In Trinidad, now that Christmas is past we begin the build-up to Carnival! There are so many things that occur but not the least of which is the final preparations of steel pan orchestras which will competeand provide the background for all the wining in the streets. If you live near a panyard you'll live your life to the soundtrack of rehearsals as the music fills the neighborhood.
One of my early Trini Tuesday posts explained the roots of Steelpan. Another one explored the importance of Calypso as an artform and social commentary. Here's a terrific video that is a great example of both that addresses some of the cultural shifts regarding pan musicians and the artform. You can see the traditional panyards and some shots of steelpan construction. Don't worry, it's not documentary. You'll be wanting to wine dem hips along with a couple lovelies who make an appearance too.
And here is another video that has some great shots from around the island, from the capital to the beaches. It also gives a good view of the bowl of a steelpan so you can see how the individual notes on the pans are shaped in the metal. Keep in mind tuning occurs with a blow torch and a hammer and mallet. Amazing, no?
Happy Trini Tuesday!
UPDATE: Here is one link to current information on steelbands in Trinidad.
11 comments:
Found myself papapaing at the ironing board :) Love that music!
I love steel pan orchestras... can you recommend some good ones and know where we can download the music?
The videos look great but I have no speakers hooked up to this pc - lol.
Happy Trini Tuesday.
very cool!!!!!! bummer snavy cannot hear them!!
OMG!! It does make you wanna dance along doesn't it . I think the steelpan is such a cool instrument and how they tune it is just awesome if you ask me . Thank you for sharing that with us Lime !
Is it the same kind of carnival in Toronto? It is Caribean.
Great video, great music!
Steel Drums are so hauntingly melodic.
In my mind I hear them when I read your posts.
Unless I'm really hearing them!
Good stuff, Lime! I took a class on the history of the Caribbean a few years ago and was fascinated by the culture. What sh*thead slave mongers we Europeans were.
Thanks for stopping by...nice to 'see' you.
i love your enthusiasm and respect for our culture :D have added you to my blogroll :)
tuning with a blowtorch and a mallett.
-I was going to say 'country song in there somewhere,' ---but, aside from the phrase being too played out... I'm thinking more Nine Inch Nails...
(There would be steel band soloists playing underground in Manhattan at the subways... great accoustics, (I mean, if you discount the trains.)
Post a Comment