Brian Powley: Multi-media artist!

[Weldon47]

I had the pleasure of working (and learning) alongside Brian Powley at the Grand Master's both in '06 & '07. This year during the week, Brian handed me a copy of a music CD "Heavenly Metal". This is a CD of music made by a steel drum band which he and three of his kiddo's are a part of. I got a chance to really listen to it recently and I was very impressed! What a cool deal! Listening to it on CD made me wish I lived near enough to hear them in person.
Though there are other percussion instruments involved, the main part of the group is comprised of carefully tuned steel barrel heads (Brian, please correct me if I am giving false info here) and most are played by youngsters. (Can't help but wonder if the steel drums are ENGRAVED by Brian!! If not, they should be!!!)

Awesome music made by cool kids with a purpose! Loads of rhythm and "verve". You just can't beat a deal like that! If you get the chance to give it a listen, I bet you'll be impressed too!

Thought you might enjoy knowing a little more about Brian and the kind of guy he is!

Sincerely,

Weldon

 

[Tira]

I'll second that comment! I got a copy and it made the drive back to Philly a lot brighter. Your father's CD was great too! What a multi-talented bunch.

 

[John B.]

I love Brian's CD too. Really get's the old jucies flowing!
Do a search for his post and order it, you won't have regrets.
And the small $ go for a good cause and help kids.

 

[BrianPowley]

Weldon, Tira, John....
Thanks for the Kudos. I'm glad you like the music.
(I did engrave one.....never again.)

Weldon, you're right in the fact that the steel drum (also known as a pan) starts out as a regular 55-gallon oil drum. The bottom is hammered into a bowl shape and chromatically tuned.
Most of the soprano (lead) instruments have a 2 1/2 octave range making them very versatile for orchestrations.
We have a 4 voice orchestra----soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
There is also the "Engine Room" ---it consists of the drum set, congas, tibales, bongos, cowbells,shakers,scratchers,agogo's and believe it or not--a real brake drum off of a car.

It's a real opportunity for the youngsters in our area to learn different styles of music.

 

[monk]

i spent some time in jamaica and befriended a man who created those things. he made these instruments with little more than hammers, chisels, and files. nowadays i'm sure they are made with modern methods. nonetheless, great sounds cometh out !

 

[Weldon47]

Brian,

I took me back to my younger (much, much younger) days. During HemisFair '68 in San Antonio, in addition to a multitude of events, there was this guy who played a steel drum. After the event was over (October,1968) he stayed around San Antonio, usually down around the riverwalk area. He was known as "Bongo Joe" and eventually became somewhat of an icon. He is gone now but his memory lives on!

Weldon