Web Posted - Sunday
February 28, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live
the Experience
The Desperadoes Steel Orchestra performs “Don’t Leave Me This Way”
| Gamble/Huff/Gilbert
1981 Studio Recording
Global -
Listen to The Desperadoes Steel Orchestra perform a Clive
Bradley-arrangement of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” by
Gamble/Huff/Gilbert- in a
1981 Charisma
Records recording.
Listen!
Web Posted - Sunday
February 28, 2021
Stabroek News
A look at steel bands in Guyana through the years

The Guyana Police Force Steel Band performing at the Botanical Gardens
Guyana, S.A. - Last week, Guyana celebrated 51 years as a republic. The
anniversary was marked by a fairly elaborate official ceremony
in the compound of the Parliament building, with an array of
performance events. There were also other recorded pieces in a
national television broadcast. But the occasion passed in
low-key fashion without the usual flamboyant events, noise,
festivities and spectacle as the country, like the whole world,
is still unrecovered from the stranglehold of the
COVID-19
pandemic.
....The relative hush of this unpopular situation offered the
opportunity to give some thought to
Mashramani, its state as a
national festival, and its functions. Further, since the steel
band has been totally silent throughout this period, how has it
fared as a Mashramani event, and has it benefitted in any way
from the festival?
See more
Web Posted - Saturday
February 27, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot
Revealed: the Queen Mum’s love for The Desperadoes
Global - It comes as no
surprise to me that the recent revelations about the record
collection of the late Queen Mum has indicated the royals spend
their evenings behind palace doors ‘grooving’ to black music.
See more
Web Posted - Thursday
February 25, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live
the Experience
The Desperadoes Steel Orchestra - “The Greatest Love Of All” | Michael Masser
& Linda Creed
1981 Studio Recording
Global -
Listen to The Desperadoes Steel Orchestra perform a Clive
Bradley-arrangement of “The Greatest Love Of All” by Michael Masser &
Linda Creed - in a
1981 Charisma
Records recording.
Listen
Web Posted -
Thursday February 25, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Codrington wins Girl Power pan contest
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
TT’s panists have won every category in the Republic Bank
Steelpan Girl Power Diamonds Competition – the all-female pan
contest.
The global finale, produced by Steelpan Authority Woman and
Steelpan Authority Music, was held on February 10, on
Steelpanauthority.com and SteelpanTV.com and featured
contestants in four categories: soloist, duet, trio and quartet.
Keisha Codrington topped the soloist class with a
scintillating rendition of Andy Narell’s We Kinda Music,
earning 290 points and beating six rivals, said a media release.
Codrington had an 18-point lead over her closest rival, Siobhan
Mitchell, from the United Kingdom. Mitchell’s performance of
Stevie Wonder’s My Cherie Amour earned 272 points.
Placing third was TT’s
Tyeesha Alexander for her adaptation of On Green Dolphin
Street, which scored 254 points.
See more,
get full results
Web Posted - Wednesday
February 24, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live
the Experience
Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra - “Memory (Theme from the Musical
‘Cats’)” | Big5 Pan Concert 2019 ‘Tribute to Neville Jules’
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra performs a classic Rudy
Wells-arrangement of “Theme from the Musical ‘Cats’” by
Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Watch video
Web Posted - Monday
February
22, 2021
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience
Despers USA Steel Orchestra - “Wining Queen” | Brooklyn, NY Panorama 2013
Tempo Version - Basement Yard Recordings 2013
Brooklyn, New York, USA -
It’s the annual New York Panorama. Despers USA Steel Orchestra is playing “Wining Queen” written by
“Denise Belfon” - and arranged by Odie Franklin for
Panorama 2013.
Listen and watch
Web Posted - Sunday
February 21, 2021
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live
the Experience
A Musical Tribute to the Mighty Shadow (Winston “Shadow” Bailey) - “Dingolay,” “Bassman,” “Stranger” | Brooklyn, NY, USA
Brooklyn, New York, USA - A
musical tribute to the to the late great calypsonian Winston “Shadow” Bailey
by musician standout Khuent Rose.
Listen and watch
Web Posted - Saturday
February 20, 2021
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live
the Experience
Andy Akiho & The Knights - “Opus Pocus” | Jaco Pastorius | Brooklyn, New York, USA
Brooklyn, New York, USA - Andy Akiho
& The Knights performs the classic “Opus Pocus” by Jaco Pastorius.
