Vat 19 Fonclaire Steel Orchestra
08/30/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The correct title of the GROUP playing this music is Vat 19 Fonclaire. In fact, in the liner notes, it's named The Fernandes Vat 19 Fonclaire and it is a regional name for a large steel 'band' which has won many awards in competitions in Trinidad over the years. I enjoyed this LP immensely, perhaps partly because I'm familiar with the 3 Grover Washington, Jr. and 1 Andy Narell numbers included. I know that 'Fire Down Below' is a classic (& this is my 1st time hearing it)and it's one I'll listen to repeatedly in future. I've been borrowing pan CDs from my local library and this one stands above the others I've borrowed up to now. I only have a bit of background in listening to pan music but I was fortunate to have known a tuner, an arranger and a few writers for this style of music. So I'm an intermediate in knowledge... If you like jazz and dancing, this is a good combo for you."
Different interpretation of some modern jazz songs
12/14/1998
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This disc has a super island feel. Jazzy with a Carib touch. Friends who hear it usually beg for a copy but no one locally ever carries this disc. Thank gooodness for Amazon.com"