The Toucans, the first steel drum band to originate in the Tropical Northwest, bring you a retrospective of the early days of Pan, the great songs of the Caribbean, and a choice selection of all-time popular favorites! Th... more »is hour-plus album proceeds chronologically from 1930's Trinidad to modern Calypso hits, and also includes popular latin dance hits. The Toucans' modern interpretation of these songs from the past century takes you a musical journey through the Caribbean!« less
The Toucans, the first steel drum band to originate in the Tropical Northwest, bring you a retrospective of the early days of Pan, the great songs of the Caribbean, and a choice selection of all-time popular favorites! This hour-plus album proceeds chronologically from 1930's Trinidad to modern Calypso hits, and also includes popular latin dance hits. The Toucans' modern interpretation of these songs from the past century takes you a musical journey through the Caribbean!
CD Reviews
The Toucans are the Real Deal
Chris Wall | Montana | 12/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Quite good for a homegrown steel drum band. One has to admit that there are not lots of opportunities to learn steel drum music in the PNW so the fact that these boys can make your belly vibrate with the haunting sounds of old oil cans is amazing. Mr. Witmer's lead pan style sets the stage for wonderful renditions of carribbean classics as well as familiar covers such as Brown-eyed girl. I like the rendition of El Cumbanchero a nice branching out from traditional Antillean rhythms into the musical influences of the Latino-Caribe. A nice blend. I for one know the difference between their CD and a Loop."
The Toucans make lively, happy music
Dan Witmer | 01/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Got the blahs? This disc from the Toucans will lift your spirit, keep your toe tapping, and make you feel better, no matter how good you felt before. This stuff is great!"
STEEL DRUMS OLD AND NEW ~TOUCANS STEEL BAND
Michael Chin | SOUTH GATE, CA United States | 09/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"IF--you like Steel Drum Music this is a must have in your collection ,you won't regret it--EXCELLENT -Sound quality--just kick back and relax--you heart will start pumping and you feet will start jumping---"
Henry Mancini vs. Van Morrison on Steel Pan
WorldDiscoveries.Net | Petaluma, California | 11/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's startling to hear the likes of the standard 'Take Me to the Carnival' on the same disc as the modern 'Brown-Eyed Girl' and 'Greensleeves': only the Toucans could pull off such strong representations and keep the rhythms flowing between Henry Mancini, Van Morrison and the Caribbean islander Lord Kitchener."
Feels like sunshine and fun
book-lover | IL | 10/07/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had never heard this group before, but was looking for a steel drum CD. Read the 5 star reviews and thought I would give it a try.
This CD is great! One of the best. Great steeldrum music, well balanced, professionally done with a great beat. You can almost feel the sunshine and breezes when this is playing. Love to play this anytime and anywhere and always lifts the spirits."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1