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The Beauty Of Steel Pan Music

By Dennis Wright


In every part of the world, there is a particular set of factors that can be attributed to one country or culture. Though steel pan music is now heard worldwide, it is known as a sound that is unique to the Caribbean. After all, the birth of this instrument, also called a steel drum, happened in the Caribbean's most southern island of Trinidad.

Affectionately known as the 'pan', this instrument came to life in the nineteen thirties, after about 50 or so years of experimenting with various sounds on different metal objects. These metal objects were used as percussion instruments during a time when the hand drums brought by African slaves were banned by the British rule. This ban was a futile attempt to discourage Carnival festivities.

Fifty-five-gallon oil drums were originally used as the starting point for the instrument. These drums were subject to excessive pounding and then polishing to become the instrument we now know. This hand-created method is still the most popular, even though there is another method using sheet metal to begin with. Being the only instrument created in C20, the pan is a permanent part of worldwide history.

The pan can be played alone or with other pans in what is called a steel band. The music is prominent during Carnival, and there are special events and competitions held to capture the title of the greatest band overall. Spectators are able to participate in the events and support the players live, enjoying the vibrant energy of the music.

Though the instrument traditionally celebrates local musical genres of calypso and soca in Trinidad & Tobago, it can actually be used in any genre of music. Sounds of the pan can be heard in jazz, pop, reggae and also Latin. It has even been used in rap and hip-hop, for example, in 50 Cent's chart-topping hit "P. I. M. P.". The global reach of the instrument has led to debates over its origins.

There are various pan types for different pitches, or tones. Those pans found in the frontline section play the melodies and counter melodies because they have the highest pitch. These are namely the tenor and double-tenor pans. In the mid-range, the quadrophonic, cello and guitar pans play harmonies and also counter melodies.

The background section of a steel band is where one will find the pans with the lowest tones. These are responsible for the bass line that drives the entire band. Pans include the dudup, as well as the four-note bass. In the engine room, other instruments of a percussive nature are found, accompanying the pan in various ways.

Certain figures are prominent when discussing the history and development of this unique instrument. Anthony Williams is a big name in the discussion; he was the first to create the pan using oil drums. He is also the creator of the 'spider web' pan, which, due to its layout, has a much higher quality of sound. Winston Simon created the eight-pitch melody pan, while Ellie Mannette is credited with wrapping pan playing sticks with rubber, which greatly refined the sound.




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