Steelin Jazz Jam Session

This is one of my favorite clips from panPittsburgh 2007 from the jazz jam session, Steelin Jazz with Roger Humprhies Quintet, Roy Crosse and Phil Solomon. Held in a great loft space downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural District, it was one of our most memorable events; folks are still talking about it.  This clip doesn't quite capture the beautiful performances by the group that night but we love Phil's solo on this song. 

Phil Solomon and Steel Impressions "Moonlight Sonata"

This is a clip from a black box theater performance of panPittsburgh's first Classical Steel program. The idea for the event was to play some of Phil's favorite classical pieces for audiences in an intimate setting. It was a beautiful evening of performance. The complete program was performed later as part of the August Wilson Center's First Voice Festival. 

pan tuning

what makes certain sounds interesting or appealing than others? for as long as i can remember i've loved to the sound of a steelpan. my father used to make his pans in our house. so i always knew he was home by hearing the tuning sounds from the basement. i'd sit and watch him, until the note came in. to hear a note come into existence is an amazing experience to hear.

i went to my father's shop a couple months ago and just as i alway do, i stood and watched him tuning a pan. he makes it seem effortless. the way he strokes the pan with a hammer and mallet, a perfect balance, with just the right amount of tension... here's a short clip.

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-8216135390496578267&hl=en

Tropical Sundays at Phipps

Steel Impressions will be performing this weekend at Phipps Conservatory as part of the Tropical Sundays events. Live music from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

Driving Directions (http://www.phipps.conservatory.org/directions.htm)

Steelpan on Mr. Rogers (YouTube)

just for curiosity, and perhaps in need of a distraction, I googled steelpan videos and first on the list is a video featuring Phil Solomon (my father!) making a steelpan and Mr. Rogers (learning to play). It also features my three sisters in their pre-fashionable days (this was recorded in the early 90s!) playing pan (lead, double, four bass and percussion) with Phil.

Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv7_todEbKs