You've got mail, maybe not......

Hello Music Friends,

It looks like I'll be heading to New Orleans this Holiday Season. I'm really excited because I will be joining my aunts and cousins there. They are a lively group and I know we will have a blast. I once visited New Orleans back in my military days. Although it was a brief trip, I remember walking on the famed Bourbon St. in search of some serious, down home dirty blues. I am a big fan of blues music and I plan to continue my search; essentially "pick up" where I left off.

Before I embark on my journey I wanted to offer you an opportunity to receive my Steel Drum Holiday greeting email/mp-3 combo. I've made this offer to my friends on the other social networks and I didn't want to leave you out. By clicking on the link below, you can sign up on my email list and I will be sure send the e-blast to you.

http://hearsteeldrumsplay.FanBridge.com/

Keep Well,
Minsky

All this Playing has Made Me Hungry

Hello Music Friends,

Every culture has staple foods that are enjoyed by it's people. Trinidad and Tobago, my home land is no exception. Join Guy Fieri, the host of the Foodnetwork's "Diner's, Drives and Dives" as he takes us into Pam's Kitchen, a Seattle based Trinidadian restaurant and watches Pam create amazing, delicious, indigenous dishes. I will be watching this video in my kitchen to learn some new culinary skills because " Man can not live on steel drums alone."

Keep well,
Minsky

Host

From Classical to Calypso

Hello Music Friends,

Not everyone is aware of versatility of the steel drum or the wide variety of genres that it is capable of playing in. Many developments and improvements in tonal quality have allowed the instrument to successfully play beautiful sounding music-Even classical!.
I found a clip of a youth steel orchestra playing G.F. Handel's Hornpipe.
Enjoy!

Best,
Minsky

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

World Cup 2010 Song

Hello Music Friends

The 2010 World Cup 2010 demonstrated that music and sports bring people together. I've combined steel drums with soccer to create a tribute to the people, fans, players and countries that have made the 2010 World Cup successful. Waka Waka-Shakira. Wavin' Flag-K'Naan

Keep Well
Minsky

4th of July, Star Wars Marathon and Steel Drums

Hello Music Friends,

Happy Belated 4th of July. I'd like to salute the men and women of our armed forces who have made huge sacrifices that has helped us maintain our way of life. As a former Air National Guardsmen, I totally understand and appreciate your efforts.
Thank You.

Continuing on, this 4th of July weekend brought about a Star Wars marathon on TV. As a fan of the series I was in total bliss. I must've sat in front of the screen for a good five plus hours. It was great. Not many people may have realized that the soundtrack of Episode V Star Wars (1977 release)featured steel drums playing in the background. They can be heard during the " Cantina Band " scene. I guess George Lucas needed and unusual and mystical sound for that part. Enter steel drums stage left!

Keep Well,
Best
Minsky

The Beauty of Knowledge

Hello Music Friends,

"Knowledge Is Power ". There is so much truth in that statement. That familiar adadge came to mind when I delivered a steel drum lecture/performance to the library patrons of Millen and Sylvania, Georgia. Those two rural towns are situated in an agricultural area where the indigenous music is Country and Bluegrass - quite different from the origins of Caribbean based steel drum. Nonetheless, the attendees took an interest and a liking to the history and the sound of the instrument. Their experiences with the steel drum ranged from first timers, to having seen it on TV, to cruise ship vacationers. Although they were geographically separated from the palm trees and sands of the caribbean, their minds traveled with me to the pan yards of Trinidad, and onwards to other parts of the world in where the steel drum is played and loved. It was a great afternoon that allowed me to introduce a lovely art form. Yes, "Knowledge is Power " indeed.

I'd like to thank the Georgia State Council for the Arts for including me in the Grassroots Arts Program.

Best,
Minsky

Gospel Steel Drums-" In The Sanctuary"

Hello Music Friends,

Here is another video from my new " Practice Series". I played " In The Sanctuary " by Kurt Carr. www.kurtcarrgospel.com. It was literally filmed in my bedroom. Ooops, I meant on a " remote soundstage " lol. I plan to get a "green screen" kit, but sometimes you just have to work with what you have. So...come into my home...literally!

Best,
Minsky

Triple Play

Hello Music Friends,

The week of Apr 16 was a fantastic performance week for me. It included three separate events with three different themes. The first event was The Knot Magazine 2010 Industry Event www.theknot.com The evening was highlighted by the presentation of the venue's room. Talented vendors included lighting experts, floral desingers, interior decorators,event planners like www.thecharmedevent.com (the shows coordinators). They all combined their areas of expertise to put on a classy, impressive event. ( Did I mention a steel drum player?)

The next day I drove to neighbooring Monroe, NC to play for a political fundraiser. It featured candidates who were campaigning for upcoming elections. The Democratic Women of Union County, went with an island themed dinner and invited me to provide a steel drum sound scape.

Friday brought about the "Passport to The World" multi-cultural event. The festival was sponsored by Johnson C Smith Univeristy in Charlotte, NC and organized by The Main Event. www.themaineventnc.com There was a nice mixture of vendors and entertainers> The lovely weather made the afternoon all the more enjoyable. I was thrilled to have received a parking pass that allowed to park anywhere that I wanted on the campus....moving on up!

Keep Well,
Minsky

Sign the dotted line.....

Hello Music Friends,

Many people have asked " When are you playing again?" "Where are you playing next?" "Do you have a CD? " "Do You give lessons?" Thank you so much for your interest and for asking. In an effort to keep everyone informed I'd like to invite you to join my email list. There is a sign up form below. By joining, you will receive updates to previous questions and be " in the know". I'm very thankful for your interest and for your encouragement.

Keep Well,
Minsky

Steel Drum Wedding Music - Minsky Delmonte

Hello Music Friends,

The video above explores the idea of adding the romantic sound of steel drums to your wedding day. I'm happy to have filmed and edited it myself as I've been practicing those skills. I also included an original song " Amber Mint" in the latter half of the video. Have a look and consider contacting me for you steel drum wedding needs.

www.hearsteeldrumsplay.com

Best,
Minsky

The Greatest Show on Earth

Hello Music friends,

It is carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago! People from all over have converged on the twin island republic to celebrate and partake in this spectacular event. I wanted to wish safe travels to my friends and family whom have made the journey.

I am also pleased to have read that Ken " Professor" Philmore had returned to the helm of The Vat 19 Fonclaire Steelband. Their union had always yielded great music and I'm a fan on Philmore's sound. I'm looking forward to hearing their offering-although they have been victims of biased judging sheets.

Keep Well,
Minsky

These 3 secrets have kept me motivated.....

Hello Music friends,

Over a year ago I was reacquainted with Shamgar's Priniciples. Those three principles have stirred up personl growth and have kept me motivated.

Shamgar was an Old Testament judge, responsible for maintaining law and order in the land of Israel. Few people have heard of him, but he was a brawny, heroic, steel-muscled character who saved Israel by striking down six hundred Philistines with the only thing he had at hand: an ox goad. Within his story lies three simple yet powerful success secrets:

* start where you are
* use what you have
* do what you can

Best,
Minsky