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.
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yes roy, from city syncopaters
Condolences to the McKain family and to the Renegades family. Rest in Peace 'Tempo'.
Requiem for Tempo.
'Fitzroy McTain. 'Tempo’. 1927-2018.
Born and raised in Basildon Street, East Dry River, Port of Spain, Tempo was a ‘Renegade’ when the band was just a thought and he remained at its centre and in its heart, through its trials and triumphs until the very end of his life. At the age of 90, he was on stage with the winning Panorama side of 2018; wielding his tambourine he kept the rhythm section under manners from his usual position, port aft of the Engine Room.
Tempo’s instrument of choice, for the past twenty years or so, was the tambourine, but he had a long history with the other instruments of the band. He played tenor bass in the Stage side for many years and served as Vice-captain under Leonard ‘ Boldface’ Patrick.
The tambourine may be one of the humblest instruments of a steelband, but its gentle influence is felt right through the loudest score, and it is the first and last sound you hear from a distant steelband, in this way it was symbolic of Tempo and his life.
Tempo was a great man, a gentle man, a man of humility,integrity and compassion. Small in stature and soft spoken, he seldom raised his voice, he didn't have to, one look was enough to quell any kind of foolish behaviour.
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He was an attentive listener, acutely sensitive to nuance and dissonance, in music and in men and he knew how to deal with both.He was widely respected and much loved, his counsel was sought by many and his advice followed by high and low.
Tempo never joined the ranks of the 'rich-and-famous’, but in his community, and in the Renegade diaspora, he was a star and a guiding light.
RIP Tempo, beloved and respected by all, you lived long and well and you will continue to live in our hearts and in the memories of men and music.
Condolences to his family and friends.
Just found out and saddened by his passing. An exemplary Renegades stalwart and gentleman. Thankfully, his last performance was a winning one! A privilege to have known him. He'll be missed.
May he truly rest in peace.