Caribbean Magic Steel Orchestra Caribbean Ecstasy

Review

The smooth, languid style and Caribbean/Latin/easy listening repertoire of this nearly all-steelband ensemble (drums and congas are the only non-steel instruments) will be familiar to anyone who’s heard a live steel orchestra provide background music in a social setting — perhaps even too familiar. But the Caribbean Magic Trinidad and Tobago Steel Orchestra do what they do extremely well and, to their credit, they did subtitle this release “Pan Favourite Melodies”, which should lead us to expect old chestnuts like Yellow Bird, Quando Quando and Jamaica Farewell, as well the obligatory sprinkling of Jobim standards and pop songs. To sample the offerings of this well-organised outfit, pay a visit to their excellent web site (www.caribbeanmagic.com). (GP/Caribbean Beat)