A 120 piece Steel Drum Band!

Hello Music Friends,

While attending my cousin's wedding in Trinidad I was able to visit NLCB Fonclaire's Panyard in San Fernando, Trinidad. Here is an excerpt of their tune of choice for Panorama 2013.

Best,
MInsky

Poly Rhythms. In other words....Serious Iron Section

Hello Music Friends
Carnival season is underway in Trinidad and Tobago. There will be lots of music, color, and many aspects of visual and performing arts will be represented. I stumbled across a video of a group of musicians belting out a percussive groove. This groove is what drives the rhythm of the steel band and is called a "Rhythm Section" or an " Engine Room".  You will hear them playing without an accompanying steel band. I'd describe the rhythms as "Infectious" Enjoy.


Best,
Minsky

An insider's view of Soca Music

 

 

 

Hi Music Friends, Happy New Year
I found a cool article that writes about the origins of Soca music. It is written in laymans term by soca artist Mantius Cazaboun. I choose this article as steel drum repertoires are loaded with Soca tunes. They are happily married so to speak.
Best,
Minsky

 

Soca

A nice essay on soca, with more detail than I ever knew:

•What Is Soca Music


What is soca music?


This material is geared primarily towards folks who are new to this genre of music called soca...

As an artist who has been recording soca songs for the last eight years, and who has won Caribbean wide soca competitions, I shall humbly attempt to present a comprehensive introduction to soca music.



Soca music originated in the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. It is widely accepted to have been created by Lord Shorty (born Garfield Blackman). He noticed that Calypso music was threatened by the more popular reggae music and dying out and attempted to create a new hybrid that was more appealing to the masses.

Click below to read the rest

http://folksongstuff.blogspot.com/2008/10/soca.html