PanBrassOrama Tributes Jit Samaroo Amoco Renegades

PanBrassOrama Tributes Jit Samaroo Amoco Renegades

A midi album project by Gary Trotman

PanBrassOrama

:::Tracks include:::
::: 4ths & 5ths Pan
::: The Bees Melody
::: Jit Samaroo and the Renegades
::: Pan In Ah Rage
::: St Thomas – bonus track
::: Symphony In G
::: The Iron man
::: Pan Pirates
::: Guitar Pan
::: Two Days To Go

PanBrassOrama

PanBrassOrama is a midi concept album that was recorded in 1998.
The first ever recording of a Trinidad Panorama arrangement I ever heard was ‘Pan Explosion’ – I had no idea previously that such level of orchestration existed in such a pulsating, rhythmic musical battle. I very quickly obtained recordings of many of the Rama great tunes between what I call the sweet spot from the 1970’s to the early 1990’s .. and although I admired many of the arrangers and arrangements, y head and heart always looked back to the Jit Samaroo musical formulae and the execution of his music in a way that only Renegades could interpret.

Samaroo Amoco Renegades

PanBrassOrama Tributes Jit Samaroo Amoco Renegades

Dr Jit Samaroo

Dr Jit Sukha Samaroo

 Jit Samaroo was born 24 February,

1950,

Lopinot,

Trinidad.

One of his early musical influences was his mother, who was a versatile dholak player. This led to his involvement in pan at the age of ten when he joined the Village Boys, a pan-around-the-neck steelband. Here he learned the art of playing the tenor pan and later went on to win a solo ping competition in 1972.

In 1962 his mother passed away and with no income Jit formed a family combo, where he played the guitar. They were eventually disbanded due to the lure of the steelband. At fourteen, he became a member of the LBC Steel Orchestra. To enhance his understanding of music he began to read music and take music lessons.

In 1967 he formed the Samaroo Kids in order to earn a living. This band became the platform for Jit’s creativity and with Jit’s knowledge of the guitar, complex arrangements of chord progressions emerged.

The pans were made by Bertram Kelman who was the pan tuner for the Renegades Steel Orchestra.  When an opportunity arose in 1971, it was Kelman who paved the way for Jit to become the arranger for the Renegades.

This partnership made Jit Samaroo the most coveted arranger, winning nine Panorama titles between 1982 and 1997.

An example of his meticulous arranging style was demonstrated in 1989 when he used six different rhythms in his arrangement of Somebody (calypso, soca, merengue, samba, zouk, and disco) to win Panorama.  

Jit is also the first arranger in the history of the Panorama to win the title three times in straight succession and to win five times in one decade.

In 1987 he was awarded a Silver Humming Bird Medal of Merit.

In 1995 he was awarded a Silver Chaconia Medal.

In 2003 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West Indies.

In 2008 due to ill heath his baton was passed on to his son Amrit, who had much success with the Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra. Sadly Armit’s time at the helm of the Renegades was short lived and in 2010 the Samaroo dynasty came to an end.

In 2014 local artist Darren Cheewah created one of Trinidad’s largest murals at the Renegades panyard. The mural included a tribute to Jit at the request of the steelband.

On 7 January 2016, Jit passed away at home.

His victories at Panorama:

1982 – Pan Explosion;

1984 – Sweet Pan;

1985 – Pan Night and Day;

1989 – Somebody;

1990 – Iron Man;

1993 – Mystery Band;

1995 – Four Lara Four;

1996 – Pan in a Rage

1997 – Guitar Pan.

Amoco Renegades

PanBrassOrama Tributes Jit Samaroo Amoco Renegades

One of the oldest surviving steel bands in the Caribbean, the Amoco Renegades (also known as the Renegades Steel Orchestra) have been exciting listeners with their high-energy fusion of calypso, zouk, merengue, soca, and samba for more than half a century.

Although they did not make the finals of the National Panorama Competition until 1976, when they took second place with their tune “Statue,” the ensemble has won the competition 16 times since the mid-’80s.

The group also received a Port of Spain City Corporation Award in 1986, a Pan Trinibago Award for outstanding contribution to the development of the steel band and a Sunshine Award from the United States in 1990, and a National Chaconia Gold Medal in 1992. Sponsored by the Amoco Energy Company of Trinidad and Tobago since 1970, the Amoco Renegades usually perform with 15 musicians.

The ranks have increased, however, to as many as 120 musicians for Carnival performances. Touring since 1960, the group has performed in the United States, Japan, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Venezuela, Bulgaria, and Romania.

The band was the opening act at the Nelson Mandela Welcome Rally at Yankee Stadium in 1990. The sound of the Amoco Renegades reflects the vision of arranger Jit Samaroo, who joined in 1971. The group collaborated with Jean-Michel Jarre to record an album, While Waiting for Cousteau, in 1989.

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For your Caribbean musical entertainment needs, contact Steelasophical Musical Entertainment

Gary Trotman

Creative Director

Steelasophical Caribbean Steel Band Hire UK

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