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The first time I saw Despers, I was with my brother Norman in 1981. They were performing at the Birmingham Odeon, (as part of their UK tour). The whole audience was transfixed, we were amazed with the standard and sound of the music . Robert Greenidge gave a great performance with Taj Mahal. This was the first time I had seen a steelpan soloist in action. This performance changed my life. I knew there and then that I would become a professional steelpan solo performer.
Robert Greenidge Pan Solo to view click link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EcuGvLn7zs&feature=related
My brother and I bought the two albums by Desperadoes and Taj Mahal at the end of the show. Once home we began to learn the full musical arrangements including the solos. I recall spending hours upon hours at my parents' house playing these records over and over trying to work out Robert Greenidge's pan solos. We also adapted some of the Clive Bradley arrangements for our own Birmingham based Maestro Steel band led by my brother Norman Stewart.
Maestro Steel Orchestra Pan Here to Say arranged by Norman Pan Maestro & Mighty Jamma
To view link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmKYbM1Yt3s&feature=related
Our passion for the steel pan continued to grow and we started following the Trinidad Steel bands very closely. Even though it was difficult to get audio recordings of the bands we managed to get a few. One of the albums that is still very memorable for me is the great classic "Pan In Honey". The famous tracks many people remember from this album "Pan In Harmony" by Clive Bradley; Despers panorama piece's like "Ah Going and Party Tonight" arranged by the late Master Arranger Clive Bradley 1982 ( sang by Calypsonion Lord Nelson ) and; the monster winning arrangement of Clive Bradley's "Rebecca" (Sang by Calypsonion "Super Blue" ) that gained Despers another Panorama victory in 1983, most defiantly a true master piece.
1986 was the first year that Norman and I visited Trinidad & Tobago - the land of Pan. This was a great year with the hit song by David Rudder "The Hammer " (this song was dedicated to the late great Rudolph Charles, The General of Desperadoes, who sadly had passed away 1985). Both Desperadoes and Trinidad All Stars played the Hammer that year, but Leon Smooth's Edward's arrangement of The Hammer for Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars swept the whole Savanna and the judges off their feet- gaining another Panorama Victory for Trinidad All Stars.
In 1986 Trinidad All Stars visited England as part of the Caribbean Focus Tour. For their Birmingham show, Maestros Steel band was privileged to be the guest band at the show. That was how I made contact with World Renowned Soloist & Arranger Yohan Popwel.
On my return visits to Trinidad I would stay with Yohan; this was like paradise for me because Yohan's house was central to both bands, All Stars and Despers. I also got back in touch with good friend Dane Gouston who also had visited England with All Stars..
Leon Smooth Edwards arrangment of Woman on the Bass by Trinidad All Stars Panorama 1980
To View link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djbrpaikBqM&feature=related
Dane is so full of Charisma and showmanship a true inspiration to any Pan player.
Dane Gulston Solo Brooklyn NY Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSJ7znmQxAw&feature=related
We recall late one night when Norman, Yohan and I were sitting outside talking and could hear three of the top bands in the world Desperadoes, Trinidad All Stars, and Renegades practicing - depending on which way the wind was blowing. This was really amazing: to hear the sound of live pan being blown by the wind. That's why Trinidad is defiantly the home of the Steelband, cause to have three great bands with over 120 members per band rehearsing in the open so close to each other and; no complaints from any of the residents - this really is amazing. The great thing is that Steelband accommodates all the generations of the community; from great grandparents to grandchildren. How many opportunities are there in life for intergenerational activities? Where else can young and old can learn, create and enjoy the same activity and have mutual enjoyment? This provides a positive environment for youngsters and, at the same time, gives a common goal to work towards.