Listen and watch
Web Posted -
Saturday February 20, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Penal community upgrades Valley Harps panyard
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
South Trinidad’s
Valley
Harps Steel Orchestra now has a refurbished and upgraded
home at Sunrees Road, Penal, thanks to community activism.
The concrete structure, decorated using recycled painted strips and bits of
old oil drums, was opened on Thursday afternoon.
The band’s manager Clyde Flanders recalled “getting involved in this
steelband thing,” just after graduating from secondary school. The band went on
to participate in the 1968 Panorama competition. placing second in San Fernando.
In 1969, it placed 13th in the country and performed as a guest act at the
final.
See more
Web Posted - Friday
February 19, 2021
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience
Renegades Steel Orchestra - “Pan on The Road” | Trinidad
& Tobago Panorama 2004
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
It’s Panorama Finals. Renegades Steel Orchestra is playing “Pan on The Road” written
by Jit Samaroo and Michael Marcano and arranged by Jit Samaroo for
Panorama 2004.
Listen and watch
Web Posted - Thursday
February 18, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live
the Experience
“Opus Pocus” by Jaco Pastorius, featuring Othello Molineaux
& Leroy Williams on steelpan
from the album “JACO PASTORIUS”

Panist Othello Molineaux with Jaco Pastorius
Global - “Opus Pocus” by
Jaco Pastorius, featuring Othello Molineaux and Leroy Williams on
steelpan - from the album “JACO PASTORIUS” released in 1976 by
Epic/Legacy...
Listen
Web Posted - Wednesday
February 17, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live
the Experience
Frankie McIntosh & the Garvin Blake Sextet - ‘One for
“Boogsie”’ | An Evening of Calypso Jazz, Afro-Caribbean Music
and Global Jazz 2016
Dr. Frankie McIntosh - arranger - ensemble version
- In Concert
New York, USA - Frankie
McIntosh & Garvin Blake Sextet
perform a
Dr. Frankie McIntosh-arrangement
and original composition of
‘One for
“Boogsie”’ by Frankie McIntosh - at Brooklyn College’s Whitman Theatre in concert at
An Evening of Calypso Jazz, Afro-Caribbean Music and Global Jazz 2016.
Listen and watch
Web Posted - Tuesday
February 16, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live
the Experience
Jon Batiste, Stay Human Carnival Celebration ft. New Orleans
Rhythm Kings, Kees Dieffenthaller of Kes the Band, Etienne
Charles, panist Josanne Francis, Ajibola Richardson, more!
Carnival 2021
Global - Jon Batiste and Stay Human perform a special medley to celebrate Mardi Gras,
Brazil’s, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, featuring the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Brazil’s Quarteto Do Groove, Etienne Charles,
Kes, panist Josanne Francis, Ajibola Richardson and more!
Listen and watch
Web Posted - Tuesday
February 16, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live
the Experience
Top 10 Panorama Performances Of All Time
Carnival 2021
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - TTT
2021 ‘Carnival presentation’ - with hosts Ruskin Mark and Ria
Roopchansingh, featuring respective performances from Trinidad
and Tobago’s top steel orchestras.
Listen and watch
Web Posted - Monday
February 15, 2021
When Steel Talks
NIU Steelband - “Spain” | Chick Corea | Northern Illinois University School of Music 2014
In Concert
Illinois, USA - Listen to NIU Steelband perform a Khan Cordice-arrangement of “Spain” by Chick Corea - in concert at
Northern Illinois University School of Music 2014.
Listen and watch
Web Posted -
Sunday February 14, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Kes the Band, Next Devils, trumpeter Etienne Charles for
Stephen Colbert show
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Jazz musician
Etienne Charles will share the spirit of Trinidad
Carnival in a video featuring soca star Kees Dieffenthaller and
blue devil masqueraders on American talk show, the Late Show
with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday [February 16].
In a release on Friday, Charles said the video he’s produced and
arranged features performances by Dieffenthaller – lead vocalist
of Kes the Band–
panist Josanne Francis, percussionist Ajibola
Richardson and Paramin’s Next Level Devils. The video is “a
medley” of the carnivals of Trinidad, Brazil and New Orleans in
the United States. Carnivals in these locations – in New Orleans
its Mardi Gras – have all been cancelled because of the
covid19
pandemic, but celebrations have entailed virtual and some
performances with limited audiences.
....“We’re pumped for this one!!! Look out for us, Etienne
Charles and some other amazing global artists with Jon Batiste
on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert! Look out for it on
Tuesday 16th February. This is going to be a special one,
folks!”
