Graphic design

Hi There

Before i developed musically my main creative outlet was art. Drawing painting and eventually graffiti. I've always loved letter styles and colors. I've started to dabble in my artistic side again. I've been working with different flyer design to help promote my Hear Steel Drums Play business. My flyer designer is wonderful...she can be found at gigflyers@gmail.com I call on her for big projects. In the meantime I'm fiddling with some photo and design software. I'm pretty happy with the one that I created above.

insky's Steel Drum Picture

Strings and Steel

Hi There

I'm excited about working out the string parts of Amber Mint. I want my lines to speak clearly and uniquely. Many people write string parts as sustained pads. I want movement and warmth for mine. I also want sublte oboe and cello parts. I'll have to listen, read and study some more compositions that feature strings.

Including two live string players on the track would really help the feel of the song too.

Makin progress.

Minsky Delmonte

Getting There

Hi there

I did some recording in Greensboro NC yesterday. My former studio moved from Charlotte to GSO. The quality of recording and the engineers work ethic is so good that I don't mind making the drive.

The studio is called MBAL studios... www.myspace.com/murderballadaudiolaboratory. I'm finishing a song called Amber Mint...more a steel drum relaxation type of sound. I'm experimenting with some string parts. I'll have a live vioin solo and possibly a live cellist. Pretty cool eh? I'd like to see how it evolves. I know it has come a long way since I first recorded it back in July of 08. Patience and perseverance.

Minsky

Drivin in Nashville

Hi

I returned to Nashville in the rain. Nonetheless the place was still hopping with activity. people were coming and going...pus it was St Patrick's day weekend. The music scene was as upbeat as always. I'd like to visit when the weather is better and i can walk around and enjoy the place. There is so much to do there. The one place that I really wanted to go to was closed!( B.B. King's blues bar) I would've braved the rain for that. Oh well, next time. I saw the Titans stadium.....alongside the river. I like visiting new cities. many lovely buildings and historical sites in BNA. such as Fisk University, Vanderbilt, Middle Tennesse State etc.

I came across a Lifeway Christian bookstore that reminded me that I drove by that exact spot 10 years ago.

While in White Castle ( my fav spot since my NJ days) I made the acquaintance of Mr James Grace. J and I shared a burger and some good conversation. J told me that he managed a band that fired Jimmy Hendrix, before he became famous. Turned out that the band was into RnB and the soul sound, whereas Jimmy was too busy creating his signature psychedelic sound!!! Too amazing. The unknown people are the real treasure chests of history. If the purpose of my trip was to feed and provide shelter to Mr Grace, then my rip was well worth it.

Minsky

Steel Drums at the Monteagle Winery

Hi

I just completed my trip to Nashville and Monteagle Winery in Tennessee. What a great trip it was. I flew into Nashville. I was very happy that all my gear arrived WITH me...lol. The car ride was 1 1/2hr but the next time I'll fly into Chattanooga. Its only 1hour away. Although it was overcast, the countyside was beautiful. I'm looking forward to returning on August 15 2009 to give a full featured concert. I'll be playing classical ( Canon in D,Ode to Joy. Jesu, Joy Of Mans Desire, etc) calypso, soca, reggae, pop, gospel and standards on steel drums. Can't wait to update my repertoire. Come hear me play if you can. Visit www.monteaglewinery.com to see their list of other artist who will perform throughout the summer.
Smooth jazz was performed by Danny Torroll www.dannytorroll.com a guitarist who runs his own music academy. We were impressed with each other knowledge and command of our respective instruments.

Minsky

BNA

BNA is the airport city code for Nashville Tenn. I'm headed there 2morrow. Actually I'm off to Monteagle, Tenn. which is about an hour outside of BNA.

I'll be one of the guest musicians playing at the Monteagle Winery open house. www.monteaglewinery.com. I found this gig on my favorite spot. www.craigslist.org They have everything there. I'm looking forward to visiting and playing steel drums/ steel pan there. Its a new venue...plus I need some new pics for my website.www.hearsteeldrumsplay.com

Should be a nice time. ( yes I've got some country music on steel drums ready for them...Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers to the rescue)
Minsky

Gospel Steel drums

Hi There

We had a time n a half in church this past sunday. I was able to share the steel drum with our congregation. I played during the " special music" section and continued on to an improvised worship section. The need for worship was really upon us and I'm glad that Bishop Fred Brown tapped into the move of the spirit. I absolutely love playing my drum in church. it really does something for me. Other venues are cool too, but church is home for me. I remember playing steel drums at my church in West Virgina...it was always such a powerful time. People have limited the insrument because they have only heard it play predominantly " tropical" beach music. However, when they hear it playing Gospel, it really moves them into a mind of worship...and i love being a part of that experience. I'm looking forward to some more chances to share with congregations worldwide.

Minksy
Steel Drum Artist.
www.hearsteeldrumsplay.com

First gig at the Charlotte NC Epicentre

Hi.
I played at the Epicenter in downtown Charlotte today. It was my first time visiting it let alone playing steel drums there. i was hired by a bar called Whisky River....www.whiskyrivercharlotte. Its owned by NASCAR drive Dale Earhnhardt Jr. Definitely a County/ Rock n Roll venue. I initially wondered what songs to play. I don't have anysongs of the above mentione genres in my repertoire. However, their theme was "Spring Fever" and they wanted Tropic Rock, beach, Soca Caribbean etc. Wheeeew...that I have....well a lil bit. I don't know or practice the majority of songs that you would expect to hear on a steel drum. There are so many people who play the same songs and do a great job of it that I don't really think anyone would mind if i didn't play " Yellowbird" or " Jump In The Line".

Nonetheless, playing on the patio of the venue was great becuase of the nice weather and the chance to interact with people as they strolled by. Not a bad way to spend a friday.

Minsky Delmonte

Ready, set, record

As I've gained more momentum in playing in public, I've gotten more requests for cd's. I've dabbled in recording but I never really created anything serious or marketable. However, I now have material that defines my music and introduces itto listeners. I'm still develpoping my style and still working out some technical stuff, but for the most part, I'm ready to record my music and share it.