| #ffffff;" /> | | | | throughout the scope of their performances. |
| Who would have thought that a musical instrument | | | | IRIE TIME also features a host of additional tropical |
| fashioned out of an empty 55-gallon oil barrel could | | | | sounds that infuse variation into the melodic |
| turn out to be the source of such pleasant | | | | soundscape of the music. Vibes, marimbas, flutes, and |
| entertainment? The steel drum (or steel pan) has | | | | brass can all lend themselves to a festive, tropical |
| become practically synonymous with the Caribbean | | | | musical texture, and provide stimulating variety in the |
| these days and, often, people even refer to Caribbean | | | | course of a sequence of songs that comprise the |
| music, in general, simply as 'steel drum' music. | | | | typical set of music. Yet, the sound of the steel drum |
| While percussive in nature, and occasionally featured | | | | returns again and again as the intrinsic basis and theme |
| as a stand-alone instrument, most frequently it is | | | | for the Caribbean music the band is noted for. |
| accompanied by additional instrumentation, which | | | | As stated previously, Calypso music (now known as |
| provides a rhythmic backdrop for the pan steel | | | | Soca) is possibly the most common rhythmic |
| melodies. Caribbean beats, such as Soca-Calypso and | | | | accompaniment to the steel pan. This may be, in part, |
| Reggae, are the most commonly associated rhythms | | | | due to the fact that both Soca music and the steel |
| and, indeed, these rhythms themselves ideally | | | | pan instrument itself were invented on the Caribbean |
| compliment the tropical music experience that the steel | | | | island of Trinidad! The percussive nature of the pan, |
| pan conveys. | | | | along with the up-tempo, percussion-laden Soca are a |
| The steel drum instrument can be played in a | | | | perfect mixture. The spirit of the Caribbean shines |
| single-note melody but, because the twin mallet sticks | | | | forth in this pairing, and puts every listener in the mood |
| can be struck simultaneously, a musical chord can also | | | | for dancing and celebration. “It's in the air |
| be played. Additionally, because of the 'bouncing' | | | | – celebration time; Music's sweet – |
| percussive attack the mallets provide, multiple notes | | | | captivates your mind” are the lyrics to the |
| can be repeated in quick succession, which can have | | | | world-famous song “(Are Your Feeling) Hot |
| the effect of hearing a continuous, melodic tone. These | | | | Hot Hot.” Anyone who has visited the |
| sustained notes can resemble the elongated sound | | | | Caribbean is immediately drawn back to recollections |
| that is an attribute of organ music, and the effect can | | | | of their tropical 'fun in the sun' when they hear this |
| be especially soothing to the listener. | | | | music. The steel drum sound is an instant connection to |
| The Houston, Texas-based musical group IRIE TIME | | | | the beach, clear blue waters, palm trees and peaceful |
| features the steel drum sound predominantly | | | | breezes blowing on an island paradise. One instrument |
| throughout their performances. While the band also | | | | that can transport the imagination of the listener to so |
| integrates a range of lead and harmony vocals in their | | | | specific a locale could not be more unique in all the |
| repertoire, the group consistently features extended | | | | world. |
| instrumental solos that rely, thematically, on the steel | | | | The band IRIE TIME has been performing Caribbean |
| pan sound as intrinsic to the Caribbean ambiance they | | | | Reggae and Soca music for over a decade, and has |
| provide. The band is comprised of skilled musicians that | | | | released numerous all-original CDs, which are |
| maintain creative and varying instrumental passages | | | | distributed worldwide. |