Image via YouTube music video © WACK Visual Radio/Pan Trinbago/Golden Hands Steel Orchestra.
The rhythm of pan music floated through the air at Victoria Square, Port of Spain, as Pan Trinbago's Small Conventional Bands Semi-Finals brought together some of the most talented steel orchestras. Among them, the Golden Hands Steel Orchestra not only performed but also mesmerized the audience with their rendition of Lord Nelson's "Mih Lover."
With the accomplished Vanessa Headley-Brewster at the helm of the arrangement and the disciplined Kenny McCloud as drill master, the band delivered a performance that resonated deeply with spectators and hopefully with the judges. Speaking after the performance, Vanessa shared a heartfelt connection to the song. "'Mih Lover' is more than just a piece of music," she said. "It's a tribute to my mother, who chose this song for Panorama. Though she is not here to witness this live, I know she's watching from the afterlife, proud of what we have accomplished."
It's no small feat to honor a legacy while making an indelible mark of one's own. Vanessa self-judged the preliminary round meticulously, making key adjustments that elevated their performance to excellence. From start to finish, the steelpans were well-tuned and sounded superb. Each sequence of the performance was a testament to her keen sense of musicality and dedication.
Adhering to the original arrangement of "Mih Lover" by the legendary Clive Bradley, the band infused their vibrations with authenticity and passion. With nuanced interpretations and flawless execution, Golden Hands Steel Orchestra conveyed a performance that not only stayed true to tradition but also reflected their unique artistic vision.
This remarkable musical journey felt both respectful of the past and excitingly fresh. Given their memorable performance, it's no surprise that many expect the Golden Hands Steel Orchestra to advance to the finals. Their meticulous preparation and heartfelt delivery were clear indicators of their talent and dedication. As the echoes of their pans fade from Victoria Square, one thing is certain: Golden Hands Steel Orchestra has solidified its place in the pantheon of great steel bands.
The finals await, and with them, the opportunity for Golden Hands to further dazzle and serenade the hearts of pan lovers everywhere.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event/Competition: Pan Trinbago’s Small Conventional Bands Semi-Finals 2025
Band: Golden Hands
Tune of Choice: Mih Lover
Original Song Artist/Performed by: Lord Nelson
Original song arranged by: Clive Bradley (1982)
Album: We Like It
Arrangement for Harvard Harps by: Vanessa Headley-Brewster
Drill Master: Kenny McCloud
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
PTSCBP2025
Genre: Steelband Music
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
