Tropical Heatwave
TROPICAL HEATWAVE is renowned as a wonderful and fantastic Caribbean "party" band guaranteed to surprise and delight, and can get those steelpans rocking to the finest reggae, calypso and Caribbean carnival dancehall music which never fails to create that ubiquitous Caribbean exoticism.
However, if a more unobtrusive and relaxing flavour is required for background music then Tropical Heatwave is very adept in playing the most delicate and exquisite steelpan music guaranteed to transport one to the most idyllic tropical beach scenario where blue/green seas, sunshine and swaying palm trees are guaranteed.
Tropical Heatwave is a fully professional band, available as different line-ups:
1. An acoustic all-steelpan trio/quartet, ideal for non intrusive music, which will "magic carpet" an audience away to the sun, sea and sand of an exotic palm-fringed tropical isle. Although there are no vocals what one gets is the authentic sounds of "sweet pan" from a bunch of genuinely nice guys with a lot of experience in pan. With a repertoire ranging from Caribbean standards and saucy calypso to meringue, samba and hot'n'spicy rumba this acoustic crew is the perfect accompaniment to any intimate soiree.
2. The Party Group, again a trio/quartet, which will transport you musically across the Caribbean and back in one night, in one show; the type of quality group that audiences would party to at any of the top hotels and venues in the tropical isles. They play a steamy mix of dancehall soca ( the party jam that gets the audience to do all the popular carnival dances, led by the group), popular and recent calypso hits, samba, rumba, bossa nova, meringue, some funky reggae with a spoonful of salsa and a sprinkling of Caribbean jazz, all topped with infectious vocals and harmonies.
This first-rate band creates a remarkably lively Caribbean ambience with their discerning choice of music,exceptional steelpan playing and sparkling personalities, so its little surprise that they are extremely popular and in demand.
The group is fully self-contained with adequate PA, mic's, a stage lighting pack, caribbean-style backdrops and other decorations to "tropicalise" the stage area on arrival. The line-up includes steelpans, bass, keyboards, percussion (congas, bongos and djembe) plus assorted shakers which are handed out among the audience with an invitation to "join the band
The band plays a wide variety of music including:
Traditional and classic songs such as Island in the Sun, Jamaica Farewell, Yellow Bird, Linstead Market, Brown Girl in the Ring, Rivers of Babylon.....
Ole tyme calypso, such as May May, Benwood Dick, Mama Look a Boo Boo Deh, Jean and Dinah, Dr Kitch et al...
Cool, cool reggae riddims such as No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, Stir it Up, In the Summertime, La La Long Time, Red Red Wine, Kingston Town, She's Royal, et al..
Ska/Blue Beat/Lovers Rock such as The Israelites, Long Shot (kick de bucket), Montego Bay, Oh Oh Seven, Rude Boy Skank, Night Nurse, et al..
Latin tinged vibz such as Mas Que Nada, Light my Fire, Chongolo, Quando Quando, Brazil, El Cumbanchero, Suku Suku, Anna, Mambo Jambo, Ay Cosita Linda Mama, Tico Tico, Oye Como Va, Light my Fire...... et al..
Dancehall soca (D carnival session) ..Soul Limbo (the cricket song), Ole Lady, Feelin Hot Hot Hot, Dr Cassandra, Rock it With Me, Sugar Bum Bum, Who Let The Dogs Out, Sexy Soca, Turn me On, I Don't Mind, Don't Rock De Soca, Do Good, ( I want) Somebody.....et al..
The repertoire includes so many songs, we couldn't even start to list them all...Of course there are vocals and harmonies
Do you do Limbo Dance? We are graced with the presence of our female vocalist cum limbo dancer from St Lucia..(This is a wonderful "floor/cabaret" show which includes audience participation....
Testimonials:
Dear Nicky
As you are aware you arranged for the Caribbean band, Tropical Heatwave to appear as part of the entertainment at my daughter's wedding on 30th July 2005.
Please pass on my compliments to Geddes who with his colleagues, created a very tranquil and enjoyable two hours of background prior to our meal. He was very accommodating and it was nice to see the musicians enjoying themselves as much as the guests.
Kind Regards
Gordon Blackmore - July 2005
