Blog 2.0

Let's hear it for Pan Times/WST.

I don't know about you guys, but I think that one of the most significant developments in the steelband world in modern times has been the development of the internet, and particularly, of Pan on the net, Pan Times, When Steel Talks or whatever they choose to call themselves.

Their role in promoting  steelband culture around the world has been invaluable.

Their impact on this year's panorama is undeniable, from providing up to date information about all things related to the panorama events, to encouraging dialog and information exchange among pan people, to (IMHO) even helping to prod Advance Dynamics to improve their production values.

Their contribution to the steelband movement in general has been immeasurable.

I know I've said some of this before, but I feel so strongly about this that I do not think it can be overstated.

As a die hard pan lover , I cannot thank them enough, and I like to think that I speak for thousands of pan fans out there.

Thank you very, very much, Pan Times/WST.

Tell me , pan people, what pan music are you listening to?

This week I'm enjoying Robbie Greenidge's fine Christmas album from 1995" It's Christmas mon!.
Steel Pan music Christmas style".
(I prefer it to the new one)

I'm also enjoying Invaders "An Enchanted Evening" featuring such classic Invaders hits as" With a song in my heart" and "Schubert's Serenade"

Btw, can anyone tell me who does the solo work on this album?
Very impressive.

I'm also checking out "Jazz 'n' Steel from Trinidad and Tobago", by the Rudy Smith Trio, featuring the Anise Hadeed quartet.

It's Christmas, so let's take a break and enjoy some good pan music.

Can WHEN STEEL TALKS find out what is the situation with Labor Day/Jouvert Morning Steelband competition 2010? I spoke to Emlyn Harewood, the leader of the band DC Pan Jammers, which won the Bomb competition last year and he told me he saw the results of the competition on WHEN STEEL TALKS.

Emlyn told me that leading up to the competition, he received calls fom everyone, even the police, but after the competition, NADA! He has won aspects of the Labor Day/Jouvert Morning competition on at least three occasions and has never received any payments OR trophy inclusive of last year. WHAT IS GOING ON?

Emlyn told me that he is interested in the band participating in this year's competition but he is at a loss at what to do and who to contact. Mobilization costs to bring the band from DC are over $3,000 and of course there is the registration fee for the competition among other things. Please WHEN STEEL TALKS find out what is going on.