Cockspur Five Star Steel Orchestra- ST

This was $1.20 with discount.  My love of steel drum bands as well as the song “Brazil” have been well documented on this site.  So two selections with “Brazil” on it this month.  Really letting standards slip.

This release from Barbados’ the Cockspur Five Star Orchestra is from 1985.  The band, which was originally known as the Brutus Marcato Steel Band, was formed in 1974 by one Lola Husbands.  The band came together to provide entertainment in local hotels.  Some where along the way, the band lost Marcato and gained a sponsorship from Cockspar Rum and yada, yada, yada, we have this.  (Please note this is the first use of yada,yada,yada, on this blog). Not much else is known about this group other than they released at least two more records and a greatest hits.

Decent enough album.  A bit tepid in places.  it is also one of the better produced steel records but that really is not too strange considering it was recorded in the 1980’s.  A good collection of tropical tunes and instrumental standards. The band is lead by King Ricky Benn on tenor pan with Mouser Benn (also on Tenor Pan), musical arranger Tom Felicien (Guitar Pans), Mark Shorey (Double Seconds), Keith Gollop ( Bass Pans), and Yamaha Griffith (Drums and Percussion).

For a sample, I went with “Stinging Bees” and of course, “Brazil”.

I go back and forth on this but I am in a generally good mood today so I will say satisfactory.