Vernon Mannette has become a legend to all lovers of the steelband. Mannette was a mere youth when the Steelband Movement was gathering momentum. And he was destined, through his musical talent, to shatter, if only temporarily, the class barrier of his native land. His music so intoxicated the nation that rich and poor together forgot their differences and danced in the streets of Port of Spain. and this was an important contribution to national sentiment.
He witnessed the birth of the Invaders Steelband. And, he was one of the chief architects in carrying Invaders to the "Everest" of the Steelband World in the period from 1948 to 1954.
His greatest contribution to steelband music was "The Birdie Mambo" (for "Birdie" is his pet name) This tune revolutionized the Steelband for it required more co-ordination and harmony among the different instruments than any tune before it. From that time onwards the steelband became an "Orchestra"
Moreover Vernon Mannette stands alone. For he is the only steelbandsman who has ever composed a tune which dominated Trinidad's carnival and in turn went on to win praise in the United States of America.
Vernon also contributed towards another Invaders' hit - Kelvin's Syncopation" And this tune further accentuated the necessity for co-ordination and harmony among the instruments.
He is indeed an artiste of highest calibre. He has a style all his own. His touch on the pan is soft and melodious. And once one has heard him, he seems to live in one's memory forever.
Vernon has a thorough knowledge of all the different instruments which forms a Steel Orchestra and he can play them all, although he specializes in the "First Pan" He loves the "First Pan" for it is the only instrument which allows him to be alone to play music for himself.
Vernon Mannette's paramount concern is "the creation itself and not the benefit others derive from it"
He is also a "Pan Tuner". at work with his pencil, hammer and tuning fork, he is a picture of rigorous and yet gentle concentration and although he tunes all the instruments, his eyes seem to sparkle when he is at work on his beloved "First Pan"
No one has paid a greater tribute to Vernon Mannette than Albert James, arranger of the Starlift Steel Orchestra, who said "The greatest moment of my musical life was when I heard Vernon Mannette play Cole Porter's Begin the Beguine" I heard a genius at work.
This story is taken from the Evening News (Newspaper) March 18th 1959
Replies
Come on Barry, let's hear 'Birdie's Mambo', it must be around somewhere.
Barry,
I'm sure that most members would like to hear "Birdie's Mambo" I never knew that Birdie had compose a tune for a steelband, anytime there's talk about who compose the first tune for a steelband one of the first names that come up is Tony Williams for his "Pan Down Fifth Avenue" looks like everyday we find out something new about pan history.
Yes indeed, I have been searching for it for many years but nothing so far, I have decided to get some help from Ray Funk who has a wide collection for steelpan music from the early days. He is definitely one with the resources to locate it, as soon as I get it, I will definitely make it public. Thank you.
Barry, get the score and you do it over and give the credit to Birdie. I am sure he will appreaciate that honour.
Indeed I would love to do that, but I don't think he scored it or there is even a score for it. But as soon as I find it, I will record it again and post it on WST
I wonder if people realize that Birdie Mannette was the first panman to compose a tune for the steelpan, his composition was "Birdie's Mambo" and this newspaper report was in 1959, long before anyone else started composing music specifically for the steelpan.
Barry, i think deceased Arthur De Coteau composed a piece for Casablanca in 1952 named "CATCHY" This is on a Sa Gomes label. But all hats off to "birdie" he really was a great man in all his endeavours.
Is there a recording of this? Would love to hear it.
It must have been terrible living in the shadow of Ellie, he was truely a great panman.