in peace Speedy, along with "Charlo"- Mr. Shaw - "Gunga Din" - "Panther" - "Nick" - "Buffy" - "Sadman" - "Panka" - Gill - "Mikey" and your relative Hertbert Ash; not fogetting "Crawl" - "Bogie" - and Michael.

Replies

Ian Franklin December 5, 2011 at 5:02pm

Thanks Chester,

I left out the one about how Speedy could sit very comfortable upon his two pansticks, as Mcquilkin stated on another discussion. You see I was never around to witness that phenomenom. (smiles).

will give you a call later!
C. Dalrymple December 5, 2011 at 9:12am

IAN, you are the consumate walking encyclopedia ,very statistically inclined.

Condolences to the ASH family,and by extention , the DESPERADOES fraternity.
Ian Franklin December 4, 2011 at 3:23pm

Very good question Val, but I do not know. The NY pan diaspora should have listed that info three days ago.
VALENTINE YOUNG December 4, 2011 at 12:23pm

Whats the address - location of the wake?
Ian Franklin December 3, 2011 at 11:36pm

My condolences to Bertrum "Speedy" Ash's family and friends on his passing.

I first met Speedy when he came into Desperadoes in 1966. He had previously played with City Symphony. Speedy was a Double Tenor Pannist whose playing ability helped Desperadoes Carnival Triple Crown Victory in 1966 and their triumph at the Champ of Champs Classical Competition at Queens Hall in 1967.

I always remember his golden tooth whenever he smiled, which was quite often. Speedy migrated to New York in late 1967. He was one of the Pan Pioneers in Brooklyn when he formed a Steel Orchestra by the name of EXHIBITS in the early 1970's.

At Panorama 1974, Denzil "Belt" Botus arranged Kitchener's "JERICHO" for Speedy's Band. They had a good chance of winning panorama that year, but rain fell that Saturday Night and the panorama was cancelled. Exhibits jammed all the way West to Grand Army Plaza that Labour Day Night. The band had some of Desperadoes stageside players. I recall pannist like "Dust", Gavin, "Franklyn", "Prince", "Beans", the original "Teeths", and a wicked percussionist section.

In 1976, Speedy led Exhibits to panorama victory with arrangemennts by the late Mr. Lynch. At panorama 1978, Speedy played a single tenor on his own personal panstand, when all the other players performed on panracks. This was the first time I had ever seen that. Maybe Speedy inadvertently started that trend (lol). There will be a gathering at Lystra, his sister's home on Sunday.

Speedy is the 12th member from Desperadoes' 1960's stageside that has passed. Rest in peace Speedy, along with "Charlo"- Mr. Shaw - "Gunga Din" - "Panther" - "Nick" - "Buffy" - "Sadman" - "Panka" - Gill - "Mikey" and your relative Hertbert Ash; not fogetting "Crawl" - "Bogie" - and Michael.

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