Almost 20 years later, 2009 I am in Trinidad again, travelling with my brother Norman and friends from the UK. Norman played, Double Seconds with the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra - a long awaited dream come true. Most of my time, I spent with Desperadoes. It seemed that anywhere I went I ended back with Desperadoes. Robert Greenidge's arrangement of 'Pan Redemption' was great, and the band was welcoming and full of love. It was a real pleasure to be with the band for the whole season. The amount of dedication that is put into perfecting the music can only be described as pure love and commitment . The rehearsal started at around 7pm and finished round about 3am the following morning. This was the regime every night for the two weeks we were there. What is even more amazing is that the players are so accustomed to the Carnival practice routine they still got up to go to work and school and made it in on time!
The Pan Yard vibes was great with food and drinks served all night, with of course sweet, sweet pan music. Every player and section of the band was tested on how well they knew the music and only the best were chosen for the final night's performance. This was quite a hard job for the management and section leaders. In total there was about 180 members all working hard to make the final performance, but the band could only have a maximum of 100 players on final night.
Robert Greenidge Arrangement of Musical Magnum by Desperadoes Steel Orchestra Panorama 2010
To View Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKFED7iQUfs&feature=related
The winning band "Silver Stars" is one of the oldest bands in Trinidad, and gladly claimed their first Panorama Victory 2009 performing "First in Line ". Len Boogies Sharp's Band "Phase II Pan Grove" placed 2nd with Magic Drum, and Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars, placed 3rd, with Leon Smooth's arrangement of "Pan Rivalry" Robert Greenidge's arrangement of Pan Redemption place Desperadoes 4th . This was the top four Big Bands
Len Boogsie Sharp Arrangment & Composition Pan Army by Phase II Pan Grove Panorama 2010
To View link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4XJXNjIYNs&feature=related
Len Boogsie Sharp Pan Solo My Way To View click link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lal2l19GDUc&feature=related
2009 was also a great pleasure to witness Yohan Popwell gain another Panorama victory in the Medium category with his band Clico Sforzata
Yohan Popwell Arrangement of Smooths Sailing Solo Harmonites Panorama 2010
To View click link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7xnubzyhME&feature=related
Jamma & Norman would like to thank the Management team and entire family of Desperadoes for making Carnival 2009 such a great experiences And of course not forgetting our wonderful host Yohan Popwell and Family.
The Arrival of Electronic Steelpan Midi Controllers
Now we see new projects on the horizon like the electric midi controllers made in the pattern of Steelpans. This is a great breakthrough for Panist because it allows them the freedom of using their skills with modern day technology. The beauty with these instruments is that you can hook them up to a computer and use them with music programs which opens a wind range of sounds and instruments, hence the panist does not have to learn to play keyboards to get access to the thousands of sound modules that is out there.
What makes these instruments suitable for Pan players is the fact the notes are laid out in the circle of 4th & 5th the great discovery of the Trinidad genius Tony Williams. My first in counter with one of these sound modules was the PANKAT with notes hexagon shaped it seams very similar to the original Spider web pan. This demonstration of the PANKAT I have used a sound other than the steelpan, but obviously the technique of a panist.
Mighty Jamma demonstrates the PANKAT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYearIXk2gQ&feature=related
Jamma Salmon & Jamani
Recently I had the great pleasure of meeting another magnificent genius "from the Land of Pan Trinidad & Tobago " Salmon Cupid the inventor of the Electronic Pan ( Epan ) from the moment I saw the pan come out of the case, I knew I wanted one. I had been following cupid on the net, but meeting him in person and seeing and playing the epan as a panist I just knew that this is an invention that is bringing pan forward in an unimaginable way. Just the size of how neatly it fits in your home, and you can practice with head phones, it is like magic, I would defiantly recommend the epan for any serious panist to have as well as an the original pan.
Mighty Jamma demonstration on the e.pan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HdLChwzxE0
The epan has all the modern functions to hook up with your pc, but the lay out and shapes of the notes are closer to an original pan, and it has excellent casing for transportation.
Sometimes I feel some panist don't understand the fact that these new creations are not here to replace the original steelpan but to bridge the gap with authentic & modern day technology . Just as the great genius Pan invotater Berti Marshall was working on the electronic Steelpans many years ago, we have to be thankful as panist that we have lived to see this kind of technology developed in our life time.