See more
Web Posted -
Saturday February
13, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Skiffle brings ‘Carnival’ to SAPA
Nadia Batson gives an energetic performance
during Skiffle’s Tempo In Sando Showcase
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The atmosphere inside the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) on February 6 defied the reality that Carnival 2021 celebrations had been cancelled.
All the elements identified with “the greatest show on earth” were on parade. Veterans and youths, representing the steelbands – CAL
Skiffle and Skiffle Protégés – horn and rhythm sections, calypso, soca, chutney soca, sailors, gorillas and Indian mas, all characterised the moment.
....It was the second virtual event put on by Skiffle since the
safety restrictions enforced as a result of the
covid19
pandemic. Some 250 patrons were allowed to view the show live at
the Todd Street, San Fernando academy, in keeping with the
protocol of half-capacity in venues.
See more
Web Posted - Friday
February 12, 2021
When Steel Talks
New York Pan Stars Steel Orchestra - “Spain” | Chick Corea | Pantastic Friday 2014
In Concert
New York, USA - Listen to New York Pan Stars perform a Marc Brooks-arrangement of “Spain” by Chick Corea - in concert at
Pantastic Friday 2014.
Listen and watch
Web Posted - Friday
February 12, 2021
When Steel Talks
New York Pan Stars Steel Orchestra - “Spain” | Chick Corea | Despers USA
2011 Launch
In Concert
New York, USA - Listen to -
New York Pan Stars perform a Marc Brooks-arrangement of “Spain” by Chick Corea - in concert at Despers USA 2011 Band Launch.
Listen
and watch
Web Posted - Thursday
February 11, 2021
When Steel Talks
Clive Bradley – The “Ah Goin’ And Party Tonight” Story - UpClose!
a Von Martin Interview
Global -
Listen to -
an exclusive Von Martin–interview with the legendary Mr. Clive Bradley, champion arranger for Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, one of the world’s finest steel orchestra music franchises. Here is Bradley’s story in his own words on his 1982 saga - with noted author and journalist Von Martin.
hear interview
Web Posted - Wednesday
February 10, 2021
When Steel Talks Reboot - Live the Experience
Meet Nevin Roach - Executive Producer of PanoGrama,
Entrepreneur, Visionary and Panist - REVISITED

Nevin Roach
Global - Indeed, the old
proverb that states “necessity is the mother of invention” rings
true, as the global steelband music community - through
innovation and technological advances - tries to lessen the
negative impact of and navigate through, the challenges of the
COVID-19 pandemic. The recently concluded “PanoGrama” produced
by Nevin Roach is one such very successful effort.
In a When Steel Talks exclusive - executive producer,
entrepreneur and panist Nevin Roach shares his steelpan music
vision and how his “I can do this” attitude has served him and
the steelpan community very well.
read more
Web Posted - Wednesday
February 10, 2021
DominicaNewsOnline
PanoGrama 2021 – The World Cup of Steelpan
Global - In 2020,
PanoGrama
made history as the first online steelpan competition and was
one of the biggest events held during the heights of COVD-19
restrictions. The inaugural event, which was created by T&T
panist Nevin
Roach (Dominican-born) and streamed live on Instagram
@inev88, featured 20 participants from Barbados, Puerto Rico,
Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Guyana, the US, St. Maarten and
Antigua & Barbados. Panists were required to perform a tune of
choice from any genre, including pre-arranged/impromptu solos
and variations, for the live Instagram audience....
....This year, PanoGrama has been dubbed “The World Cup of
Steelpan” and is scheduled to start on May 7th, 2021. Prelims
are scheduled for May 7-9, Semis on May 13 and finals on May 16.
A maximum of 30 panists will be featured and the show’s
broadcast will be expanded to Facebook, YouTube and Television.
See more
Web Posted - Wednesday
February 10, 2021
When Steel Talks Reboot - Live the Experience
William Jones of CASYM Steel Orchestra: An American Success
Story - REVISITED
New York, USA - In an exclusive with
When Steel Talks, CASYM’s late founder William Jones, shares the history and key to CASYM’s longevity and success in producing outstanding individuals.
In addition, Mr. Jones speaks on opportunities missed, shortsightedness of other leaders and the magic of the
steelpan. Here is his story in his own words
see interview
Web Posted -- Tuesday
February 9, 2021
When Steel Talks
Pan Explosion – The Making of The Jit Samaroo Sound
by Garvin Blake
Global - “I was scared like
hell!” Jit confessed. But who wouldn’t be terrified writing
music for a band named Renegades, with a leader called
“Boldface”? And to make matters worse, Renegades was from LaCou
Harpe, an urban area once known for badjohns, jammettes and
stick fighters. Jit would require some coaxing before he would
commit to the job.
