Despers manager: Medal for Charles long overdue
By Michelle Loubon
Story Created: Sep 2, 2014 at 8:43 PM ECT (T&T Express)“It is long overdue.”
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra manager Dr Finbar Fletcher made this comment about the late Rudolph Charles, a Laventille-based pan tuner/innovator, who was conferred with the (posthumous) Chaconia Medal (Silver) for his contribution to culture. The 52nd anniversary of Independence National Awards ceremony took place at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, on Sunday.
Charles passed away on March 29, 1985, Charles was buried in a Chariot Pan and he has been immortalised in David Rudder’s “The Hammer”.
When contacted in New York, Fletcher, via an e-mail, said: “Finally! Long overdue. Rudolph’s contribution to Trinidad’s culture and the steelband movement in particular is unquestionable. Not only as the great leader of a band, Desperadoes which he brought to the pinnacle of his steelband world, but also as an inventor. Several instruments now in popular use by bands which originated by him. It’s sad the country had to wait this long to honour him (he died almost 30 years).
Fletcher added: “But the recognition is thoroughly well-deserved. His name had been put up for a national award several times before. But it was rejected. But as they say “better late than never” The current national awards committee should be complimented for making this decision.”
Asked to share his sentiments on the late pan arranger Eddie Quarless, 60, who died on Monday in New York, Finbar added: “Although I was aware he was ailing, his death nevertheless comes as a surprise. Eddie was a talented musician and steelband arranger. After the death of the late Clive Bradley in November 2006, on very short notice Eddie worked with Desperadoes for the following Panorama and he did a superb job.”
Fletcher added: “He also worked with Desperados for a couple of “Pan In the 21st Century” competitions. Indeed, several of his arrangements are still played by the band. He did some excellent work with Massy All Stars and several other bands. His passing will most certainly leave a void in the steelband arranging arena.”
Update on Eddie Quarless’ funeral service Via a telephone interview yesterday, his niece Roberta Quarless said Quarless’ private funeral will take place on Thursday in New York. On Saturday, the pan fraternity in New York will be having a memorial for him at “the museum (a venue for parties)” She said her father Richard Quarless, his brother and Musical Director of the Birdsong Academy, Tunapuna, should return home by next week Tuesday. The local memorial service is tentatively set for Friday at Birdsong Panyard. But details are yet to be confirmed.
About Rudolph “The Hammer” Charles His contributions to steelpan developmen as an inventor and tuner have gained him universal respect. He joined the West Indian Tobacco Desperadoes Steel Orcherstra (Witco Desperadoes) in 1958 and became band leader from 1961. Panorama was at the forefront of this drive as his quoted “Carnival produces strength on the hill”. His tuning style produced a unique tone and became part of the Desperadoes signature. Charles was credited with the 9 bass, 12 bass, rocket pan and quadrophonic pan, the triple second with foot bass and chariot pan. (Courtesy NCC site).