Mighty Jamma Demonstation epan Show time Panorama 2011 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glgq9GgCt_g
Jamani Stewart Young Steelpan ambassador
The journey of the Pan Man continues with father & son using traditional and electronic steelpan midi controllers
15 yr Jamani Stewart demonstartion on epan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OSOrymuA6A&feature=related
It must remembered that the electronic midi controllers are not here to take away from the amazing beauty and craftsmanship of the pan maker , but it is an extra tool for panist to use along side there PC & music programs.,
I would like to finish off with thanking the lord Jesus Christ for the wonderful gift of Steelpan, life, knowledge & Understanding.
I hope you enjoyed sharing this: The Journey of A Pan Man, as much as I am enjoying living the wonderful experiences in the journey and putting this together to share with you.
Please feel free to share this with your friends & Family.
God Bless
Mighty Jamma Pan Solo Amazing Grace To view click link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEe_bXs9g3g
To see more pictures and hear live audio samples please visit
The Steel pan is a beautiful creation originated in Trinidad & Tobago in the late 19.30's and is the only orchestral family of acoustic musical instruments to be invented in the 20th century. With instruments ranging from low bass to high sopranos, all made out of the same raw material (oil drums) makes this invention a magnificent achievement for people of Trinidad & Tobago.
Jamani Stewart was introduced to the Steelpans at a very young age, due to the fact his dad "Jamma" played the Steelpans, and had first hand experience of the benefits of playing music from a young age, felt it inessential to pass on the skills to his Children.
By time Jamani was 11 months old he was making his own beat box rhythms with his mouth, what was so amazing was the fact his rhythmic timing of his beats were so interesting & creative and steady to the beat, and this was before he could talk.
As time went on Jamani "the same as most babies love tapping beats on the tables and walls and was showing a great interest to music. Mom and Dad would encourage Jamani and his sister Rochella using spoons as sticks have little jam sessions on pots and pans, basins, they loved hearing the different tones that could be produced using simple house hold materials as instruments.
At two years old Jamani was brought a little plastic drum set channel his drumming skills, and save our walls, and furniture from being marked up. As he developed his skills he was encouraged to play in church.
At three years old he did his first public performance at the Jamma Caribbean musical
extravaganzer, held at the Midlands Art Centre Cannon Hill Park Birmingham,.It was amazing to see that in front of appropriately two and half thousand people he did not show a hint of nervousness.
Throughout all this time Jamani was always hearing his dad practice and doing shows on the Steelpans. Both Jamani and Rochella were allowed to play the pans once they learned the instrument had to be played softly and gracefully.
Rochella Stewart learning how to play softly.
Once leant how to play softly they could do little exercises to develop pitch and melodies , as time went on we found Jamani would gravitate to the pan's more, and started teaching himself simple melodies like, Happy birthday, when the saints, go marching in, pink panther and many more tunes.
After seeing all these signs of musical ability at 6 years old dad could see it was time to start developing his repertoire, starting with songs like what a friend we have in Jesus, and brushing up on songs like when the saints, as well as others, it was soon time for him to start gigging.
His Mom Angela made him his first costume, and he was more than ready to hit the stage.
Jamani at 7 years old was proving to be very comfortable on stage .
To view a live performance of 7 year old Jamani performing at the Merryhill Shopping Centre please click on link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGscGPoK-7w
As time went on He would do regular solo performance at church and various functions, developing a wider verity of music at a young age proved to be more rewarding. He would also do regular performance with dad this help to develop things like improvising and ear training.
We soon found out he had the gift of perfect pitch and could mimic phrase's instantly. to view live video of Jamani & Dad performing together please click on link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COGkVVjPe58&feature=related
Sometimes Jamani would be a bit shy to the real discipline it takes to learn a piece to performance standard so sometimes at rehearsals if dad was looking the other way he would make a run for it, upstairs or out the back door, and would love when dad had to chase and catch him and bring him back to the pan. But we took are time just learning a little more each day, we could defiantly see the repertoire growing to the extent were he was performing more solo gigs at schools and various functions,He was also developing the skill of addressing his audience in a more professional way.
