By Joan Rampersad Saturday, December 5 2015
SECRETARY of Pan Trinbago Richard Forteau, could not have said it better yesterday.
“Here at PanTrinbago we are at a loss for words as one of our master builders and pan tuners Herman Guppy “Brown” has gone. And while we struggle to come to terms with that, lo and behold this morning we got information that another one of our icons, Raf Robertson has also left us.” Both Guppy in his mid-sixties and Robertson 64, passed away on Thursday. After viewing a television show he did with Guppy yesterday, culture afficionado Alvin Daniell revealed that Brown was Guppy’s nickname that stuck. Kenneth, Tony and Clifton Guppy are his brothers who are all involved in pan.
According to Daniell, Guppy’s father tried to discourage him from playing the pan, but Guppy told him on the show that this was how Guppy earned his living. Guppy got involved in pan at age nine in the late fifties, and in 1964 he started tuning pans, when Lennox Blaine from Invaders asked him to assist. He never turned back. He sought from the likes of Winston Spree Simon, Bertie Marshall and Lincoln Noel.
On When Steel Talks yesterday a number of people commented on the passing of Guppy.
Guppy was among 15 pan tuners who were honoured for their contribution to the steelpan movement during Pan On the Avenue IV this year.
Robertson, a pianist, composer, arranger, teacher and producer, with over 40 years of international experience, was also the father of Grammy Award winner Mylz Robertson, who is a musical director and keyboardist for singer, Adele.
Regarding the loss of Robertson, Forteau said: “Raf back in the 80’s did work with Phase II and Mona’s Jewel 22 on the recording (Wanted Dead or Alive/Amazing Grace).
He did the keyboard.
It is a collector’s item.
He also would have worked with the Birdsong Academy, as a tutor in keyboard and voice training.” Daniell opined: “Raf was one of the leading jazz pianist in TT. He had a flair for doing jazz arrangements of local calypsos, especially the late Lord Kitchener’s music.” And that was evident at the 2009 San Fernando Jazz Festival themed: “Pass The Hat — A Tribute To Lord Kitchener” by Robertson who has been known for his affection for the music of the late Road March King, Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts).
His Branches CD included songs such as “Pan in A Minor”, “Iron Man”, “Margie”, “Pan in Harmony” and “Pan Night and Day”.
Replies
Condolences to the family may he rest in peace.
Rest In Peace Herman!! You were a great Pan Tuner!! Your Instruments were top Class!!
It seems that Death is not 'fishing with a net', it is 'trawling' in the pan community right now.
Raf has gone, Guppy has gone and many others with them this year.
But their music lives on, eternally.
Lilian,
The frightening part is, these types of Death can be avoidable, I know we are talking here about a place where some in the health care industry and the professionals who serve may not be proactive in their approach to solving your special needs and litigation can be challenging for some. People just easily accept the “your time has come attitude” as inevitability. This shows you how defeated we are as a people; Andre Tanker comes to mind and I'm sure there are many others we have known, who faced a health issue and met their untimely deaths….
The iconic musician passed away on Thursday from complications due to a flu virus. Robertson had actually last week Friday checked himself into the Mt Hope hospital because although he thought he just had the cold, he was feeling particularly unwell. Up to last Sunday, Robertson was supposed to attend the Etienne Charles concert for the launch of Charles’ Creole Christmas CD.
“Raf called me maybe the day he went to the hospital to say he wasn’t feeling well: a cold. He was supposed to be at Etienne’s show. This is a devastating loss,” said his friend, Nigel Campbell who produced the concert.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20151205/features/8216gonna-miss-you...
Raf Robertson Live at Queens Hall Aug 8th 2015
I wish to add my voice to the chorus of fans extending condolences to the family and friends of Raf and Herman.
odw, thanks for posting the recording from the August 2015 concert. It is especially poignant to hear Raf's voice, as he addressed the audience. I would also like to compliment those responsible for the quality of that recording.
Arranger: Andy Narell & Raf Robertson
Birdsong - Do Something For Pan
Arranger Raf Robertson