For almost two decades under the management of Nestor Sullivan, the Pamberi Steel Orchestra has brought the people of Japan the sweet sounds of T&T's national instrument. Today, even after Japan's devastating earthquake that wreaked havoc in the northern part of the country, Sullivan assured, earthquake or not... his band will continue waving the flag of T&T culture high in Japan. "It is not just about having a steel band that plays in Japan. We have developed a very close affinity with the people of Japan and they also hold us dear to them and in high esteem," explained Sullivan.
History
The band, originally from San Juan, was formed in 1980 after the merging of Finland Orchestra and Marscians Steel Band. Having carved its name on the local scene, Pamberi would begin touring Europe-visiting, France, Italy and Switzerland. The steel orchestra also embarked on the recording of its first CD in 1992, titled Pamberi In Paris. According to Sullivan, it was at that point the band met its future "friend"-Japan. "It so happened that the studio (Blue Moon Record Label) where we were recording the CD, a Japanese company operated right next to it. As time passed we became acquainted with the people of that company, and we gave them a copy of the CD and they introduced the band's music to their 'connections' in Japan. "We toured Japan for the first time in 1993 as Pamberi, and for four consecutive years they retained our services. We took a break in 2001 and by 2003 we were back in Japan and have been playing there ever since," explained Sullivan.
Pan has a home in Japan
Sullivan described the people of Japan as not only warm people, but he also found them to be quite constructive and enthusiastic about learning other cultures and incorporating them into their own.
"When we first went to Japan there were already about six or seven Japanese steel bands existing, now there are over 50 bands. "T&T citizens will be proud if they could see the achievements of Japanese pan players. We always see evidence of their hard work in Panorama. There is always a presence of more than one Japanese pan player in Panorama," added Sullivan.
Japan made us better
Admitting that the level of professionalism displayed by Japanese pan-players made them (Pamberi) step up their 'game,' Sullivan said: "The most important thing when it comes to entertainment in Japan, is the question of professionalism. From the arrangements, contracts, to the stage settings and sound engineering-every thing is done with utmost professionalism. Not to mention you are living amongst advance technology, so there is no excuse for not doing a good job. "As a result of this, the bands will always perform at their best because they have all they need to work with."
Playing one for Japan
Although Japan's focus is on rebuilding after mass ruin caused by its recent earthquake and tsunami, Sullivan assured his band's ties with Japan were not lost. "I have been in touch with our agent in Japan and he has not given us any reason to believe our relationship was over," Sullivan disclosed.
"Last year we were special guest at the Japanese Steel Band Music Festival in Yokohama, just outside of Tokyo. "There were about ten Japanese steelbands playing and the members of Pamberi were fascinated by the technical ability of the Japanese players-they could play. "The members of Pamberi hold a very special place in their hearts for the people of Japan. We have all been saddened by what has happened and so any effort that is made to bring a smile back to the faces of the Japanese people...we in that. "Pamberi was one of the steelbands that sent its love and support to Japan at the locally produced Ganbare concert-a fund-raising event that was held at the Zen Night Club on March 29. "We just want to say thank you to Japan for making Pamberi always feel at home."
More info
For more info on Pamberi Steel Orchestra visit www.pamberi.com or email the band at pamberi_steel_orchestra@hotmail.com