A Song of Praise

Hello Music Friends,

I sent this video to my buddy to get his opinion and his response was: "Man, you need to wash our dishes and clean your kitchen before you make anymore videos." Anyway............here is "More Than Anything" by Lamar Campbell.

Best,
Minsky

Praise and Worship Music for New Years Eve 2014

Hello Music Friends,

Happy New Year to all of you? I was thrilled to bring in the New Year sharing songs of Praise and Worship. As part of a line up of Christian artists I  had  the chance to play "Lord I Lift Your Name on High". This song was written by Rick Founds and has been covered by many others including Dan Moen, Donnie Mc Clurkin, Petra, Minsky Delmonte and the Maranantha Singers. This particular arrangement was featured on saxophonist Sam Levine's album.

Be Sure to take a listen share and comment.
Best,
Minsky

A Song of Praise-The Anthem Planetshakers

Hi there Music Friends,
My desire is to travel to the nations and share songs of praise using this wonderful instrument. Praise God!

Best,
MInsky

In the spirit of Christmas......

Hi There music friends.
While there is "Nothing new under the sun", there are new interpretations of old songs. Here is my version of "O Come All Ye Faithful". I had a good vibe about it while recording it and I hope you get a good vibe while listening to it.

Best,
Minsky

"Time to Get this Show on the Road"

Hello Music Friends,

Many people ask "Where am I playing next?" with the hopes of catching some live steel drum music.

 I'd be so happy for you to attend an event where I might be performing.

 Click on the link below for a glimpse of my performance schedule.

www.hearsteeldrumsplay.com/calendar

Best,

Minsky

Something To Look Forward To-Minsky Delmonte Christmas CD

Hello Music Friends,

I must say that I'm quite pleased by the support and good comments that I've gotten from my debut Christmas CD "Something To Look Forward To". I was pleasantly surprised  by how many people had shown an interest in my music and added a copy to their collection. Thank You so much for such an encouraging start. If you were not able to get a physical copy, would you consider downloading a digital version? 

If so, please Click on the link below

www.hearsteeldrumsplay.com  

Once again, Keep Well and may you enjoy your Holiday Season

Best,

Minsky

Do You have a steel drum Holiday CD for sale? Why yes I do.......

Hello Music Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Guess what? I have received an official notice from the CD manufacturing company that my debut Christmas CD is in production and will be delivered on Dec 5th 2011! My sincere thanks goes out to all of my family and friends who have been a part of this exciting musical journey. Let me be the first to tell you that your encouragement and kind words over the years have instilled a confidence in me that has helped propel me forward. With God's blessings, this is only the tip of the ice burgh.

The official name of the Album is

"Something To Look Forward To"

As the excitement builds I wanted to share a little info on how you can get a copy of the CD. This is my first time being a part of the "music for sale" business and I too am navigating my way through the process. If it is your desire to purchase a copy, I will see to it that you can do so, whether I have to personally deliver the CD to you or supply you with an internet link as to where you can download individual songs or the entire album.
From what I understand, some of the online retailers will include CD Baby, Amazon, Itunes, Rhapsody, Spotify etc. I will be sure to update you with the specific sites as that info becomes available.

Here are some FAQs

1 When will the album be available?
Approx. Dec 5th 2011

2 How Much will it cost?
$12 for the physical CD and $1.00 for the digital downloads(might be less at certain online retailers)

3 How many songs are on the album?
There are 7. Five traditional carols and two original Christmas flavored compositions. One is done in a slow "Old Time Soca" style and the other one is done in a "Roots Reggae" style.

4. Are there only steel drums on the album?
No. its primarily an instrumental album that features the steel drum, but there are several tracks that include two guest singers and a guest guitarist.

5. Is it a professional recording? or did you record it in your bathroom and kitchen?
Lol, it is a professional recording. The next album will be recorded in the bathroom and kitchen.....

In the meanwhile, I will be sharing more background info with you. I'll be sharing official photoshoot media, graphic design mock ups, interviews with the musicians and most importantly-samples of how it sounds.

Oh, I only pressed 100 copies, so act quickly if you want a physical CD for your collection.


The best way to contact me is via www.hearsteeldrumsplay.com

Until next time, keep well.

Best,
Minsky

The King and I

Hello Music Friends,

First off I wanted to thank all of you for participating in last month's song selection survey. The results are posted below and you will see that songs by The King of Pop and The King of Rock were highly favored.

After you glance at the results, continue reading below to find out which King made the cut and what happens next.

Q- What song shall I play for the audition panel? It has to be a 90 second accapella rendition.

That's What Friends Are For-Dionne Warwick and Friends - 8.3%

Summertime-George Gershwin - 16.7%

Human Nature-Michael Jackson - 29.2%

I Can't Help Falling In Love With You-Elvis Presley 25.0%

Greatest Love of All- Whitney Houston 16.7%

Hero-Mariah Carey- 16.7%

Arrival...

My day started very early as I had a four hour drive from Charlotte, NC to Atlanta, GA to make an 8am casting call.
I must say the entire experience was great. I tried to be cool and calm as possible, because I had a feeling that I might make it, but I didn't want to be too disappointed if I didn't.

The atmosphere of the place was quite lively. There was a gamut of talent that ranged from Dance Crews, Musicians, Michael Jackson impersonators complete with white socks, sparkling glove and fedora hats, Little Richard look -a -likes and even a lady and puppy who wore matching outfits. Several acts had previously tried out and were giving it another shot. I especially enjoyed listening to the adventures of those who auditioned for American Idol. From their stories, I gathered that they are a small part of a large circuit of people that audition for numerous shows. Their determination was somewhat inspiring. No matter what their talent was, they were steadfast in their pursuits.

Audition...

I must say that I was pleased with my performance and how well the instrument sounded. It seems like I connected with the staff and the judges because one of the coordinators left his post to specifically listen to me play. That was a good sign. He mentioned that he had not seen any steel drum acts this season. As I introduced myself to the judges I had mentioned that I was born in Trinidad and Tobago. One of the judges' eyes lit up and he said that he was considering Trinidad as a vacation spot. He knew that Trinidad was full of beautiful women, and I assured him that his notion was correct.

I decided to play Elvis Presley's version of "Can't Help Falling in Love". I felt that the melody of that song was quite familiar and that it would be easily recognized. One of the challenges of playing instrumental music is that it must be performed in a way that it mimics a vocalist. The melody of "Cant Help Falling in Love" was very strong and could be successfully played acapella. In the event that I progress forward, I will more than likely play a Michael Jackson song. His music is recognized world wide, and I will have the luxury of having background music or perhaps a live band accompanying me; The full sound of the band combined with the steel drum will help the audience know exactly what song I'm playing.

The Next Step...

The next step if you are chosen, is that you will then audition in front of the celebrity judges - Usually Piers, Sharon and Howie. (That is when you will see the clips on TV of contestants being told that they are going to Hollywood.BTW I also saw Nick Canon on site) Exciting stuff for sure!

At the end of our auditions, the producers told us that successful acts will receive invitations via telephone. I've found myself checking my phone more often than usual for a "missed call" or voicemail message. I guess its true what they say in Hollywood...." Don't call us we will call you"

Best,
Minsky