Jonathan Scales’ mission is to demonstrate that steel pan music can be more than the Caribbean-flavored percussion that his instrument is associated with. Steel pans or drums originated on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
Composer Scales on steel pan along with his bass, drums and miscellaneous percussion band make music with international flair. Their sound has been celebrated for originality and energetic vibe. Jonathan Scales Fourchestra will perform at 9 p.m. as the Jazz in June headliner at Brookhaven Village, 3700 W. Robinson St.
“I have a group together now that understands the music coming out of my head,” Scales said. “They’re able to execute this in a way that people can absorb. We don’t do many covers, and it’s nice to present a show of original music.”
Scales, 34, has recorded six albums. His self-titled freshman LP "Ropeadope Records" made it to No. 6 on iTunes jazz charts in 2013. The Appalachian State University alum has toured in North America, Europe and Asia. He’s a sought-after collaborator who has worked with luminaries such as Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten and Dennis Chambers. The young lion has learned from these senior statesmen of jazz, and they’ve been invigorated by his passion for the genre.
Possibly because of his unique use of steel pan in jazz, Scales has found some verbal explanation with listeners to be helpful.
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"Their sound has been celebrated for originality and energetic vibe ... “I have a group together now that understands the music coming out of my head,” Scales said. “They’re able to execute this in a way that people can absorb. We don’t do many covers, and it’s nice to present a show of original music.”
How long I on THIS FORUM telling dem TRINI PAN MEN that they have to PLAY MUSIC THAT PEOPLE COULD ABSORB -- GLOBAL MUSIC (ah did not use the exact word ABSORB)!!!
And how long ah begging them to MAKE ORIGINAL MUSIC for GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT? There are PROFESSIONAL AMERICAN MUSIC PRODUCERS out there who are just an email of phone call away.
We are sitting down on all THE ROOTS and CANNOT GROW A TREE!!!