Pan Vibes

305.215.4365

Website


Pan Vibes. . . Steel Drums by Charles Cooke is Charles’ first CD and is crafted to display his mastery of the steel drums in a range of musical styles. Charles’ history with the steel drums or “pans” began in Barbados in the early 1970s. Barbados, second only to Trinidad, has a long and cultured history with the steel drums. Charles became interested through his brother, Merrival, who plays with Barbados oldest steel orchestra. This was during a time when the steel drums were not yet recognized for the art that they have become. An interesting footnote of Charles’ personal history is that his most hated class in school was music where “pan” music was not acceptable.

Charles began playing the bass steel drums for the Triponi Steel Orchestra who contracted with Barbados’ premier resorts in the 1970’s and early 80’s. During this time, he experimented with other types of steel drums - the guitar, single tenor, cello, tenor bass, and double tenors.

With an opportunity to expand both his horizons and his musical skills, he played double tenors with a Caribbean Band made up of musicians from Barbados on a variety of Cruise lines in the 80’s. It is here he began to develop his mastery of first the double, then the single tenors. Unlike Barbados, where steel drums are not a part of the more traditional bands but play separately as steel orchestras, on the cruise ship, he played the steel drums, acoustic drums, and percussions. In 1991, Charles joined friends in developing a Miami based band called Magic Wave and, subsequently, Surefire, which plays venues throughout South Florida.

In 2000, he initiated his solo effort as “Pan Vibes”. Charles’ performances are a representation of the breadth of his musical commitment and interests. While never abandoning roots in the African/Caribbean tradition, Pan Vibes is helping to insure that steel drums take their proper place in musical history – not just a Caribbean experience but a world experience. Use of the steel drums from classical through rock to country to popular and jazz, Charles opens windows to the world community, many of whom have not understood the power and sophistication of the pan and its people. Although his CD gives a sampling of this musical range, take a look at his “play-list” for a more extensive review of the depth and variety of music which he and this remarkable instrument present to you.