New York, U.S.A.- “...It is a magical instrument. Especially when you play as a band, I can’t even describe how my spirit is lifted. The only way is to experience it.”
New York, USA - In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, drummer extraordinaire Billy Cobham speaks on his life-long relationship with the steelpan instrument and the cultural influences from childhood to adult that have impacted his music an
“I feel when you truly love something or someone musically, you can NEVER just like one of their pieces. Clive Bradley will always be my favorite arranger because of his inventiveness to create masterpi
THE EDITOR: Are writers of original musical compositions approached by pan arrangers to rearrange their original compositions? If so, are composers compensated from the prize monies won from the Panorama competition?
Seattle, Washington, USA- “When I heard Ray Holman play on the double-seconds, I could not believe my senses. This was clearly beyond what any words could express.”
New York, USA - In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, recent NYU graduate Luz Carime Santa-Coloma speaks on her special relationship with the steelpan instrument and how it has transformed her musical perspective and enhanced her college
New York, USA- Most disappointing? “...The idea that Panorama is everything and all pan has to offer. Bands work so hard during the Panorama season. Sacrifice, time, money, stress - all for those few
Trinidad & Tobago. W.I.- “Women still cannot get the same RESPECT as their male peers...
“....So when I create and want to fall in love with the music and industry again…. I just go to the younger players. I create with them in mind. You don’t hav
New York, USA- “What disappoints me the most about the steel pan movement is exactly that, the lack of a movement. There doesn't seem to be a "movement." There seems to be plenty of different entitie
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I.- “Those eight minutes are magical - it’s what I wait for 364 days of the year. The emotion you feel telling this music story is like
Illinois, USA- She is an old school triple threat like Anthony Williams, Ellie Mannette and Neville Jules who is unapologetically enchanted with the beauty, spirit and power of steelpan instrument an
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I.- “Being a woman player in the world-famous Phase II Pan Groove is humbling. The idea of being affiliated with the band, not just as a female but as a regular member of the band is someth
“....My father David R.C. Graham aka ‘Heshimu’ (deceased) who was also a former panist and drummer for Skiffle, was my main influencer to play pan and I believe that when I play pan now, he’s smiling in heaven and our souls are connected.”
Chiquinha Gonzago established a career for herself as a professional musician in nineteenth century Brazil at a time when it was widely considered scandalous to do so. Gonzaga became Brazil's first professional female conductor and composed over
“Compared to the past and what I've learnt, the sexism aspect of playing the steelpan and it being considered a "man's thing" has been mostly if not completely non-existent. We see more women playing the steelpan and being treated as another other p
France- “In France steelpan is quite unknown. Except with steelpan players, I have to explain quite every time what steelpan is. In general people are interested and don’t un
Maryland, USA- “Music embodies my life to the point that it takes precedence to eating, drinking and sleeping. I often hear melodies and musical arrangements in my head...”
North Tyneside, U.K.- “It’s the most indescribable & amazing 10 minutes. I felt full of every single emotion after Trinidad Panorama, it was my biggest achievement to d
New York/Japan
