Amral's Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Orchestra - Steel Vibrations

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Review by teodoro parente-schaerer

Steel Vibrations: A Timeless Reggae Gem That Hits Different There’s something about Steel Vibrations by Amral's Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Orchestra that just sticks to your soul. Released in 1973 under the Calypan label, this album is a wild mix of steel band magic and reggae vibes with a sprinkle of calypso charm. It’s like stepping into a sunny backyard party where everyone’s dancing barefoot, drinks are flowing, and nobody cares what time it is. The tracks? Oh man, let me tell ya—this isn’t one of those albums where you skip around looking for gold. Every song feels like an old friend showing up unannounced but welcome. But if I had to pick two standouts, they’d be "Matilda (Calypso)" and "Rock Around The Clock." Now, "Matilda" hits different. You know how sometimes music can feel like home even though you’ve never lived there? That’s this track. The steel drums bounce off each other like kids playing tag, while the rhythm pulls you right in. It’s impossible not to smile—it’s playful, warm, and kinda cheeky. And yeah, maybe it’s because I grew up hearing my parents blast calypso tunes at family gatherings, but this version? Bobby Lennox Mohammed’s arrangement gives it a fresh twist that makes you wanna grab someone’s hand and spin ‘em around the room. Then there’s “Rock Around The Clock.” I mean, c’mon. Who would’ve thought steel drums could take a rock ‘n’ roll classic and turn it into pure Caribbean fire? Errol Moore on those steel drums? Absolute wizardry. This ain’t no cover—it’s a reinvention. When the first notes hit, you’re thinking, “Wait…is this really gonna work?” Spoiler alert: IT DOES. By the end, you’ll forget the original ever existed. It’s fun, bold, and so full of life you might find yourself air-drumming on your steering wheel or tapping your feet uncontrollably. What makes this album special is its vibe. Listening to it feels like flipping through an old photo album filled with grainy Polaroids. There’s James AMow’s design and graphics giving it that retro-cool look, and Amral Khan’s photography adding a personal touch. These aren’t just songs; they’re snapshots of a moment frozen in time. From Canada to Australia, people were vibing to this back in the day—and honestly? They still should. But here’s the thing. As much as I love the music, the real kicker for me was realizing how ahead of its time this record was. Back then, blending genres wasn’t exactly mainstream. Yet here’s this group from Trinidad doing their own thing, mixing reggae, calypso, and steel band sounds without overthinking it. Like, who does that? And more importantly, why don’t we hear stuff like this anymore? So yeah, give Steel Vibrations a spin. Whether you’re cleaning the house, cruising down the highway, or just need a little pick-me-up, this album delivers. Just don’t blame me when you start craving doubles and roti after listening. Trust me, it happens.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: amrals-trinidad-cavaliers-steel-orchestra-steel-vibrations.zip
  • MP3 size: 64.9 mb
  • FLAC size: 577.5 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Soul Chick (Calypso)2:48
Time Is Tight4:40
Caterpillar2:45
Delilah1:58
Oye - Come Va2:46
Somewhere My Love (Theme From "Dr. Zhivago")2:17
Love Story
Hava Nagila2:13
Matilda (Calypso)2:15
Rock Around The Clock2:11
In The Mood1:50

Video

Amral's Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Drum Orchestra - Love Story
Amral's Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Orchestra - Oye Como Va

Images

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Catalog Numbers

  • PRP 198, PRP-198
  • Calypan 010, PRP 198
  • PRP 198, CALYPAN 010

Labels

Calypan

Listen online

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  • escuchar en línea
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Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP
  • Album

Companies

RoleCompany
Published ByRobbins Music
Recorded AtRCA Victor Studios, Montreal

Credits

RoleCredit
Arranged By"Bobby" Lennox Mohammed
DesignJames AMow
GraphicsJames AMow
OtherErrol Moore
Photography ByAmral Khan
Steel DrumsErrol Moore

Notes

  • This recording was done in August 1973 at the fabulous R.C.A. Studios in Montreal, with the most modern equipment and highly skilled technicians.
  • Label variation
  • Made In Canada.
  • Another Label variation - No PRP catalogue number on labels

Barcodes

  • Rights Society: ASCAP
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side A): PRP-198-S1
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side B): PRP-198-S2
  • Rights Society (A1, A3, B1): ASCAP
  • Matrix / Runout (A-Side Runout Etching): PRP-198-S1
  • Matrix / Runout (B-Side Runout Etching): PRP-198-S2

About Amral's Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Orchestra

Name Vars

  • Amral's Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Drum Orchestra
  • Amral's Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Orch.
  • Amral's Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Orchestra
  • Amrals Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Orchestra
  • The Cavaliers Steel Orchestra
  • Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Orchestra

Aliases

  • The Steel Cavaliers
  • International Cavaliers
  • Guiness Cavaliers
  • Guinness Cavaliers Steel Orch.
  • Amrals Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Orchestra
  • Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Orchestra

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The album *Steel Vibrations* by Amral's Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Orchestra is a wild mix of genres and styles. Released in 1973, it blends reggae, calypso, and steel band sounds. But here’s the kicker—it covers some seriously unexpected tracks. Imagine hearing a steel drum version of *Hava Nagila* or *Rock Around the Clock*. Yeah, it’s as cool as it sounds. And get this: the album found its way to Canada and Australia, even though it was made in Trinidad. All thanks to Calypan, the label behind it. Props to the team, especially "Bobby" Lennox Mohammed for arranging and Errol Moore for rocking those steel drums. Definitely one of those albums that makes you go, “How did they even think of that?”

Comments

krobrave3068d8616f
2025-03-16
Can I get a copy of those autographs?
myesteemjourney
2025-03-16
I remember seeing them in the Campbell Town Hall, Tasmania, around 1976, so it must have been the same general tour that Richard mentioned. My parent have the vinyl album which appears as the graphic for this track. I don't recall that there was a female vocalist at the concert, though.
alifeajar
2025-03-15
This Shit Is Crazy! I just learned the steelies & played this in its entirety. Absolutely Blew the Minds of My Girlfriend, her Parents, my parents and anyone within hearing distance! My Dad was crying again! I swear he thinks I'm not his sometimes. He thinks my mom had affair with Bowie or John Bonham or someone with talent
dewilesmana
2025-03-15
???????????
ap995280
2025-03-14
Shoutout to Danny Fitzgerald from frission radio!! Mad show he has there.
lovewalcott8
2025-03-13
body movin’
theflash321123
2025-03-13
Body movin'.
albaacupuncture
2025-03-13
Body movin
marieimpulsions2014
2025-03-12
A1 sound never sound so soothing
kennen9
2025-03-12
Here after many years of... searching... Welcome to the Breezeblock from the Avalanches!
iateyourchocolate
2025-03-12
The Beastie Boys sampled this in their song Body Movin'
THIS IS SO FUCKING GOOD
enigl
2025-03-10
Magnus Hanson
intelecheck
2025-03-09
Heard this on Melbourne radio station PBS this morning, wicked tune!
lucykapsch
2025-03-09
Do you mean Los Angeles Negros - El Rey y Yo?
autoblarr
2025-03-08
anyone know the sample made by the old mexican groupe "Los ninos locos" (i think they called that) on the hello nasty album???.
dec1twhiteblog
2025-03-08
anyone know the sample made by the old mexican groupe "Los ninos locos" (i think they called that) on the hello nasty album???
angela101475
2025-03-08
Awesome! Thanks for posting.
moonmistig
2025-03-08
anyone know the year on this?