By time jamani was 9 years old he had developed an extrourdanary gift to play jazz music and improvise he also new exactly when the song was going to finish.
Check out 9 year old Jamani playing now is the time "Jazz piece by Charlie Parker"
to view click link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwOTP7keFYk&feature=related
When his dad founded the Birmingham school of pan, to teach local children the art of playing the steelpans, Jamani and Rochella would love to perform along side there friends in various carnivals.Playing in the blazing sun the hours were long and tiring but the sound of the steelpan kept them going.
Playing in the band gives members a chance to meet celebrities, pictured here is Rochella and Jamani after a performance at the Birmingham Symphony hall with TV star Rudoplh Walker (Patrick ) from East Enders
Jamani being a solo performer means you have to rely on yourself to run the show, were as in a band you have other musicians to help you out, which is all good as in developing team work skills, so getting the corrected balance between solo permanences and band work, is inessential skills to have for a young growing musician.
Over the years locally Jamani has performed at many venues, like the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham Symphony Hall, the National indoor arena, to mention a a few, he has travelled to Africa, Trinidad, guernsey, and many more places.. Also he has done many Radio and TV performances, recorded TV Advert for the Saint Kits and Nevis Jazz festival, performed on live TV in Trinidad & Tobago the home of the Steelpans
Picture above was taken in Trinidad TV studios, after performance by 3 Steelpan solo artist . Jamani Stewart, "UK'S young Steelpan Soloist" with one of "Trinidad & Tobago's top Steelpan soloist" Dane Gulston & Dad Mighty Jamma, "UK'S No1 Steelpan Soloist Champion", with Alison Hennessey Trinidad and Tobago TV presenter
To View 12 year old Jamani Performing On Children's BBC click on link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6fpB-SESBM&feature=autoplay&...
The Steelpan as a solo instrument is capable of playing many different forms of music The lay out of notes on the Tenor pan (Soprano ) Jamani is performing on is set to a circle of 4th & 5th. the one pan carries 29 diffrent notes and was discovered by Trinidad Genius Tony Williams.
Many Steelpan soloist thrive to perform and improvise over well known jazz standards
to view video of 14 year old Jamani improvising & rehearsing a piece called Meditation please click on link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKEw3AVNl8w&feature=related
Due to the fact the steelpan is a melodic percussive instrument it is very important to understand Melodies, Chords, & Harmonies as well as different kinds of beats & rhythms .Playing drums can be very helpful to develop the rhythmic understanding. Drumming also helps develop better wrist action for control of speed, dynamics & rolling notes.
Jamani started playing drums from 3 years old, and has always kept that passion with him. the next video clip was recorded at perry beaches school concert were Jamani played drums with his friends & Asian dhol drummers
to view 15 year old Jamani,s performance on drums please click on link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-mO9zVxq2o
Jamani Stewart as a young steelpan soloist has adapted the use of the instrument to perform songs that people in his age group would recognises, creating a refreshing mix of contemporary R & B, hip-hop, dancehall and reggae, performing songs by artistes like R. Kelly, Sean Paul, Akon,T.O.K, as well as performing traditional calypso,s jazz Ballard is helping to bring the steelpan to new audiences. As a young steelpan ambassador he has found the instrument is very popular with staff and pupil at his secondary school perry beaches.
Jamani started recording his first album at 12 years old and completed it by 13th birthay. he was quite impressed to see how his brand of steelpan music was received by people world wide, he also enjoyed TV coverage
To View Jamani in Action on Central News please click on link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF4QesMbT_4
Jamani with Proud Dad "Mighty Jamma"
Coming from a musical family has help contribute in many different areas,. Jamani's two uncles as well as Dad are very involved in the music also, Uncle Barry (MACKADUB) Stewart help with all the technical Recording and production side of the album, Uncle Norman ( Pan Maestro ) Stewart Tune's the Steelpans, and his Dad Jamma Stewart is UK'S No1 Steelpan Soloist Champion, so a lot of input from different directions has contributed to the production, not forgetting his sister Rochella Stewart who also plays the pans, and did all the art work for the CD. & Mom who makes his costumes for public performances.
