| MUSICAL NOTES |
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| Entertainment |
| Written by Esther Callens |
| Thursday, 16 August 2012 12:18 |
 A new collection is available that showcases a unique musician performing some wonderful music. Mastering the steel pans is jazz pannist Leon Foster Thomas. His latest release, Brand New Mischief is a lively assemblage of some great contemporary tunes. Presenting all original compositions, Leon Foster Thomas is quite a rare hidden treasure. Steel pans, which are sometimes known as steel drums, were invented before the 1900s. They are percussion type instruments that originated from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Mostly they are fashioned out of 55 gallon drums. Steel pan musicians, referred to as pannists, play the steel pan by beating on the steel drums with sticks that have rubber tips fashioned to them. The results produce beautiful music with a varying number of pitches, which Thomas plays eloquently. “Soul Window” is the opening track on Brand New Mischief. It features a pleasing repetitive melody that transcends into Thomas executing his phenomenal skills by playing a brilliant improvisational piece. “Annecy” is the title of track four. It is named after his new baby girl, which by the way, happens to be the inspiration behind Brand New Mischief. Annecy is a fantastic mid-tempo track that offers some very sweet music. The seven selections on Brand New Mischief are well worth getting acquainted with. It is certain Leon Foster Thomas will be appreciated a long time. Thomas is a native of San Fernando, Trinidad. He has a Bachelor degree in Jazz studies from Florida Memorial University. He is one of Miami’s outstanding musicians and his list of accolades includes winner of Miami Carnival Bomb Competition (2005 and 2006), Miami Panorama Competition 2009 and others. He is an accomplished drummer, arranger and composer as well. Dolly Parton, Richard Smallwood, and Cyril Neville are just a few of the artists he has worked with. Joining Thomas on Brand New Mischief are Allen C. Paul (Piano), Kurt Hengstebeck (Acoustic Bass) and Ludwig Alfonso (Drums). |
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