I am posting an article written by Mr. Robert Saldenha on "THE EVLOUTION OF THE STEELBAND" to add more insights into the development of the instrument.
As I said before, little do we know the considerable talent that sits on the sidelines and reads. We should all encourage them to come forward.
This line from the article stood out for obvious reasons, since I have been encouraging others to tell their stories, whilst they still can.
"I have heard other stories of the origins of the Steelband, but unfortunately did not have the foresight to record it, and that information is probably lost."
http://web.archive.org/web/20070807235814/http://pan-jumbie.com/sam/steelband-evolution.htm
Replies
AGAIN can someone say anything about Oscar Pile story?
What is your problem, Mr. Cecil? If you want the OSCAR PILE STORY you will have to write it yourself. However, for a small fee I could go collect that data and compile it for you in a presentable manner.
Do we have a deal?
Hi Claude, thanks for putting the research paper on the forum, however if a Pan historian should be given the title "Distinguished", then it should be given to Kim Johnson, who has been and continue to the a great job in recording the history of the Steelband.
There are a few articles on www.pan-jumbie.com under "Sam newsletter" from the unpublished "History of the Steelband" by Anthony Williams, and all credit should be given to him.
Robert: I appreciate the acknowledgement!! But what was most satisfying is the genuine and heartfelt appreciation shown by so many of the responders after reading the paper.
I have to go back and read it two or three more times to add objectivity to my instinct, but you MAY have a "VOICE" that needs BIGGER BROADCAST.
My words are pretty carefully chosen on this forum, so I will keep you in the "distinguished" category until further notice.
Who knows?
There may not be any further notice and you MAY JUST STAY THERE!!!
Claude, I already done that
Well that should make Mr. Cecil happy. I will go check it out!
It did.
Thanks for all the kind comments. I have a few articles on www.pan-jumbie.com under "Sam newsletter". Most of it is based on Anthony William's experience, and the credit should go to him. He has an unpublished "History of the Steelband". I have a copy in my possession, and there are a few copies floating around. If you are interested to read it you can check out a copy at the Ministry of Planning library in the Eric Williams complex. However, leave the damn copy when yuh finish reading it, as others will want to read it also.
Val, Kim Johnson has written extensively about the early pioneers and it is all on PanTrinbago website. To get them all in a room to sit down and chat is a huge undertaking as some of them do not like to go on the records. They would prefer if you do not tape the conversation. Once I tried talking to "Fish Eye" and it did not happen. On another occasion when I was doing a research paper on Anthony Williams, I made several trips up the hill to speak with Rudolph Charles and was unable to catch up to him.