Album Notes

History of Caribbean Magic Steelband
Sheldon James founded Caribbean Magic Steelband on September 8th, 1993. He is both musical director and leader of the group. The foundation members were Hayden Charles, Lincoln Henry, Miguel Lopez and Nigel Pierre. The group is an all steel drum band and during its inception to the present, has been able to impact on audiences throughout the Caribbean, North America, Europe and Japan. Caribbean Magic has a very versatile repertoire, which includes jazz, calypso, reggae and one of the largest classical repertoires known on pan. The band has released two compact discs titled "Caripantastic Pan Favorite Melodies" and "Classical Favorites".
Gerard Jackson who is a Public relations officer with BP TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ENERGY COMPANY manages the group.


"Caribbean Ecstacy", our newest album is a compilation of the bands most requested songs both by our fans and friends. Once again, Caribbean Magic has demonstrated its versatility and has produced an album, which features traditional island music as well as and many of the standards favorites you know and love.

We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed doing it for you.

Caribbean Magic promises to continue bring you the unique, wonderful and exciting sounds of the steel pan. Enjoy the Ecstacy. Caribbean Ecstacy.

Sheldon James /Musical Director
Sheldon has been playing the steel pan instrument for over 20 years. He has performed with a number of top Steel Orchestras in Trinidad and Tobago, and has traveled extensively to countries like France, Germany, Spain, Italy, England, Holland, Portugal, La Reunion, Canada, US, Japan and the Caribbean Islands. Classical music is his first love, despite the fact that he has no formal training in this sphere of music. However, he finds it personally gratifying to learn and perform some of the most challenging classical pieces by air. Sheldon has recorded with renowned French composer Jean Michel Jarre as well as steel orchestra Samaroo Jets and Renegades.



Rondy Brewster /Double Seconds pans
One minute he's here the next he's there. This is perhaps the best way to describe the contribution made by Rondy in the band. For the classical selections he plays the double second pan, while for the contemporary and other forms of music he's fixed to the drum set. Another of the band's young and budding musicians Rondy has competed in the steelpan soloist category in the Junior and Senior Steel band Music Festivals. In his spare time he can be found rehearsing with the Solo Pan Knights Steel Orchestra.

Bevon Edwards /Cello pans
Meet "Zion." Oh! Pardon me Bevon Edwards. But he is fondly called "Zion." He has been involved in pan for the past decade. A versatile pannist he possesses the ability to play all the instruments in the steel drum family. He has developed an excellent musical ear. Just strike a note - lets say G# - and ask him what note was that? He is surely to call the precise note.

Korey Vincent /Bass pans
Being the youngest member in any outfit could sometimes be quite challenging. More so, when compared to his peers his involvement with the pan spanned a mere two years. Like Rondy when not learning a new piece Korey spend his time rehearsing with Solo Pan Knights Steel Orchestra.

Yohan Popwell / Soloist Tenor pan
Within the Steel band community, both in both in and outside of Trinidad and Tobago the name Yohan Popwell was gradually becoming a household name. His proficiency as a steel pan entertainer (vocal ability included) wowed patrons. He is also an arranger. His involvement with the group brought with it 25 years experience in this musical sphere. Popwell has recorded with a number of Steel Orchestras, such as his very own Yohan Popwell Pantastics, Panazz Players, Trinidad All stars Steel Orchestra and Pandigenious Steel Orchestra. Jazz is also his first love.

Trevor Osborne /Congas
Trevor's love for music is contagious. He also has a passion for singing though not formally trained. And when it comes to his favorite choice of music jazz topped the list. He can be described, as "somewhat" of a music encyclopedia with his relatively comprehensive knowledge of artists, dates, places and songs they would have performed. He is a resident member of one of the worlds top Steel Orchestra BP Renegades.

Sonalal Samaroo /Drums
Sonalal or "killer" as friends call him for his precision on the drums is an experienced drummer and pannist. Sonalal has a total of 35 years in the music business and has played with a number of top Steel Orchestras in Trinidad and Tobago. Sonalal has also recorded with some of Trinidad and Tobago's major recording artiste. He also has the important role of manager for his family group Samaroo Jets Steel Orchestra.