Jamani & Rochella
Team work is always a good thing, when Jamani performs with his dad he gets a chance to explore new musical ideas with improvisation and melodies and understanding the language of music in deeper depths.Check out this on rehearsed performance of improvisation on the stop with Jamani & his Dad.
To view video click on link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPb7Dpi8X4c
using the steelpan to play diffrent stlyes of music can only help the instrument to move forward into interrogation with conventional instruments.
Jamani also love rapping and is a well known in artist in grime and goes under the name of J Marnz and is a group called Tinyan.
Check out J marnz in 5 star media video shoot . click link below to view
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKs9SPVDhPU&feature=related
Jamani has activity been a pioneer for the new electronic steelpan midi controllers, these instruments have notes laid out the sam as an original steelpan but can be hooked up to a computer and used to play different sounds, like piano, trumpets, drums, etc.
At 12 Years old Jamani was commissioned by Alternate mode the makers of the PANKAT to do a video.
To View Jamani on PANKAT click on Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1r_MGuUjq8
Recently Jamani had the pleasure of meeting the inventor of the new epan (electronic pan ) Salmon Cupid, who also asked Jamani to make a video demonstration of the epan. These instruments are not replacements for the traditional Steelpans, but can be very useful for studio work when building tracks.
To View Jamani Demonstrate the epan click on links below
Demo 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OSOrymuA6A&feature=related
Demo 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vywryggbdec&feature=related
It was a pleasure to see Jamani getting awarded at school for unstanding musical achievements,
Happy Family Friend TV Celebrity Rusty Lee at Perry Beaches Awards Evening
Angela Stewart, Rusty & Jamma proud parents of Jamani celebrate with good friend Rusty
Proud head Master Liam Noland Perry Beaches school
To hear sample's of Jamani please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU2MCElFXrU
For information general inquires, on workshops/ performances please http://www.jammasteelpan.net/
The Steel pan is a beautiful creation originated in Trinidad & Tobago in the late 19.30's and is the only orchestral family of acoustic musical instruments to be invented in the 20th century. With instruments ranging from low bass to high sopranos, all made out of the same raw material (oil drums) makes this invention a magnificent achievement for people of Trinidad & Tobago.
Jamani Stewart as a young steelpan soloist has adapted the use of the instrument to perform songs that people in his age group would recognises, creating a refreshing mix of contemporary R & B, hip-hop, dancehall and reggae, performing songs by artistes like R. Kelly, Sean Paul, Akon,T.O.K, as well as performing traditional calypso,s jazz Ballard is helping to bring the steelpan to new audiences. As a young steelpan ambassador he has found the instrument is very popular with staff and pupil at his secondary school perry beaches.
Jamani started recording his first album at 12 years old and completed it by 13th birthay. he was quite impressed to see how his brand of steelpan music was received by people world wide, he also enjoyed TV coverage
To View Jamani in Action on Central News please click on link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF4QesMbT_4
Jamani with Proud Dad "Mighty Jamma"
Coming from a musical family has help contribute in many different areas,. Jamani's two uncles as well as Dad are very involved in the music also, Uncle Barry (MACKADUB) Stewart help with all the technical Recording and production side of the album, Uncle Norman ( Pan Maestro ) Stewart Tune's the Steelpans, and his Dad Jamma Stewart is UK'S No1 Steelpan Soloist Champion, so a lot of input from different directions has contributed to the production, not forgetting his sister Rochella Stewart who also plays the pans, and did all the art work for the CD. & Mom who makes his costumes for public performances.
