Legendary Neville Jules 80th Birthday Bash
Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe (Right) presents Mr. Neville Jules with a token of appreciation
TrinbagoPan.com Reporters
Event Date: May 25, 2007
Posted: May 29, 2007
On Friday night - the 25th May, 2007 - Neville Jules, founder of the Trinidad All Stars, was treated to a birthday bash in the Trinidad All Stars Pan Yard on Duke Street, Port of Spain. The pan legend and arranger for the band (for over 25 years) who turned 80 on Monday 21st May, celebrated his birthday on Friday with family, friends, supporters and pan members from various bands.
"Cap" as he is commonly called, is the inventor of the 'tune boom' (a four note biscuit pan), the caustic soda drum, the 'Chaguaramas bass' on 55-gallon drums and the 'Grundig' or cello pan. Although he had migrated to the United States in 1971, he has been back and forth doing the work of arranging and keeping in close contact with the Trinidad All Stars band. "Cap" is also known for his strict discipline which has kept the band in order and as a result, one of the most successful musical orchestra's in Trinidad and Tobago.
By 7pm the panyard was buzzing with activities and excitement as everyone involved in organizing Neville's birthday bash hustled with the final preparations. The night was cool and the sky was clear except for the occasional drifting clouds made visible from the light of the three quarter moon. The lights from the streets and surrounding buildings allowed a partial view of the Laventille Hills, the East Dry River and surrounding buildings.
The ambience was undoubtedly a nostalgic one for many of the pan pioneers and supporters who were gathered for the occasion. The crowd increasingly grew as pan enthusiasts made their way into the courtyard, either standing or sitting in groups around tables. Some made themselves quite comfortable sitting on the two small bleachers strategically placed to allow visitors to easily see the neat assembly of steelbands that were housed under tents. The panyard itself was particularly organized for the four bands to perform, the patrons to sit or dance if they choose to, two bars and a food section.
It was an interesting sight to see BP Renegades, Witco Desperadoes, Phase II Pan Groove and Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra come together to celebrate the work of this pan legend despite their rivalries, different fans and sponsors.
The music played by the bands ranged from foreign R&B and Reggae tunes such as Michael Jackson's "You Are Not Alone" and Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" to more popular Calypso tunes such as Mighty Sparrow's "Stop Sparrow, Stop" and Denyse Plummer's "Woman is Boss". This repertoire was appreciated by all in attendance.
As the 9 o'clock hour had passed, the crowd had thickened to the point that there was hardly any room for movement. Still, the general atmosphere in the All Stars Pan Yard was relaxing, informal and yet full of action. People chatted with friends, ate, drank, danced and swayed to the enchanting and mesmerizing pan music. Two screens, one situated on the west of the entrance and the other northwest of the entrance, were utilized for those who could not easily see the bands close-up and for those on the outskirts of the tightly packed crowd.
There were several pan legends and other seasoned players present to celebrate the iconic Neville Jules such as Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe of Phase II Pan Grove; Manager of All Stars, Beresford Hunte; Captain of Desperadoes, Mr. Mc Quilkin; Jason 'Stumps' Lewis; Exodus committee members; Judy Williams; Steve 'Dark Horse' Pierre and many others. Also in attendance were Junior Culture Minister, Eddie Hart, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Arnold Piggott and legendary artist, Mr. Wayne 'Rafiki' Morris.
One of the highlights of the night was a presentation to birthday celebrant Neville Jules by Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe on behalf of Phase II Pan Groove Steel Orchestra. Accompanying 'Boogsie' with the presentation to Mr. Jules was Junior Culture Minister, Mr. Eddie Hart. Phase II Pan Groove then serenaded the pan legend Neville Jules.
The night's activities climaxed with the powerful sounds of this years Panorama champions, the Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars. By this time, the bleachers and chairs were almost empty as audience members danced the night away.
This was indeed a fitting birthday tribute to Mr. Neville Jules - one of the pioneers of the steelband movement.
Neville Jules 80th Birthday Celebration in pictures:
www.trinbagopan.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=18275
Homepage
|
|
