trinidad and toabago

Some see a rusty oil drum—a byproduct of Trinidad's oil industry. Others see a musical opportunity.

The steel pan orchestra proves that bass is more than an instrument. It’s an experience.

I’m here in Trinidad and Tobago, and I’ve been exploring the bass role from the perspective of my parents, grandparents, and great grandparents, who were bought here as slaves from Africa. Looking back, there is no doubt whatsoever that my Trini roots helped shape the bass player I became, because T&T is a bass-centric place. Trinidadians might sing the bass line or melody, when it comes to recalling a favorite song. As a child, I, too, found myself constantly fascinated by whatever the drums and bass were doing.

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