A BOOK TO LOVE UP
NESTOR SULLIVAN Reviews “The Illustrated Story Of Pan”
I thank and congratulate Dr Kim Johnson. In the treasury of books on the steelband, The Illustrated Story of Pan is among the most valuable of gems.
It cuts a new path by telling the story of Steelband in photos and taking the reader along on a visual journey into the development of the movement from the birth of the modern steelband in the late 1930’s/early 1940’s, up to the present time. In this book Johnson captures the images of the period in an explicit manner: the instruments, the players and supporters of the early steelband are all well represented.
This was the period that immediately followed the transition from Tamboo Bamboo to dustbins and metal containers. This development which had all been as triggered by the banning of the African drum back in 1884 which led to its replacement by the Tamboo Bamboo as the lead instrument in the Carnival Parade of the masses.
Then there is the journey of the steelpan itself as recorded through the photos in The Illustrated Story of Pan. In the late 30’s/early 40’s there were few notes on the lead instrument, then known as ping-pong. The period between 1945 and 1960 was one of rapid expansion of the ranges in the treble, middle and bass ranges of the steel orchestras. These developments are depicted in the book with a vividity that no verbal description could match.
Equally compelling is the photo story of the movement of the steelband from Pan-Around-Neck to the full steeband orchestra on wheels. In an earlier period the players held their instruments on their laps and played with one hand. Around the neck allowed the use of both hands in the performance of the music, which in turn created scope for greater complexity in the steelband repertoire.
The next stage when the complete orchestra was put on wheels is a critical part of pan history. The bands were now able to improve the “Road” repertoire that included European classical pieces in the Jouvert Bomb Competition and Calypso renditions for the masquerade. These stages of development are captured in Johnson’s epic work.
Another feature of The Illustrated Story of Pan is the role of the youth in the development of the steelband. Iconic figures in the movement such as Ellie Mannette, Anthony Williams, Ray Holman, Rudolph Charles and others are presented in photos as teenagers, young people passionate and committed to an act of beautiful creation. It’s worth recalling that these were the same youths who were condemned by the validating elite of the time and those in authority, as ‘vagabonds’, ‘cut-throats’ and ‘criminals’. These brilliant, pioneering youngsters were socially stigmatized as they took a different road to lay the foundations for what we all claim today as “We Culture”.
This book shows the wide participation of people involved in the development of the Steelband movement. The photos show early bands from Port of Spain, San Fernando, Tobago, Fyzabad, Tunapuna, San Juan, Point Cumana, Arima and other places and confirms the national nature of the developmental process that included people from all races in Trinbago.
An important feature of Johnson’s book are the interviews with key persons involved in the various bands shown in the book. These provide insight and context into the details of the moment that was captured for posterity by the camera. These interviews make life a lot easier for both reader and researcher.
Most of the participants in this book came from communities and homes in the lower-income bracket of Trinidad society. Most had limited opportunity for further education; unemployment was high and, for them, upward social mobility was almost impossible. In that environment, the steelband emerged as an expression of self-assertion, self-pride and creativity. They guarded and defended the source of this selfhood fiercely; some gave their lives, others their limbs, and in so doing, created the space for the development of what is today the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.
For me, this book presents the visual evidence that the people of Trinidad and Tobago have, on their own, created a family of instruments against a backdrop of poverty, unemployment, hard times, disinterest by authorities and ostracism from mainstream society. In spite of these apparent deficits, these young men and their communities have created institutions that still exist after five, six and seven decades. This is a story of “creativity, daring, adventure and plenty love” as stated by Dr Johnson himself.
What it also makes very clear is the role of the communities from which the bands emerged. In their thousands, they rallied behind ‘their band’ on the road at Carnival and at other events and were a big part of the ring of protection around the Pan.
Within The Illustrated Story of Pan runs an undercurrent of politics of a people stirring to life, and the global influences that shaped their responses. One example is the 1949 photo of “Stardust” from Point Cumana being led by a flag from the German Nationalist Party (Nazi). For a community that resented the Americans’ presence in Chaguaramas, flying Hitler’s flag was an act of defiance. Then there is the photo of the “Red Army Steelband” carrying a large picture of the leader of the then Soviet Union, Josef Stalin. Red, indeed.
This book is about the people who were involved with the development of the steelband in Trinidad and Tobago. I recommend it without reservation to everyone with a deep and abiding interest in the steelband movement. Among its pages are many of our heroes who created and played and gifted us with this instrument of wonder. It is also about the people who defended it physically and in song, like the late calypsonian, the Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts).
I have shown this book to several of my colleagues in the steelband movement and they join me in complimenting Dr Kim Johnson for a work very well done!! Stay up Bro.
- Nestor Sullivan is the manager of Pamberi Steel Orchestra
submitted by Nestor Sullivan to When Steel Talks
Replies
On Monday I had the opportunity to browse through the book at a friend's house in Brooklyn. I was fascinated at the archives of pictures that I saw. I did not get to read much. Its a book that you have to look at the pictures before you read it. When the book becomes available to the public at large. I will definitely purchase one!
Well written Nestor. As one who lived through much of those times as spectator and participant, unfortunately never a 'pan player' there are many fond memories. I have to get my copy as soon as I get back to sweet T&T, Congratulations to Dr. Kim.
I keep reading all these great reviews, but I cannot find the book online.
Do I have to go to T&T to buy it?
Glenroy,
This is an extract of my last reply from UTT
QUOTE.
We are awaiting final approvals from the University to place the book on Amazon. I hope that the book will be available on amazon.com in December.
Until then though, we can ship the book to you via FedEx Economy (about 5 working days). Payment can be made via a bank wire transfer (details attached). Once payment has been received, the book will be shipped to you.
Price of Book = TT $250.00 / US $40.00
Shipping via Fedex International Economy = TT $386.14 / US$ 60.33
We realise that the shipping costs are high which is why we are currently pursuing Amazon.com as an avenue for international sales. The book is hardcover and weighs 4lbs so there are very limited affordable and reliable shipping options available for sending single copies of the book. Please let me know if you would prefer to wait on this option or whether you are ready to go ahead with shipping via Fedex.
Regards,
UNQUOTE.
They are aware of the need to get this book on the internet shelves.
I do hope the request is not sitting in someone's in-tray waiting till after Christmas.
Trinis are not always good at spotting a business opportunity.
RandiSC
Thanks for the info, Randi.
Far be it for me to tell anyone how to do business, but WST has become the hub of everything related to pan, and there are at least two online stores that participate in this forum.
It may be worthwhile for Kim Johnson to make a few copies available through them.
After all, here is where the interest is the greatest in anything related to pan.
Glenroy where are you located? Try this site as she may ship from Toronto.http://adifferentbooklist.com/ I also recommend this book of panpeople plus, it's worth the $75 Cdn.This book keeps you in touch with your roots and you could make your own story with the pictures, 279 to be exact.
I went to the recommended site and used their search engine. I got no results.