'Caribbean Cliff' McIntosh has a plan

Janet Silvera,Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU: "MY FRIEND Reverton and I had to wear the same shoes because neither of us could afford a pair. So when he wanted to go somewhere I couldn't't go and vice versa", said steel pan musician, Steve 'Caribbean Cliff' McIntosh.

And that's when he decided his future would be bright and he would excel in whatever he did to make his life more comfortable.

His new CD Steel Pan News, comprising 10 instrumentals was recently released and has been kicking up a storm with instrumental lovers. From his renditions of Willie Nelson's Always On My Mind, Chris Deberge's Lady In Red and Shalom's I've Got News For You, he has really done justice to the compilation of the songs representative of reggae, soca and rhythm and blues.

The absence of voice is not even apparent; the sound is distinct, lively and beautifully played and the love he shares for the music very evident. Another popular artiste he has paid tribute to on the CD is Everton Blender by doing Lift Up Your Head.

He carefully caresses the drums by using his wrist, "too much strength souldn't't be placed on the hands". His gentleness and the jazz flavour he add to his music make him an outstanding player.

Born in the tough community of Glendevon, in Montego Bay, he spent most of his life at Birch Hill, Green Pond. He has also dedicated one of his songs titled Birch Hill to the community.

He spent his young years living in the heart of steel pan music, "my friends were seasoned steel pan players, it was automatic I would become a pannist", he said. His hopes and aspirations were to become a fashion model and he still intends to pursue this dream, if given the opportunity.

At age 15 he was already a good pan player. By 1987 he was representing Jamaica on Carnival Cruise Line, both as a relief pan player and a regular during the winter months.

By 1990 he migrated to Florida and the exposure given to him while touring left an indelible mark on his life.

"I was the only Jamaican in the Southwest Florida Steel Band. I played in Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Miami and Key West", he said.

He is the first person to tell you playing the steel pan is not easy.

"It's one of the hardest instruments to learn because most people don't know the theory behind the music. Recently, they started printing books on how to make and play the steel drums", he said.

"The tuning is important. It has to be done every four months. There is an art involved which is very intricate," he explained.

"The life of your drum is dependent on the way it's treated. If you keep it out of the sun, away from the sea breeze it can last for years", he said.

'Caribbean Cliff' intends to help expose the music especially to young Jamaicans. And as part of his plan, he performs with the band Tropical Sounds at hotels such as resort chains as Superclubs, Sandals and Beaches.

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