Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2018 | Page 145
Alexander Evans
shared with Mélange . . .
About his musical life so far
“In my early days of playing music, I gigged
around playing drums, bass, and guitar
for several small rock bands, and I got the
opportunity to travel around Belize, Guatemala,
and Mexico with Pantempters Steel Orchestra.
for “The Remaining” rock band, and a s guitar
accompanist for Jael August, for whom I’ve
served as accompanist, mentor, and big brother
through music for the past 6 years.
About when his interest in music was
awakened
Since then, I’ve performed alongside
noteworthy Belizean artistes such as: Tanya
Carter, Denise Castillo, Ernestine Carballo,
Nello Player, Jenko Veli, and Chanelle Parks.
I’ve worked with famous Belizean Composer,
Francis Reneau and Internationally renowned
Trinidadian Pannist and Composer, Liam
Teague. I had always been a huge fan of music growing
up, but it wasn’t until late high school, around
age 16, that I finally got the opportunity to get
my hands on some musical instruments and
had friends who could teach me a bit in their
free time.
I have accompanied American Jazz Vocalist Aja
Wilson, Canadian Jazz Vocalist, Tabby Johnson,
and Jamaican Dub Poet Lillian Allen. I’ve also
performed as a member of Belize’s National
Youth Orchestra as both Principal Double-
bassist and Timpanist in collaborations with
the Youth Orchestra of the Americas (YOA),
Orchestra Juvenil Centroamericano (OJCA),
Trinidad and Tobago Youth Philharmonic
(TTYP), and Orquestra Filarmonico de Xalapa
(ORFIX). My biggest role model in life has always been
my father. I’ve always found his combination
of intelligence, patience, and altruism to be
incredibly inspiring. He has dedicated his life
to working with young people as a teacher,
coach, and mentor. Musically, two people come
to mind: Liam Teague and Jessel Murray. In
both of them I see the brilliance, humility, and
selflessness that I’ve learned to value so highly.
I also hope to someday emulate their standards
for excellence, and their willingness to help
others.
I have performed at Belize’s International
Jazz Festival with the Pandemonium Steel
Band and also as a Pan soloist. I’ve performed
at The International Costa Maya Festival on
three occasions: Once on the Darbouka as
a dance accompanist, once as the drummer
About his mentors/role models in that
industry
About pan music in Belize
The first steel pan in Belize (All Stars Steel Band)
was established in the 1960’s and since then,
a steady love and appreciation has been built.
The steel pan has post-slavery, Afro-Caribbean