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