Vibes of the Caribbean: Capturing the Essence of English-Speaking Music

Curated Playlist: Unveiling the Impact of Liam Teague 🎶

Central Artist: Liam Teague

Description: This arranged playlist captures the essence of the music of the English-speaking Caribbean, through a globally acclaimed musician, frequently praised as the "Steelpan's Paganini", Liam Teague. Teague was born in Trinidad & Tobago, where he is recognized for his skills in composing, arranging, and playing the steelpan. The pieces presented in this playlist were influenced by Teague through band membership, collaborations, and musical influences. Teague has also drawn inspiration from numerous steelpan artists, shaping his own musical style and contributing to who he has become today.

Playlist:

First on this playlist is our central artist Liam Teague, performing his piece Hands Like Lightning. In this music video, Teague's playing on the steelpan perfectly matches his song title “Hands Like Lightning”, with lively tunes and energetic beats that echo the speed and power of lightning. Steelpans are musical instruments that originated from Trinidad and Tobago. Steelpan music is vital to Trinidad and Tobago's culture, representing resilience, identity, and creativity. Teague has travelled worldwide, showcasing the immense musical potential of the steelpan through his highly praised solo and group performances (Titsworth, 2022).

Upcoming is Concerto for Steelpan & Orchestra Part I, composed by Jan Bach. This musical piece was performed by the 2009 Concerto Competition Winner, Mia Gormandy. Once again, the steelpan is shown, but among an orchestra. Providing an exciting and somewhat mysterious classical musical piece. This is connected to Teague through Jan Bach, who was his professor at NIU. Bach was inspired by Teague's artistry when he joined NIU in 1993, leading to the composition of this concerto to highlight the steelpan's solo potential (Panonthenet, 2009).

Next up we have the Northern Illinois University Steelband, performing O’ Trinidad by Ray Holman arranged by Yuko Asada. In this performance, there are over 20 steelpans, in which only a few of the players are present. This musical work is connected to Teague, through his position as NIU Steelband's co-director and a steelpan professor. In which he made multiple arrangements and original compositions for NIU’s Steelband. Teague inspires his NIU Steelband students to play the steelpan through his passion, skill, innovative approaches, and exposure to diverse musical selection.

Our next song is Canto Bight by John Williams, this song was one of the many composed by Williams in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. This song features steelpans, which were used in the original Star Wars trilogy. This is linked to Teague by his influence on a pannist and percussionist, Tyler Hunt. Hunt was chosen to play the steelpan part for The Last Jedi after being noticed for his performance of Liam Teague’s "Impressions" (NIU Arts, 2018). The combination of steelpan into a major Hollywood soundtrack highlights Teague's substantial impact on its recognition in various music genres.

Upcoming is a live recording of Andy Narrell performing his song Coffee Street, with three instrumental performers. Once again, a steelpan is shown accompanied by other instruments such as a piano, guitar, and drums. The melody and rhythm of these instruments combined give birth to a beautiful piece influenced by Teague’s work. Further, this piece also features a soloist of each of the instruments presented. This is interconnected to Teague due to their collaborations and performances together, their latest recorded performance took place at the John Van Duzer Theatre, Arcata, California (Novotney, 2022).

Next on the playlist, we have “Griot”, composed by Ben Wahlund. This piece features the central artist Tague playing the steelpan along with cello player Cheng-Hou Lee. The rhythm and melody provide a fun, adventurous, and exciting atmosphere. This piece is linked to Teague through the shared professional environment, where both Teague and Wahlund are music professors at NIU. Wahlund was inspired by Teague's dedication to commissioning new works for the steelpan (Khan, 2014). "Griot" demonstrates how Teague encourages contemporary composers to explore and expand the steelpan's repertoire.

The last song on this playlist is "Pan in de Party" by Ken "Professor" Philmore, featuring vocals by Ian Joseph and Janet Alleyne. The music video shows people in Trinidad enjoying themselves and playing various instruments. This association originates from Teague's period as a student under Ken Philmore at Pleasantville Senior Comprehensive School in Trinidad. In remembering, Mr. Philmore who inspired him in his musical journey, Teague states, “His charisma was immense, and, for me, it was like meeting a rock star-- I couldn't wait to get home to tell my parents about meeting this legendary figure” (Teague, 2018).

Bibliography

Gangelhoff, C., & LeGrand, C. (2019). Tour de force: A musical journey of the Caribbean. Sound Caribbean.

Khan, N. (2014, March 16). Liam Teague: Paganini of the Steelpan. Trinidad Guardian. https://www.guardian.co.tt/article-6.2.379965.1955d6c8a9

NIU Arts. (2018, March 16). Steelpan in “the last jedi” influenced by NIU’s Liam Teague. NIU Today. https://niutoday.info/2018/04/25/steelpan-in-the-last-jedi-influenced-by-nius-liam-teague/

Novotney, E. (2022, September 26). Andy Narell: Dee Mwa Wee - Humboldt calypso band featuring Liam Teague and Avery Attzs. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ263h7LNpA

Panonthenet. (2009). Composer Jan Bach and the steelpan - up-close!. When Steel Talks/PanOnTheNet. https://www.panonthenet.com/spotlight/2009/ian_bach-5-6-09.htm

Teague, L. (2018, October 3). Liam Teague remembers Ken “professor” philmore. When Steel Talks. https://whensteeltalks.ning.com/forum/topics/liam-teague-remembers-ken-professor-philmore

Titsworth, E. (2022, August 9). Liam Teague to kick off 43rd Fine Arts Series: Illinois college. Liam Teague to kick off 43rd Fine Arts Series | Illinois College. https://www.ic.edu/news/09-8-2022/liam-teague-kick-43rd-fine-arts-series