A When Steel Talks Exclusive
Global - Just a single name encapsulates this slight man, what he became and the huge legacy he left pan and country.
Imagine a shy East Indian panman/ arranger from Surrey, Lopinot, not your ordinary panist at all, being called upon by Renegades, a steelband from round the bridge, to arrange its music. Particularly Panorama fare.
This is a man who went on to win nine Panorama titles in 16 years. To understand the relevance of that milestone, Desperadoes celebrated 10 Panorama wins among three arrangers.
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The sensitivity and illumination in your piece deeply appreciated. It avoided deifying Jit which we often tend to do when icons pass, but it did justice to an undoubted pan genius who regaled us with a body of work that truly embodies what one tourist many years ago dubbed "canned enchantment", in reference to the steelband.
winston rudder
I agree.
Not much I can add to Dalton's fine words, beautifully stated as usual.
Jit Samaroo was one of the most significant contributors to the sound and direction of steelband music, particularly steelbands panorama music ; a genre he arguably dominated for the last two decades of the twentieth century, with nine panorama victories from 1982 to 1997.
His panorama arrangements with Renegades Steel Orchestra certainly challenged the skills of the players and extended the range of ideas in panorama arranging.
His significant contributions to the development of the art-form will be remembered as long as steelband music is loved and appreciated.
May he Rest in Peace.
( And btw Winston Rudder , your brother Errol was a classmate at St. Michaels in Princes Town)
Wonderful. Small world indeed. I was two years ahead of him , also among the pioneer group at St. Michael's. Best regards
Winston, I think you may remember my brother older brother , Selwyn Tony.
He was at Presentation in your era.
I went to Naps.
Renegades - Bees Melody HD (Panorama Classic )