Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe | Crème de la Crème Pannist!

Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe is the Michael Jordan of the Steel Pan. He is loved by the masses in Trinidad and Tobago and respected for his pan genius around the World. 
This year Phase II managed to place second in the National Panorama competition; they played Archbishop of Pan, music composed and arranged by Mr. Sharpe. There is always next year and rest assured Boogsie will be planning to wrest the title back for his beloved Phase II Pan Groove. The following is his biography via the website "Boogsie".

Biography:
"This gift, known to many as "perfect pitch," has taken Boogsie to musical heights only dreamed of. He was awarded the Humming Bird Silver Medal in 1987 and was also named Cultural Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago (as well as David Michael Rudder) in 2000. These are just two of the many awards and honours he has received for his musical excellence.

As a cultural icon in Trinidad and Tobago, pan player, arranger, and composer, Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, is dedicated to bringing music that people from all walks of life can appreciate and enjoy. He channels his musical talents through Phase II Pan Groove.

Led by Boogsie, the three-time panorama champions compete in most of the national steel band competitions throughout the year and are also involved in many shows, entertaining the public of Trinidad and Tobago.

Although Boogsie enters his band to compete in the many competitions, his vision does not involve just winning these competitions. A trophy and prize money are attractive, but what brings true satisfaction to him and the band members is the joy expressed by all followers and supporters of the band and the art form. Even when Phase II comes second or third in a competition, the members all take solace in the fact that the crowd truly enjoyed the music. With thunderous applause and deafening cheers, fans have time and time again expresed their gratitude to the band for bringing them something original and exciting with every new song.

In addition to the competitions, one cannot exclude the many other performances (aka gigs) that the band participates in. For many of these, Boogsie himself is featured. He composes most of the songs played by the band and several of them are geared towards spontaneous musical creation, or improvisation. This is where one gets to hear the true talents of Mr. Sharpe. His hands move with lightning speed as his creative genius pours out of his very soul, into the steel pan and out into the audience in the forms of harmonious cords and melodies. He has been known to splice songs into other songs at times, leaving the crowd in awe.

Boogsie has promised to fulfill his commitment to musical excellence for the people of the nation and the world."  via http://www.phaseiipangroove.com/
More information about this legendary pannist/arranger can be found on the Internet but eCaroh has a good article on Boogsie. The following link will take you to the eCaroh site/article.
via http://www.ecaroh.com/index.html

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). Lend me your ears... Enjoy!
♫ Please press the play button to listen (small triangle below).
Rose by Len "Boogsie" Sharpe

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