Experience The Best In Caribbean Art,
Music And Culture
Few
times in the history of man has such a vibrant and colorful display of art,
ingenuity and beauty been rendered from a people. In less than forty years
the steelband music movement has created some of the most significant music
and art work that uniquely displays the beauty, creativity and magic of the
human sprit. These great steelband performances, and events in the annals
of steelband history enshrined in paintings, both by masters of their craft,
are captured like none before. Moreover, they allow us to own and re-live
repetitively, a vital part of the human condition that allows us to survive,
thrive and move forward. Experience the only acoustic instrument invented
in the last 100 years with all its beauty and drama - in true "audio/visual
mediums." [more]
Pan On Wheels
With
the passage of time steelbands men saw the need for innovation in
transporting of steelpans, especially where bass sections were being
developed. Carts
were subsequently manufactured and placed on wheels in order to transport
the steelpans from street to street while masqueraders feted to the music.
The “Lucky Jordan” was an establishment synonymous with the development of
the steelpan by way of promoting competitions and being used as a judging
point for these competitions.
I
t was
not uncommon for two bands to engage themselves in serious battle whenever
they crossed paths. One such infamous battle was in the 50’s where two
bands, “Destination Tokyo” and “Invaders” clashed at a “battle ground” in
Port of Spain known as “Green Corner”. Panmen
at that time wore costumes imitating the American G.I.s (who at that
period were occupying Chaguaramas, Trinidad) as well as the Aztec Indians
and the Sailors. Many lives were lost in those battles that were
epitomized in songs, the most well known being “Steel Band Clash” (1954
Road March) by Lord Blakie.
By the 70’s, fighting competitions were replaced by musical competitions and it was the band from Laventille that stole the hearts of many in the earlier years.
They were known then as WITCO Gay Desperados. After an overseas trip the word gay was omitted as it was mistakenly assumed that the band members were homosexual. The competition is called “Panorama”. It is in this competition that the National Steelband Champions are recognized and crowned each year during carnival celebrations. The Panorama Competition is considered by many to be the highlight of the various activities during the carnival season. In 1970 Despers won the championship with a song named “Margie”. Their leader, the famous Rudolph Charles, was remembered for his talent as the “man with the hammer” and for his trade mark towel draped on his shoulder. In this painting a cross section of our society is portrayed, as well as the way we dance and make merry, especially in the “North Stand”, a temporary structure at the Queen’s Park Savannah created and used during various competitions each year. The “Rocket Pan” shown in the middle was a new pan invention at that time.
Pan Tribulation
This painting illustrates the first use of the steelpan and the continued use of force to prevent the music makers from reveling in the streets, presumably out of fear of an uprising. In the background of this painting is a representation of the old Barrack Houses that were built for the laborers. The hills of Laventille form the landscape and the statue of “Our Lady” can be seen. The steelpan was now taking shape and its struggle for survival was at hand.
The steelpans were now transported around the necks of the players for ease
of movement while playing. This method allowed for the use of two hands to
beat the pan instead of one hand holding the pan and one hand beating it.
Tying a strap from one side of the steelpan to the other in order to place
it over the neck facilitated this. “The Rising Sun Steel Orchestra” based in
a part of Trinidad known as Belmont was one of the earlier recognized and
organized steelbands to be formed. This era ushered in the use of costumes
albeit in a limited form as shown here. Sailor costumes were a favorite and
are still used today in various forms. “The Red Nose Sailor” was one of the
more popular choices in that era. The Architectural designs of the buildings
and the materials used then were in some ways different from what is seen
today.
It is believed that the earliest recording of the steelpan took place at
"Christopher's Recording Studio" on Nelson Street. It is here that many
steelbands would gather to place their music on Record. It was probably the
most popular recording studio at that time. Many calypsos were recorded
there including the Mighty Sparrow's famous song "Jean and Dinah". The old
wooden scooter, a woman smoking a pipe and an early form of automobile are
highlighted.
Not to be denied, the dustbin cover soon became another musical instrument together with the dustbin itself and the “pitch-oil” tins around the mid 1940’s. The harassment from the colonial authorities continued. Around this time, however, the established police force was brought into action.