Jamani & Rochella
Team work is always a good thing, when Jamani performs with his dad he gets a chance to explore new musical ideas with improvisation and melodies and understanding the language of music in deeper depths.Check out this on rehearsed performance of improvisation on the stop with Jamani & his Dad.
To view video click on link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPb7Dpi8X4c
using the steelpan to play diffrent stlyes of music can only help the instrument to move forward into interrogation with conventional instruments.
It was a pleasure to see Jamani getting awarded at school for unstanding musical achievements,
Happy Family Friend TV Celebrity Rusty Lee at Perry Beaches Awards Evening
Angela Stewart, Rusty & Jamma proud parents of Jamani celebrate with good friend Rusty
Proud head Master Liam Noland Perry Beaches school
To hear sample's of Jamani please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU2MCElFXrU
For information on workshops/ performances please visit www.jammasteelpan.net
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/young-steelpan-ambassador-4081738.html#ixzz1BmWxAiDg
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
Jamani being a solo performer means you have to rely on yourself to run the show, were as in a band you have other musicians to help you out, which is all good as in developing team work skills, so getting the corrected balance between solo permanences and band work, is inessential skills to have for a young growing musician.
Over the years locally Jamani has performed at many venues, like the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham Symphony Hall, the National indoor arena, to mention a a few, he has travelled to Africa, Trinidad, guernsey, and many more places.. Also he has done many Radio and TV performances, recorded TV Advert for the Saint Kits and Nevis Jazz festival, performed on live TV in Trinidad & Tobago the home of the Steelpans
Picture above was taken in Trinidad TV studios, after performance by 3 Steelpan solo artist . Jamani Stewart, "UK'S young Steelpan Soloist" with one of "Trinidad & Tobago's top Steelpan soloist" Dane Gulston & Dad Mighty Jamma, "UK'S No1 Steelpan Soloist Champion", with Alison Hennessey Trinidad and Tobago TV presenter
To View 12 year old Jamani Performing On Children's BBC click on link below
The Steelpan as a solo instrument is capable of playing many different forms of music. The lay out of notes on the Tenor pan (Soprano ) Jamani is performing on is set to a circle of 4th & 5th. the one pan carries 29 diffrent notes and was discovered by Trinidad Genius Tony Williams.
Many Steelpan soloist thrive to perform and improvise over well known jazz standards
to view video of 14 year old Jamani improvising & rehearsing a piece called Meditation please click on link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKEw3AVNl8w&feature=related
Due to the fact the steelpan is a melodic percussive instrument it is very important to understand Melodies, Chords, & Harmonies as well as different kinds of beats & rhythms .Playing drums can be very helpful to develop the rhythmic understanding. Drumming also helps develop better wrist action for control of speed, dynamics & rolling notes.
Jamani started playing drums from 3 years old, and has always kept that passion with him. the next video clip was recorded at perry beaches school concert were Jamani played drums with his friends & Asian dhol drummers
to view 15 year old Jamani,s performance on drums please click on link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-mO9zVxq2o
For more information on Steelpan workshops & performances please visit
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/visual-art-articles/the-steelpan-soloist-4080969.html#ixzz1BmUWcoxx
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
Jamani Stewart was introduced to the Steelpans at a very young age, due to the fact his dad "Jamma" played the Steelpans, and had first hand experience of the benefits of playing music from a young age, felt it inessential to pass on the skills to his Children.
By time Jamani was 11 months old he was making his own beat box rhythms with his mouth, what was so amazing was the fact his rhythmic timing of his beats were so interesting & creative and steady to the beat, and this was before he could talk.
As time went on Jamani "the same as most babies love tapping beats on the tables and walls and was showing a great interest to music. Mom and Dad would encourage Jamani and his sister Rochella using spoons as sticks have little jam sessions on pots and pans, basins, they loved hearing the different tones that could be produced using simple house hold materials as instruments.
At two years old Jamani was brought a little plastic drum kit to channel his drumming skills, and save our walls, and furniture from being marked up. As he developed his skills he was encouraged to play in church.
