Panchromatic Steel with Andy Narell, The Placeholders

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courtesy Panchromatic Steel

Panchromatic Steel with Andy Narell.

Panchromatic Steel with Andy Narell.

As it turns out, the return of Jazz at Five to its traditional home at the top of State Street was short-lived. However, this time the summer concert series is moving just a couple blocks counterclockwise on the Square, to the South Hamilton Street corner. Concerts begin with a youth band at 4 p.m., followed by Panchromatic Steel with Andy Narell, Aug. 7; John Christensen Quartet and Heirloom, Aug. 14; Jazz Flux and the Kal Bergendahl Project, Aug. 21; UW Faculty Jazz Band and Jazz All Stars, Aug. 28; and the DB Orchestra and All That Jazz Big Band, Sept. 4. Find more info at jazzatfive.org.

Jazz at Five series, 4-8 pm Wednesdays, 8/7-9/4, Capitol Square-South Hamilton. Free.

media release: Jazz at Five’s Summer Performance Series is moving to the Capitol Grounds!  After talking with the city and construction team for the new History Center, Jazz at Five has decided that it would be best for us to find a new downtown location while trying to stay as close to our original site as possible.

The 2024 Jazz at Five Performance Series will be on the South Hamilton side of the Capitol Square. Experience the magic of live music against the backdrop of our beautiful Capitol. From young talents to seasoned local acts, our lineup promises something for everyone.

Food, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages vendors will be on-site, so come hungry and thirsty! Feel free to bring a picnic blanket and settle in on the Capitol Grounds for a relaxing evening downtown.

Opening at 4:00 on Aug. 7, the Placeholders to set the stage for Panchromatic Steel and Andy Narell starting at 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Founded in 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin, Panchromatic Steel has blazed an entirely new trail in the city’s music scene, fusing island styles with pop hits, rock and jazz into a high-energy blend that is hard to categorize but easy to love. With top-shelf multi- instrumentalism and wide-ranging appeal, Panchromatic’s music brightens any day, transports listeners to their happiest moments in the sun, and threads the needle by being artful yet accessible to virtually everyone. 

At the heart of Panchromatic’s sound is the steeldrum, or “steelpan” as it's known in its native Trinidad & Tobago. The instrument is a sawed-off 55-gallon oil drum with the top stretched into a bowl and hand-hammered to create tone-producing dents that ring when struck by rubber-tipped mallets. Its tropical associations are hokey to some and delightful to others; but either way, the cliches tell only part of the story. Mostly, they just obscure the instrument’s fierce but woefully under-appreciated musical tradition, which boasts levels of complexity, creativity and energy rivaled by few other musical artforms. 

Panchromatic embraces the steelpan’s Caribbean origins while pushing forward into new musical territory. The band includes vocals, horns, flute, keyboards and multiple percussionists, and its all-gender musicians are as diverse as the instruments they play. With its multicolored (ergo “panchromatic”) palette, the band does everything from highly technical, jazz-inspired art pieces to danceable favorites by the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, Led Zeppelin, and Stevie Wonder, taking them to new, uniquely memorable heights.

Andy Narell's life has been deeply intertwined with the steel pan, from his childhood beginnings in Queens, New York, to becoming a world-renowned performer, composer, and educator. Despite early recognition on shows like The Ed Sullivan Show, Narell humbly rejects the label of child prodigy, emphasizing his role as part of a larger ensemble. His musical journey led him from a focus on jazz to exploring various genres, always seeking new ways to express himself with the steel pan. 

Growing up in a politically active family, Narell's father's involvement in community programs introduced him to steel pan music. His encounters with influential figures like Ellie Mannette and experiences at festivals in Trinidad fueled his passion and expanded his musical horizons. Transitioning from pre-med studies to pursuing a career in music, Narell embraced composition and performance, eventually forming his own bands and collaborating with renowned musicians. 

Throughout his career, Narell's innovative spirit led him to blend the sounds of the steel pan with diverse musical traditions, from jazz to calypso. He achieved success with albums like "The Hammer" and "Island Stories," as well as his work with the Caribbean Jazz Project. Collaborations with artists like Paquito D'Rivera and Relator further enriched his musical journey. 

Narell's impact extends beyond his recordings; he has dedicated himself to teaching and sharing his knowledge with aspiring musicians worldwide. His work as an educator and artist-in-residence at numerous institutions underscores his commitment to fostering the next generation of pan players. 

Continuously pushing boundaries, Narell's recent projects incorporate sampling and wildlife recordings, offering fresh perspectives on the steel pan's potential. His contributions to the instrument's evolution are profound, reflecting his lifelong dedication to music and his desire to inspire others.