Something different this way comes. Pan Jazz at Lincoln Center.

04/13/2004 05:38AM

For those for whom a steel drum conjures up images of a cruise ship or a Caribbean vacation, a pleasant surprise awaits in the form of a Father’s Day show at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. The instrument’s humble origins notwithstanding, pan has played many genres of music, if not as many venues. The show on June 20th, 2004 marks the debut of the Pan Jazz format at Lincoln Center.

While hard core aficionados have already been exposed to classical music and jazz music as played on a double seconds or a tenor pan, new initiates to the pan instrument will be treated to the talents of the ADLIB Steel Orchestra, Garvin Blake, Andy Narell, Arturo Tappin and Liam Teague.

There will also be two phenomenal music legends in the spotlight at the Steel Pan Jazz concert. Emmanuel 'Jack' Riley and Max Roach will both be honored. Riley is one of the first great improvisational pan players and soloists who impacted a generation, and he was also a Pan tuner in the early years for Desperadoes and Invaders Steel Orchestras in Trinidad. Max Roach, the greatest drummer who ever lived, is one of the early people to recognize the importance of pan , and to incorporate the instrument into his group, M'Boom.

The presence of ADLIB Steel Orchestra will allow newcomers to the genre to view a band with all the accoutrements. This band, formed in 1996 comprises youths who apply their musical talents to the instrument of their heritage. Part of the band’s repertoire is featured on a CD called 'ADLIB Live' recorded in 2002 and ranges from jazz, to calypso and classical.

Garvin Blake’s recording of “Belle Eau Road Blues” is a showcase for this talented soloist. Fusing jazz, African and Caribbean rhythms, Blake pays homage to jazz great Thelonius Monk as well as calypsonians the Mighty Sparrow and the late Lord Kitchener. The smooth inflections of the double seconds instrument, as mastered by Blake demonstrate a skill that many pannists attempt, but few achieve.

Andy Narell, whose pan recording The Passage was released in late March, has toured the world with his pan instrument. Narell’s dedication to the rhythms of Africa and the Caribbean demonstrates just how music transcends race. Narell experiments successfully with the music of Guadeloupe, Martinique and South Africa in addition to the melodies of Trinidad and Tobago.

The talents of Arturo Tappin have been heralded worldwide. The Bajan saxophonist has appeared on stage with the likes of Roberta Flack, Anita Baker, and Luther Vandross. Those who try to categorize such things have come up with the term reggae- jazz- fusion, but the listeners should judge for themselves whether or not there is even a name for these sweet sounds.

Liam Teague, having achieved notable distinction as a pan soloist has been touring the world with his “hands like lightening”. Hailed as a pan virtuoso, Teague also brings pan to the academic world, serving as Research Scholar and Assistant Director of the Northern Illinois University Steelband.

Abstract Entertainment Inc. and associates WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM, Smooth Jazz CD 101.9 FM, 98.7 KISS FM, and Anheuser to name a few promise to bring a great show. Bring your father…and your mother too.

[Photo of Andy Narell. Courtesy of Heads Up].

World Music Central
http://www.worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/20040320173854281