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A Brief History
of the
Steel Drum |
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The evolution of the steel drum, or
"pan" as it is known by players, is quite interesting
and originates 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. |
There is no other instrument in the world that has such an
engaging and upbeat sound as the Caribbean steel drum. At
every event at which we play, 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're quite amazed when they find out
how the drum is made and what it's 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 age groups will enjoy.
Favorites by:
Jimmy Buffett, Harry Belafonte, Santana, Bob Marley, Gloria Estefan, Van
Morrison, Paul Simon, Talking Heads, Bo Diddley, Arrow, UB40 and
lot of others.
Classic Hits like 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:
The Calypso Gypsies...
featuring the music of the steel drum, the most beloved and
recognizable sound of the Caribbean... besides, of course, the
ocean breeze blowing
 through
the palm trees!
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