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Metro Steel Orchestra - “Sweet Soca Man” - 2026 - (‘Cool Down’ version - Video)

Vanessa Headley-Brewster - Arranger Metro Steel Orchestra during its recording session   Brooklyn, New York, USA - With five of the nine competing steel orchestras in the 2026 New York Panorama choosing to perform Voice’s runaway 2026 hit “Cyah Behave” for this year’s Panorama - it was surprising that Metro Steel Orchestra, led by Anthony “Big Tony” Joseph, chose to deliver the classic Sweet Soca Man (“Baron”). The re-imagining and delivery of the song was led by champion arranger Vanessa…

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When Steel Talks extends condolences to friends and family of Dr Slinger Fransisco AKA Birdie - The Might Sparrow

Dr. Slinger Francisco, AKA “The Mighty Sparrow,” is known the world over as the Calypso King of The world. Born July 9, 1935, in the fishing village of Grand Roy, Grenada, he relocated to Trinidad W.I. in 1937. He started singing in the choir at New Town Boys RC School and at age 14 joined a steel band comprised of neighbourhood boys. Dr. Slinger Francisco, aka ‘The Mighty Sparrow’ He was given his performing name “Little Sparrow” during his early career as a calypsonian, on account of his…

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Despers USA ‘Cool Down’ - “Cyah Behave” - 2026

Odie Franklin - Arranger Despers USA Steel Orchestra during its recording session   Brooklyn, New York, USA - One of New York’s veteran steelband franchises Despers USA Steel Orchestra, made its musical presence felt once more during this 2026 New York Panorama season. Arranger Odie Franklin delivered yet again with his marvelous and brilliant storytelling through the band’s tune of choice “Cyah Behave.” With steelpan instruments tuned by Roland Harrigin and under the leadership of…

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Despers USA - 2026 - “Cyah Behave” - ‘Tempo’ version

Odie Franklin - ArrangerDespers USA Steel Orchestra during its recording session Brooklyn, New York, USA - Another year brings more good music to the table, this time from Despers USA Steel Orchestra. The New York Panorama competition is still the pinnacle of the annual steelband season in New York; the band, led by Kamau Hutchinson and in the very capable hands of arranger Odie Franklin, was part of the musical showcase on September 5. Odie is a prominent member of the famed “Three Amigos,”…

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“Tempo” version - PanAlley Steel Orchestra - “Cyah Behave” - 2026

Marc Brooks - Arranger PanAlley Steel Orchestra during its recording session   Brooklyn, New York, USA - PanAlley Steel Orchestra was back in the New York Panorama competition after making its mark in its debut appearance in 2025. The collaboration of the organization’s founder, director and veteran panist, Travis Roberts, and arranger Marc Brooks, paired with the orchestra itself - again brought notable music for its second year running. ....This is PanAlley’s ‘Tempo’ version of the band’s…

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“Cool Down” version - PanAlley Steel Orchestra - “Cyah Behave” - 2026

Marc Brooks - Arranger PanAlley Steel Orchestra during its ‘Cool Down’ recording session   Brooklyn, New York, USA - In a relatively short time, PanAlley Steel Orchestra has established itself as one of New York’s major educational and performing musical forces. Founded and directed in 2024 by veteran panist Travis Roberts, PanAlley represents the youngest steel orchestra among the city’s elite crew. For 2026 the orchestra is again led by Marc Brooks - the abundantly talented member of the…

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D’Radoes Steel Orchestra - “Cyah Behave” - (‘Tempo’ version - VIDEO)

Terrance “BJ” Marcelle - Arranger D’Radoes Steel Orchestra during their recording session   Brooklyn, New York, USA - One of the nine steel orchestras participating in the 2026 New York Panorama, D’Radoes Steel Orchestra worked once more with champion arranger Terrance “BJ” Marcelle. He arranged the band’s tune of choice “Cyah Behave.” This is the band performing the Tempo version of the selection. see video  

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Mitchum Cunningham – A Pamberi Hero!

by Andre Moses Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - On September 12th 2026 Pamberi bade farewell to one of the main architects of the Pamberi Brand. Musicianship has always been a key component of that brand, and Mitchum Cunningham is someone who played a key, foundational role in the establishment of Pamberi’s musical template.   ....Those who only knew Mitchum in his later years could be forgiven for dismissing him as a mild-mannered elderly statesman. Pamberi’s early national impact—including a growing…

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D’Radoes Steel Orchestra - “Cyah Behave” - (‘Cool Down’ version - VIDEO)

Terrance “BJ” Marcelle - Arranger D’Radoes Steel Orchestra during their recording session, September 3, 2026 - ‘Cool Down’ session   Brooklyn, New York, USA - D’Radoes Steel Orchestra was one of five which went to the 2026 New York Panorama with the tune “Cyah Behave.” Working with Terrance “BJ” Marcelle as arranger, D’Radoes delivers the ‘cool down’ version of its selection, where BJ’s arrangement can be absorbed even more fully. see video  

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When Steel Talks extends condolences to the Family and Friends of Steelpan Builder and Tuner Learie Harrigin

RIP MORE on Learie Harrigin

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