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

We Shall Overcome- A steel drum salute to Dr Martin Luther King.

Hello Music Friends,

Dr Martin Luther King has affected all of us in some way. I 'm celebrating his legacy by sharing a steel drum rendition of " We Shall Overcome"

Thank You Dr King.

Best,
Minsky

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.