All Blog Posts (518)

Interested in four sticks technique, jazz harmony, scales, Barry Harris improvisation concepts for steelpans plus more. Send me an email to start your online session at seanjazzthomas@gmail.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdC5HVHrQSohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdC5HVHrQSo

Check Out ''Smooth Sailing'' by Rudy Applewhite@ Smooth Sailing

JAZZ WORKSHOP SERIES 

Chapter 1-5 

Every Space & Note Counts

An Introduction to Jazz Pianist, Composer & Educator - Barry Harris

Hosted by Steel Pan Trust for ALL Intermediate/Advance Steel Pan Musicians

presented by: Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Alumnus - Sean Thomas

areas covered:

• Barry Harris rules for major, minor & dominant 7th scales 

• Rhythm, and rhythmic aspects of playing, sight…

My 4th collection of original tunes for Steel Pan, entitled "The Panoramic View," is now available.  The book features 20 songs in lead sheet style (melodies and chords) for small combos to play.  For soloists and students, every tune comes with backing tracks featuring a "band" behind the player.  My other collections, “Sea Breeze,” “Chasing Summer,” and “Put It Behind You,” are also available through Tropical Shores Productions.  I'm very…

CARNIVAL IS A RITUAL

They came from all over just as they did last year and for so many years before to this meeting place, to indulge in this Ritual that is Carnival. Their behavior was trance-like, as though possessed they gathered at Ports of departure, each one determined that nothing could stop them from worshiping their God, King Carnival. Their transit to the venues of worship was tense with anticipation as they were moved by the memory of last year's Ritual. Their…

So have we in 2019 reached that dreaded 'glass ceiling' where bands that are outside that 'big 5' sacred circle are thrown under the bus? The message that this sends to every other band is that no matter how hard you try, no matter how  proficiently, well-arranged and executed, no matter how 'top drawer' a performance, the answer will always be a resounding 'No'. Unless judges don't get overly swayed by popularity and/or fan enthusiasm, unless they dare to use objectivity and make…

Toronto's tribute to a steelpan Icon- Ellie Mannette 2018

https://facebook.com/urbancarnival/videos/290304645158412/

.Pan Trinbago Elections for National Officers......OCT 28th.....VOTE FOR ...IAN J CLARKE...EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER........

https://www.facebook.com/Ian-Clarke-for-External-Relations-Officer-of-Pan-Trinbago-368619973877936/

My third original collection "Put It Behind You" features 20 new tunes in Caribbean styles.  Charts are arranged with melody & chords in a lead sheet format that is easy for live bands to play.  For soloists, each backing track blends drums, bass, and percussion, with a variety of harmony instruments including guitar, organ, marimba, vibraphone, and occasionally, horns.…

To  the administration of WST and Pan Lovers the world over, please feel free to access my page and engage in any questions, clarifications,conversations etc, etc.

https://www.facebook.com/Ian-Clarke-for-External-Relations-Officer-of-Pan-Trinbago-368619973877936/

I have seen Keron's team.

In my opinion too much accent on Biographies and academia of the candidates.

Not impressed at all. Pan must not go down that path, we need a combination of academia and representatives

from the school of hard knocks who not only know pan in its infancy but will recruit the best support staff to 

move the movement. Keron, this is not the Mayors office.

Orvis Noel Ex-Pat 

St Augustine

How%20Low%20Will%20We%20Go.docx

Our dynamic team: Keith Byer (president); Aquil Arrindell(vice President); Fuad Abu Bakr(PRO); Khion DeLas(Education Officer); Travis Mulraine (Asst. Secretary); Kerri Ann Walters(Treasurer).. We looked acros slates to get the best people for the job and we have identified persons for the other positions which will be revealed in a subsequent post.

1. So, according to reports he (Philmore) rolled his vehicle and as a  result suffered internal injuries .He was taken to SGH where  in 2018 there are no doctors capable off treating traumatic injuries. When will Trinidad medicine get better?.Condolences  to his family and friends .

ABOUT THE MAN HIMSELF

Much is known of Ellie as a pan tuner and popular steel-band man, but not many people know of his academic side. Ellie as a young man was very ambitious and at an early age became an apprentice in machinery and graduated at the top of his class as a Lathe Operator. He was well recognized for his work in Trinidad in that field, as a valued employee at the Acme Engineering Co. on Richmond street. His first encounter with Navy would come when US Navy forces staged a…

Dr. Elliott “Ellie” Mannette

Elliiott was always surrounded by the people who loved…

My comments about my enjoyment of the recent steelband parades have been misinterpreted as an endorsement of steelbands on trucks , so I wish to further clarify my thoughts, to clear up any misunderstandings.

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Now , I fully appreciate why it's done , but I don't like steelbands on trucks.

Like I've said many times, I think something about the steelband vibration is lost , with the distance created between the steelband , the natural environment , and the…

I was very disappointed that I did not receive a notification of yesterdays event Pan on the Avenue. I sent a note on your Facebook. We got to see the video which stopped at Harmonites, the large bands we did not see or hear. SAD.

RIP "Tempo"...stalwart and former Double Second pannist and as recently as this year's Panorama, great Rhythm Section tambourine player.

Your send-off today was synonymous with your personality, humility, love of pan and people.

Continue to fly the Renegades flag, and pan flag in general, flying high in heaven.

You will be missed by all.