Doctor Kelman - by Gregory “GB” Ballantyne

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‘Doctor Kelman’
sung by Gregory Ballantyne
composed by Gregory Ballantyne

2023: Tune of choice | Southern Marines Steel Orchestra - Trinidad & Tobago Panorama


Written, composed and performed by - Gregory Ballantyne (GB)
Background Vocals – Natalie Yorke
Guitar – Lennox Saunders
Bass Guitar – Daymon Alexander
Live Drums – Malaki Negus Joseph
Percussion – Nwaoha Men Kau Ra
Brass – Michael Lindsay (Trumpet); David Jacob (Trombone)
Keys – Kenneth Baptiste
Panist – Natasha Joseph (Double Second Pans)
Pan Tuning Intro – Malomo Nkosi Joseph

Produced by – Southern Marines Steelband Foundation (SMSF)
Recorded @ Ekweoha Entertainment Studios
Mixed and Mastered by – Ebony Sound Factory

One phone call from Bernard “Beavers” Edwards to prolific composer Gregory Ballantyne resulted in this pan-infused classical composition.  GB jumped at the request from the Southern Marines Steelband Foundation, to pen a tribute to his longtime friend, Bertram Kelman, whose home he frequented both at Beaumont Hill and Plaisance Park, Pointe-a-Pierre for many years. 

Ballantyne told producer Nwaoha Men Kau Ra (of Ekweoha Entertainment Studios) that his subsequent interview with Bertram Kelman was really just a formality, since he has been a fan and follower for almost 50 years. 

“When “Birch” told me “Bass is not about noise. It's about musical depth,” I said: “That must be the hookline for my chorus,” admitted G.B.  “And the rest of the song just flowed.” 

“After 17 years away from calypso competitions, I am indeed thankful to Southern Marines for the golden opportunity to pen this tribute to one of the finest pan-tuners in the country; and I am excited about performing it in competitions.”


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