Steel Pan - Both a Musical Style and an Instrument

If you stop to think about it, it may be a bitmay additionally be stated that Soca-Calypso and Pan
extraordinary that a musical term would have twoSteel have oftentimes become synonymous. The
distinct meanings. Rather than suggesting a double"(Are you feeling) Hot Hot Hot" Soca beat is the
entendre here, i.e., some second, implied or hiddenperfect rhythmic accompaniment for the instrument.
meaning, what is being referred to is that of both aFurther, while we hear the Steel Drum played in a
noun and an adjective. Steel Pan, perhaps somewhatsoothing style over slower beats, such as that of
uniquely, refers to both the Steel Drum instrument itselfReggae, the Soca-Calypso rhythm invokes the most
and the musical style in which the instrument is typicallydirect connection to the Caribbean and, thus, the type
featured.of music typically being referenced.
Steel Pan may have, as of late, become the moreAnother variation in the terminology used in describing
common term for the Steel Drum. Certainly, anyonethis music is to refer to the "Steel Band". This
familiar with the instrument would be well aware that itconnotation suggests, perhaps, a number of Pan
was initially fashioned out of a 55-gallon oil drum andplayers being assembled and, in this context, the lead
became known, hence, as the "Steel Drum". Yet, whenmelody would be carried by the soprano or tenor Pan,
one refers to the "Steel Pan", it is generallyor as a duet with a double second. However, what is
acknowledged that the musical instrument itself is beingmore often the case in referencing the Steel Band is, in
referenced.fact, again referring to a certain style of music, i.e.
On the other hand, if one suggests going to 'listen to'Caribbean music.
some Steel Pan music, it generally seems to imply aIt is natural that the casual observer would refer to
genre of music. The term denotes a decidedlyCaribbean music as Steel Pan, since the instrument
Caribbean musical style, in which the Steel Drum is, ofwas developed in, and is unique to, the Caribbean.
course, predominantly featured. AdditionalMoreover, the Steel Drum flavors practically every
instrumentation, however, may also be commonlyvariety of music coming out of the region, from its
included as part of this "sound" or musical style, whileorigins in Trinidad and across the Caribbean to Jimmy
the melodic or lead instrument would be notably that ofBuffett in Florida, as well as others. The Steel Drum
the Steel Drum.invokes images of pure white sand on a palm tree
The band IRIE TIME features the Steel Drum sound aslined beach with clear blue waters, and that is an
an integral part of their music. The bridge between theexperience many listeners of the genre seek. They're
instrument and the musical style associated with thelooking for a Caribbean music experience, and their
instrument is reflected in their every performance. Itterm for that experience is Steel Pan.