How is it made? - Steel Drum

Hello Music Friends,

Why is it that so many people think that all steel drums sound the same? Unfortunately, there are tons of awful sounding/looking instruments being used in public performances. Somehow the audiences have come to accept that these imperfections are normal for the steel drum.
The tone of a steel drum can be traced back to its building process. The video below shows some of the most modern, updated steel drum building techniques.(The video was produced by the Discovery Channel).



I'm glad that many steel drum craftsmen are starting to embrace and apply scientific and mathematical principles to improve the quality of their instruments. I also hope that many steel drum musicians will replace flawed instruments (which are quite prevalent in the Carribean, United State and worldwide) and start using ones of higher quality-Especially when they are performing in public.
Lets have some pride and make sure that our instruments are up to par. We are representing an artform.

Best,
Minsky

I'm in limbo - Not really, but Shameka Charles is.....

Hello Music Friends,

While getting my daily dose of www.pan-jumbie.com-one of the most comprehensive, entertainingg, resourceful, well- maintained sites dedicated to the steelpan/steeldrum artform, (I'm also Facebook friends with the site's creator/administrator) I came across an article about a Trinidadian female who recently limbo danced her way into the Guiness Book of World Records.

I've included a Wikpedia description of the Limbo dance and a video of record holder 18yr old Shemika Charles accomplishing the feat.

Congratulations to Ms. Charles and a salute to my homeland of Trinidad and Tobago for being a land of artistically talented people.
(Incidentaly, her mom is wearing a Pulse Sportswear shirt that was designed by a family friend) " Big Up " Terry.

Best,
Minsky


Limbo is a popular form of contra dancing that originated on the island of Trinidad, though Hawaii is often mistakenly associated with limbo. The dancer moves to a Caribbean rhythm, then leans backward and dances under a horizontal pole without touching it. Upon touching it or falling backwards, the dancer is "out". When several dancers compete, they travel in single file, and the stick is gradually lowered until only one dancer — who has not touched either the pole or the floor — remains.

Color by Numbers

Hello Music Friends,

Before I started playing music, I was heavily involved with art. My specialty was graphics and letters- graffiti. In High School , I made a name for myself by painting student's names on their jean jackets and other clothing. We all craved ways to "fit in" and my art skills allowed me to be a part of the "in" crowd. I've re-started my artistic endeavours and today's palette is a digital one- Adobe Photoshop.

I found a tutorial that covered stylized texts, added my own twist to the design and came up with the graphic above - "God is so Awesome". (Click on the photo to make it larger)

I'm enjoying combining art and music and I plan to continue the marriage and improve in both areas.

Best
Minsky

Billy Preston on the B-3

Hello Music Friends,

I found a clip of Billy Preston and Eric Clapton jamming at the Crossroads Guitar Festival. I am a big fan of the
Blues/ Hammond B-3 Organ sound and Billy Preston was one of the masters of that instrument. I had my "music face" on when he played certain licks. The "music face" is a scowling expression that musicians make when they hear something that they like....sort of like saying " Wow, there is no way he is playing something like that"...or in laymans term......" What the heck?".
As if Billy wasn't killing them enough n the B-3, Eric flavored Billy's riffs with a few guitar phrases. A musical connection such as theirs can't be rehearsed and thats what made the performance so magical. Enjoy.

Best,
Minsky

Hammers to Circuits

Hello Music Friends,

Can you believe that the steel drum which was once built by hammers and sweat can now be built by circuits and programmers? Very neat!!!
Although, I'm not a fan of the sampled steel drum sound, I must say that the sheer vision and innovation of it's creator, Mr. Salomon Cupid, is quite impressive and is a plus for the progress of the artform. The video below demonstrates its sound. I'm equally impressed by the stick work of The Mighty Jamma. His simultaneous strumming and melodic line playing is awesome. I've got to practice that style.
Best,
Minsky

To read more about the E-Pan click here

The ninth day of September

I grew up in NJ and never ever imagined that the World Trade Center would no longer be a part of the NYC skyline.

Minsky

People have said.....

Hello Music Friends,

I wanted to share a couple of reviews with you. I enjoy gigging and sharing my music and its nice to know that others have taken a liking to what I have offered. This also shows, that my Mom isn't my only fan.....She may be my Number 1 fan, but not the only fan....Love her to death.

Best,
Minsky

Please wait.

Going South for the winter

Hello Music Friends,

I've done a few gigs in Florida during the summer. Since the response was favorable, I've decided to continue advertising in that state. Click on the link below to look at my Florida press kit.

Best,
Minsky

Gigmasters - Booking Steel Drummers Online Since 1997