Fortunately, the pan tuner Bertram “Birch” Kelman, who had
recommended Jit to Renegades, convinced the young Samaroo to
accept the challenge. Despite his initial fear, the soft-spoken
21-year old told Renegades that he was not coming to Port of
Spain to imitate the big-name arrangers in the city. Jit was
going to sound like Jit.
See more
Web Posted -
Sunday February
7, 2021
cnc3.co.tt
Trinidad All Stars invests in a new future
Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra, Operations Manager, Keith Matthews, in the Trophy Room at the Pan Theatre on Duke Street, Port-of-Spain
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The
Trinidad
All Stars Steel Orchestra has ten Panorama titles under its
belt.
....It is undeniable the impact Trinidad All Stars has had on
Carnival and culture in this country.
....now the orchestra is hoping to hit the right notes in
another sector.
“Panorama as an event, while it is a cultural event, and it is
necessary, and it is part of who we are, financially it is a
loss-maker.
....“What we have realised is that there is life beyond
Panorama,” he said.
....“Most bands are not sponsored, corporate Trinidad assists
financially but they are not really sponsored in the true sense
of what sponsorship means,” Williams said.
....The properties Trinidad All Stars owns now are vested in the
co-operative.
....“We are on our third purchase and we are also looking at
another and we have plans for each property,” he said.
Trinidad All Stars now owns 42, 44, 46 and 48 Duke Street.
See more
Web Posted - Sunday
February 7, 2021
When Steel Talks - Live the Experience
Panorama 1993 Panyard interviews with Alvin Daniell
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
It’s the 1993 Panorama season in the Land of Pan! Television
presenter Alvin Daniell visits 12 different panyards throughout
Trinidad as they prepare for the Panorama Semi-Finals,
interviews their arrangers et al, and records their practice
sessions.
Listen and watch
Web Posted -
Friday February
5, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Rave reviews for Another Phase
Phase II Pan Groove at the Another Phase concert
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - HADCO
Phase II Pan Groove’s virtual concert Another Phase has received rave reviews from patrons despite a mix-up that caused a few to miss the show.
The approximately two-hour, pre-recorded show was originally scheduled to be broadcast on January 27 but was moved to January 31 to accommodate supporters who were not aware of the cut-off time.
The line-up for the concert by the seven-time Panorama champs
included its musical director and pan icon
Len
“Boogsie” Sharpe,
Nailah Blackman, Olatunji, saxophonist Romaro Greaves, panists
Joshua Regrello, Johann Chuckaree, and his sister, classical
pianist Johanna Chuckaree, trumpeter
Etienne Charles, champion
arranger
Duvone Stewart, The Lydian Singers and Voix Riches, an
all-girl vocal group from San Fernando.
See more
Web Posted - Friday
February 5, 2021
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience
Starlift Steel Orchestra - “Natasha (Du Du Yemi)” | Trinidad
& Tobago Panorama 1978
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
It’s Panorama Finals. Starlift Steel Orchestra is playing “Natasha (Du Du Yemi)” written by
Winsford Devine - performed by “The Mighty Sparrow” and arranged by Herschel Puckerin for
Panorama 1978.
Listen and watch
Web Posted - Thursday
February
4, 2021
When Steel Talks
RIP - President emeritus William Jones of CASYM Steel Orchestra has passed

William Jones
Global - When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family and friends of William Jones and CASYM Steel Orchestra.
condolences
When Steel Talks
2020 Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Panorama Info - Complete
Global
- PanOnTheNet/ WhenSteelTalks is Panorama
Central! Complete information on the 2020 season of the
Trinidad and Tobago National Panorama, and competitions:
Schedules, Orders of Appearance for preliminary,
semi-final and final phases for large, medium and small
conventional steel orchestras, and single pan bands;
arrangers’ bios, bios of steel orchestras; full results,
panyard addresses, history of previous Panoramas, and
much more!
see complete information
index
Web Posted - February
2020
When Steel Talks
Complete Summary of Results of all Conventional Steel Orchestras - 2020 Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
At a glance and on a single page, access the comprehensive
summary of results for the Small, Medium and Large conventional
steel orchestras that participated in their respective
categories in the 2020 Panorama.
Follow the musical journey of respective bands through all three
phases - compare side-by-side preliminaries, semi-finals and finals through data on
band info, scores, tunes of choice and arrangers - on one page.
access full summary