(refers to package of Pamberi's Carnival
Madness, Classics in Steel and Contemporary Moods)
This handsomely packaged 3-CD series by Trinidadian steel orchestra Pamberi
has everything going for it: excellent sound quality, a big-band feel, and a
musical range that's hard to quarrel with. Here is listening proof of the
steelpan's versatility: reggae, mainstream ballads, zouk, Latin, Stravinsky,
Rossini, with plenty of calypso and soca. The work of some of the country's top
pan arrangers - Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, Jit Samaroo and Pamberi's own
Godwin Bowen - can be sampled here as well. (A fourth addition to the series,
Sweet Christmas, is also available.)
A compilation of existing material (much of it recorded in Japan) and other
tracks recorded at Rituals's digital studio, d Yard, this collection showcases
the vast repertoire of one of the island's big steelbands. Anyone who takes up
the challenge of recording a 100-piece steel orchestra deserves high praise, and
these a provide a splendid introduction to the big band steelband sound. (SL/GP/eC)
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