Esso Trinidad Steel Band

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Esso Trinidad Steel Band was a steel band from Trinidad that existed from 1942 to 1976. The group began in 1942 as the Tripoli Steel Band, named after a line in the hymn of the US Marines. In 1951 Hugh Borde took over as leader. He improved the band's technique and made it a serious contender in the Carnival competitions. In 1964 the group won the Steel Band Music Festival.

Music and breakthrough

In 1965 the oil company Esso began to sponsor the group, after which it changed its name. With that support the band grew to twenty-eight members, acquired uniforms and new instruments, and in 1967 played at Expo 67 in Montreal. That led to a record contract with ARC Sound in Toronto and then with Warner Bros. Records. Van Dyke Parks produced a full album that was released in 1971, titled Esso. It was nominated for a Grammy in the category of ethnic or traditional recording, but lost to Muddy Waters. Calypso Christmas had already appeared earlier, in 1967.

Influence

Shortly after the album Esso withdrew its sponsorship. The group called itself the Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band and toured internationally with Liberace. Parks called them the best group he had ever had the chance to produce. In 1976 Borde moved with his family to Ypsilanti, Michigan, and the Trinidadian group came to an end. His sons continued under the name Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band. The band let North American audiences hear how rich and sophisticated steel band music could sound.

Listening

Discography

Studio albums

• 1967Calypso Christmas
• 1971Esso
• 1989Magie Caraïbe