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Hearts Aglow NEW Album release - Reggae Pan Classics The Steel Pan originated in Trinidad & Tobago in the late 1930s. It is the only orchestral family of acoustic musical instruments to be invented in the 20th century: instruments range from low bass to high sopranos; all made out of the same raw material (oil drums). This invention is a magnificent achievement for the people of Trinidad & Tobago. The people of Trinidad & Tobago ‘suffered for their art’ - the colonial rulers of the period were against the beating of drums, singing and dancing. They influenced many of the middle and upper class to look down on the artistic and creative talents of people of African descent. Sadly this legacy of negative thinking still remains amongst some people of the African and Asian Diaspora. Many times I find myself having to explain to people that the Steel Pan is a musical instrument not a form of music. Reggae, calypso, and soca bands all make sure they have guitars, keyboards, drum kits in there line up, but often do not see the need to include the Steel Pan. Time for a change - Reggae Pan Classics a new international mix. In the early days of the evolution of the steelband, it took acceptance by the British, and other Europeans before acceptance by the wider Caribbean community of the contribution of Steel Pan to international music genres. Jamma has mastered classical, & jazz music. He has won the title of national Steelband soloist Champion of Great Britain on three separate occasions; joint first winner of The Nottinghill Carnival Calypso monarch 2001, “all awards won with his own compositions” has teamed up with MACKADUB (Barry Stewart) to bring forward this brand new breed of musical vibes. The Mighty Jamma plays ReggaeReggae Pan Classics Jamma has used the Pan as the lead instrument to perform Reggae classics, produced by MACKADUB who has produced for many top artists in Jamaica and the UK. He has recently returned from Jamaica and through the inspiration of the island vibes has created a solid foundation for Jamma to work from. The celebration of the legendry late Bob Marley’ s 60th Birthday anniversary, the consensus was that this album should be dedicated to this great man. Spreading the One Love Message on the sound of a Drum in the 21st century proves that the natural African musical traditions has stayed with us as a people and continues to inspire. Trinidad meets Jamaica Calypso the music of the Caribbean has to be featured on the Reggae Pan Classic; Calypso in Trinidad and Mento in Jamaica, happens to be the same thing with different names. Mention Reggae music and the name Bob Marley is in the midst; when you mention Calypso and Pan music and the name The Lord Kitchener (Aldwin Roberts) has to be in the midst also. Kitchener, Marley, and Jamma have the same thing in common - launching some of their great music from the UK. Three generations, three different styles; three little birds with a message too you “Non Stop Jamming”. When I arrived in Trinidad Carnival 2000 to promote my new album The Sun, on my first morning I went to Lord Kitchener’s Review and met Jazzy Pantin (Lord Kitcheners manager) to discuss my coming performance at the review. We were in correspondence from October 1999. He had heard my material and was impressed. Unfortunately, I was greeted with the very sad news that the Grand master, the Lord Kitchener, had just passed away at round about 4am that same morning. Every one at the review was in shock, me included; the news had not been made public as yet, but I was very sad because I had never met the great Lord Kitchener in person and was looking forward to talking to him about music. As you would expect, the whole schedule for Carnival Y2K had to be changed. It was one of the best Carnivals I have ever attended: dedicated to Lord Kitchener; all the bands and radio stations were playing Kitchener’s songs. I was very privileged to attend the funeral of the Great Grand Master. I was nicked named Kitchener’s Son, because of my stutter, and being able to sing very clearly and also because of the style of songs I was writing; this comment was even made by the Trinidad Express in an interview. As a special dedication to the Great Grand Father of Caribbean Music we have chosen one of his many great hit’s “Give me d ting that the Doctor order me” to feature on this Album. To round off we had to include The Mighty Jamma”s Bumcy Party re vocalized for 2005 as a bonus track to keep you Jamming. One Love & God Bless to the Listeners of this Sound Other CD’s in the Reggae series is, Reggae Pan Christmas, Reggae Pan Gospel “Mom’s Songs” Jamma also has a wide range of albums that you will most definitely enjoy, please feel free to contact us at Hearts Aglow Records
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