There is no other instrument in the world that has such an
engaging and upbeat sound as the Caribbean steel drum. We're always greeted by curious
listeners attracted by it's distinctive timbre. Inquisitively,
they often walk directly up to the band to investigate where the
unique sound is coming from. They are often quite amazed when they find out
how the drum is made and what it is actually made from. Others
who have already been down to
the Caribbean and have seen a steel drum band usually tell us that
we remind them of their island visit or cruise.
Our repertoire offers a nice tasteful
variety of tunes that everyone of all ages will enjoy.
Favorites by:
Jimmy Buffett, Harry Belafonte, Santana, Bob Marley, Gloria Estefan, Van
Morrison, Paul Simon, Talking Heads and
lots of others.
Classic Hits such as Mary Ann,
Matilda, Yellowbird, Brown-Eyed Girl, Oye Como Va, Stir It Up,
Hot-Hot-Hot, La Bamba, Volcano, Margaritaville, and many, many more.
| Exciting & Danceable Rhythms: |
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A Brief History of the
Steel Drum
The evolution of the steel drum, or "pan" as it is known by
players, is quite interesting and originated on the
Caribbean island of Trinidad. Freed African slaves settled
the area in the mid 19th century. When traditional African
drums were outlawed by the British authorities in the late
1800's street bands began to play rhythms using materials on
hand such as garbage can lids, pot & pans, and biscuit tins.
By the mid 1930's these groups became known as the first
"steel bands". Ingeniously, it was discovered that these
lids and tins can be "tuned" to create a musical pitch. By
the late 1940's, as a result of this extra-ordinary
development, pan craftsmen emerged who were fashioning 55
gallon oil drums into an instrument with 2 octaves of notes.
The technology of steel drum making continues to evolve.
Today, the pan has emerged from it's humble roots and is now
a state of the art instrument respected and in great demand
worldwide. |
through
the palm trees!