STEEL PAN STORIES FROM TRINBAGO: Robert Greenidge
Greenidge began performing as a pannist at age eight and performed internationally beginning in his teens. During 1970 he represented Trinidad and Tobago as a soloist and as a member…
Greenidge began performing as a pannist at age eight and performed internationally beginning in his teens. During 1970 he represented Trinidad and Tobago as a soloist and as a member of Trinidad and Tobago National Steel Orchestra. Within the next year he migrated to the United States where he studied and played music.
Greenidge went on to play on Carly Simon's 1976 album Another Passenger, Ringo Starr's 1976 LP Ringo's Rotogravure and Robert Palmer's 1978 album Double Fun. He then performed on Grover Washington Jr.'s 1980 album Winelight and John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1980 LP Double Fantasy. He also featured on JJ Cale's 1982 album Grasshopper, Earth Wind and Fire's 1983 album Powerlight and Jimmy Buffett's 1983 LP One Particular Harbour. Greenidge later played on Jimmy Buffett's 1984 album Riddles in the Sand and Steve Perry's 1984 LP Street Talk.
He went on to perform on Buffet's 1985 album Last Mango in Paris, his 1986 release Floridays, Robert Palmer's 1989 album Addictions: Volume 1 and Buffett's 1984 album Fruitcakes.
From 1978 to 1983, he played and toured with blues singer Taj Mahal. During 1986, Greenidge released his own album, Mad Music, with fellow Coral Reefer Michael Utley. He has continued to record with Utley as Club Trini. He continued to work in his native country and has played the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival every year since 1979. He won the national steelband competition Panorama twice with the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra in 1991 and 1994, both times with his own compositions.
Excerpt from Wikipedia
Interview with Robert Greenidge - May 2021
Greenidge: I play all over the world. I just happy to do this, to keep the world going. Recording on TV shows.
I came out to California in 1971. That is where I got a great start in recording community. Earth Wind & Fire, Ralph McDonald, many people who gave me a start. Every day on the radio, where were on the radio side by side with Earth Wind and Fire. We played with Grover Washington on “Just the two of us”.
My many influences – I looked up to Eddy Palma and Coja, Coja’s style was so different at the time. Arrangers like Emily Griffith. Ray Hartman. My years were influenced by, Tom Scott, Grover Washington. Liked how they played. We tried to emulate their style.
It was a great feeling to work with Grover Washington. Great working with Earth, Wind and Fire on four songs. A lot of difference artist wanted to incorporate steel pan with their music. Guys like Hugh Masakela promoted me. Taj Mahal drummer did not show up one time so he asked me to play with him. From there I traveled all over the world with him.
Interviewer: It is a long journey to get recognition for Trinidad steel drums. It is really nice for young musicians to know these stories and know how you blazed the trails.
Greenidge: (Mentions several players) I still play with the Desparadoes Steel Pan Orchestra. Since 1965. I wrote a lot arrangements for them in the 80’s and 90s. I have represented these players at Carnegie Hall. I still promote them
Interviewer: I was talking with Clinton Edwards and Martin King
Greenidge: Yea they are very good people. I am proud to part of this family
LIsten to the full interview:
https://youtu.be/JXsJRQZAHCw
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