Global - Anthony Williams, leader and arranger of the defunct Pan Am North Stars, has planned a special occasion to celebrate his 81st birthday.
On June 24, at the St. James Amphitheatre, Williams will commemorate the 50th year of the band’s rendition of Johann Strauss Jr.s’ “Voices of Spring,” a landmark performance that won the 1962 Steel Band Music Festival in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
The invitational event begins at 6 p.m., and will also honor pan legends Ray Holman, Robert Greenidge, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Pelham Goddard and Earl Brooks.
In early May, Williams was reminded of the festival anniversary by Judy Arthur, his caregiver of 14 years. Williams pushed for an observance party that would include Desperadoes, St. James Tripolians, Scrunters Pan Groove and St. James North Stars, relying on Arthur to organize the function.
“We’re still trying to reach alumni of North Stars, besides the surviving members of the original group of 16 music festival players.” said Arthur, a senior media officer at Ample Advertising. “I’m planning something that everyone will remember.”
Honorees Sharpe, Holman and Brooks are scheduled to perform. “They were all moved not only by the “Spider Web” awards, but also the fact that Anthony, who is so widely respected, recognized their achievements in pan.”
Williams’ Spider Web approach to tuning made the art - and playing of the instrument - easier through the placement of notes he called the cycle of Fourths and Fifths. His methodology would help lead to the eventual standardization of the instrument - as well as his greatest accomplishment, collaborating with international pianist Winifred Atwell on the Ivory and Steel concert at Madison Square Garden in 1969.
click for full story
Replies
Mr Williams certainly deserves the Nobel Prize in Physics for his unique decovery and ground-breaking invention in the creation of the cycle of 5th Steelpan instrument . This contributed to the formation of the only modren symphonic orchestra in the World. Please Nominate our Heroes now!
Dalton and WST,
This was an exceptionally informative and interesting writing. I'm wondering now if the celebration on June 24 will be video recorded and if no plans are currently in place for that, can you work your magic to have it done? It is a historic event. If i wasn't hosting my daughter's HS graduation party that day I would fly to TnT to be present and to honor all these giants, especially Mr Tony Williams, who truly was way ahead of his time.-
Thanks,
D Gettes
ps Didnt Monty Alexander/Othello M and Michael Utley/ Robert G. also release records called Ivory and Steel? Were these in reference to the original? I agree with everyone who posted how amazingly beautiful and haunting the Voices of Spring is- it is a pan masterpiece in my book.
Monty Alexander's Ivory & Steel (Jamboree), featuring Othello Molineaux & Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe on steel pans, was initially released on LP in 1988 (Penny Lane Studios) and as CD (by Concord Jazz) in 1990. No reference to Winifred Atwell with Pan Am mentioned.
Michael Utley/ Robert Greenidge release with same title sounds vaguely familiar.
David:
Much appreciation for your comments. I spoke with Judy Arthur, who's organizing the affair, about your suggestion. Hopefully, she'll reply to your note. Meanwhile, none of those albums you mentioned had any connection to the original Ivory and Steel recording. That, in itself, is as groundbreaking, if not more so, as Voices of Spring. The music is posted online. Judge for yourself. Regards. Dalton
On the occasion of Anthony William's celebration of his 81st. birthday, and the commemoration of the 50th. anniversary of Pan Am Jet North Stars' rendition of Johann Strauss Jr.'s 'Voices of Spring', I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for good health, happiness and prosperity to him and the surviving members of this illustrious and ground-breaking steel orchestra.
Mr. Williams epitomizes what true genius is all about. Without proper and formal schooling in music, and with just his natural God-given talents and brilliance of mind, he is destined for inclusion in the annals of pan history and culture, as one of the greatest arrangers, tuners and band leaders of all time.
Once again, Mr. Anthony Williams, congratulations and thanks for the memories.
Thanks Pan Times: Now I know where my most favorite and treasured 1969 album: Ivory & Steel (Winifred Atwell with Pan Am North Stars) was performed and recorded. The liner notes neglected to mention Madison Square Gardens.
I am so happy that Mr. Anthony Williams will have a special birthday tribute to honor his "PAN" contributions and research.
Please let the public know when and where tickets can be purchased for this auspicious event.
Hi Ian, i believe that it is by invitation only. Let me know if your are in TnT, and I
would ask Judy to include your name as an invitee.
Sam:
The event IS by invitation. I spoke with Judy Arthur a minute ago, and I hope she responds on WST with further clarification. However, you are definitely in position to make a play, and even sway her to video-record the proceedings, as suggested by David Gettes a few hours ago on this forum. Regards. Dalton.
Rename Bombay Street; Tony Williams Avrnue.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next