Brooklyn, New York, USA - When Steel Talks (WST) extends condolences to the family, friends, and D’Radoes Steel Orchestra community on the passing of panist Charles Dick. see more
Read more…Tristan Japsi - Arranger Steel Sensation during its recording session Brooklyn, New York, USA - ....This is an emotional delivery drawing in listeners as they join in the yearning expressed throughout Tristan Japsi’s arrangement of “Wedding Band (Ms. Walker)” and Steel Sensation’s performance of the piece. Steelpan instruments were tuned by Augustus “Gussy” Peters and Desmond “Mappo” Richardson. This is the orchestra’s ‘Cool Down’ version captured on Friday September 4 by Basement Recordings…
Read more…Vanessa Headley-Brewster - Arranger Metro Steel Orchestra during its recording session Brooklyn, New York, USA - Champion arranger Vanessa Headley-Brewster unleashed a bold arrangement of “Sweet Soca Man” with much audacity and sauciness, the hallmark of the classic track itself. Playful, witty but unmistakably letting listeners know she is in charge musically. ....Basement Recordings captured Metro Steel Orchestra, performing this, the ‘Tempo’ version of the track - on Thursday September 3…
Read more…Dr. Kendall K. Williams - Arranger Pan in Motion during its recording session Brooklyn, New York, USA - Pan in Motion with arranger Dr. Kendall K. Williams is one of five steel orchestras to perform “Cyah Behave” for New York’s 2026 Panorama. ....2026 was a particularly difficult season for Pan in Motion as the orchestra’s rehearsals attracted its own determined version of ‘Karen.’ This individual waged a personal vendetta to have Pan in Motion shut down...The arrangement of Kendall and the…
Read more…Roger Greenidge - Arranger Philadelphia Pan Stars Steel Orchestra during their recording session Brooklyn, New York, USA - On a very breezy and slightly cloudy Saturday Brooklyn evening after 5:00 p.m., Basement Recordings/When Steel Talks (WST) captured Philadelphia Pan Stars Steel Orchestra—also known as Philly Pan Stars—as they practiced the finishing touches to their New York Panorama presentation on Union Street in Brooklyn on September 5, as the band got ready to take the stage hours…
Read more…Dr. Kendall K. Williams - ArrangerPan in Motion during its recording session Brooklyn, New York, USA - Pan in Motion is one of five steel orchestras to perform “Cyah Behave” for New York’s 2026 Panorama. Their arranger is Dr. Kendall K. Williams - a member of the arranging squad - “the Three Amigos.” ....On instruments tuned by Jason Holder, this is Pan in Motion’s ‘Tempo’ version captured in the very early morning hours of Saturday September 5 by Basement Recordings as the band prepared in…
Read more…Tristan Japsi - Arranger Steel Sensation during its recording session Brooklyn, New York, USA - Steel Sensation courted music lovers attending the show and the judges with “Wedding Band” by “Coutain” & “Tano.” ....The band released a musical volley of technical brilliance. Under the direction of Tristan Japsi, who uses a large thematic overall approach to his arrangement, the group delivers a well-thought-out music story as their future ‘wedding plans’ are delivered personally to ‘Ms.…
Read more…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…
Read more…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…
Read more…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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