At three years old he did his first public performance at the Jamma Caribbean musical
extravaganzer, held at the Midlands Art Centre Cannon Hill Park Birmingham,.It was amazing to see that in front of appropriately two and half thousand people he did not show a hint of nervousness.
Throughout all this time Jamani was always hearing his dad practice and doing shows on the Steelpans. Both Jamani and Rochella were allowed to play the pans once they learned the instrument had to be played softly and gracefully.
Rochella Stewart learning how to play softly.
Once leant how to play softly they could do little exercises to develop pitch and melodies , as time went on we found Jamani would gravitate to the pan's more, and started teaching himself simple melodies like, Happy birthday, when the saints, go marching in, pink panther and many more tunes.
After seeing all these signs of musical ability at 6 years old dad could see it was time to start developing his repertoire, starting with songs like what a friend we have in Jesus, and brushing up on songs like when the saints, as well as others, it was soon time for him to start gigging.
His Mom Angela made him his first costume, and he was more than ready to hit the stage.
Jamani at 7 years old was proving to be very comfortable on stage .
To view a live performance of 7 year old Jamani performing at the Merryhill Shopping Centre please click on link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGscGPoK-7w
As time went on He would do regular solo performance at church and various functions, developing a wider verity of music at a young age proved to be more rewarding. He would also do regular performance with dad this help to develop things like improvising and ear training.
We soon found out he had the gift of perfect pitch and could mimic phrase's instantly. to view live video of Jamani & Dad performing together please click on link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COGkVVjPe58&feature=related
Sometimes Jamani would be a bit shy to the real discipline it takes to learn a piece to performance standard so sometimes at rehearsals if dad was looking the other way he would make a run for it, upstairs or out the back door, and would love when dad had to chase and catch him and bring him back to the pan. But we took are time just learning a little more each day, we could defiantly see the repertoire growing to the extent were he was performing more solo gigs at schools and various functions,He was also developing the skill of addressing his audience in a more professional way.
By time jamani was 9 years old he had developed an extrourdanary gift to play jazz music and improvise he also new exactly when the song was going to finish.
Check out 9 year old Jamani playing now is the time "Jazz piece by Charlie Parker"
to view click link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwOTP7keFYk&feature=related
When his dad founded the Birmingham school of pan, to teach local children the art of playing the steelpans, Jamani and Rochella would love to perform along side there friends in various carnivals.Playing in the blazing sun the hours were long and tiring but the sound of the steelpan kept them going.
Playing in the band gives members a chance to meet celebrities, pictured here is Rochella and Jamani after a performance at the Birmingham Symphony hall with TV star Rudoplh Walker (Patrick ) from East Enders
For more information on Steelbands for workshops/performances please visit
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/introduction-to-the-steelpan-4076451.html#ixzz1BmTHVceb
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
To all Steel Bands in the Tri State and PA.( NY,Conn,Jersey and PA)
We have for SALE:
Inventory:
1 Set of Six Bass $500
2/3 Set of Six Bass (2 pans are missing) $300
1 Set Tenor Bass $450
1 Set Triple Cellos$450
2 Pairs Double Seconds$350 each
1 Right Hand Side double Second $150 per side
The Drums are in good condition: The Background pans are painted silver.
The Double Seconds are not painted. (So as to be chromed).
This is the Selling Price or your Best Offer (BO)
You can buy the instruments as a Group or Single.
Call: 347-573-7196
e-mail: audiozonnefantassia@yahoo.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS..... URGENTLY TRYING TO LOCATE A COPY OF "CATELLI TRINIDAD ALL STARS" PLAYING RAINORAMA ARRANGED BY RUDY WELLS, FROM THE YEAR 1973.
FOR THOSE IN T & T, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 620-4957
INTERNATIONALLY, PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT PANMAN7@HOTMAIL.COM
ANXIOUSLY ANTICIPATING AN EARLY RESPONSE.
