The PAN instrument was born out of a struggle. It embodies the best of the human spirit – which is the ability to survive and conquer the elements in one's environment

This cultural art form makes use of what is available. It is the use and application of intelligence; it is the utilization of natural elemental resources, (iron with fire) manually ‘molded by force’ – that turns what is seen by others as ‘ugly’ into a thing of beauty

The PAN ‘Saga’ is the classic Cinderella story that is commonly embraced by all cultures – that is - what is bad and ugly, becomes good and beautiful.

The PAN players have been social outcasts and have been themselves looked upon as ‘TRASH’.

Ironically, the steel drums themselves from which the instruments are made are considered ‘trash cans’ at the inception of the manufacturing process.

Therein lies the genius and indomitable spirit of the people, as these ‘Cast offs’- both the PAN players and the steel drums - come together in the perfect marriage.

The PAN is formidable – it is a drum – it is man’s first and latest instrument – percussive in nature - and it brings us back to the very roots of the human race.

It is not the Queen’s fancy, but the People’s instrument – the same people who were, and still are denigrated –These people are the last ones to get credit, and the last to complain, for not getting it.

Every time one sees a PAN instrument, one is looking at a contribution that is as significant as, and equal in importance to, the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The presence of this instrument, is as eternal as that of the Pyramids.

Without documentation, a thousand years from now no civilization would ever be able to comprehend how this instrument is first brought to life from a steel drum cast off, or know the proper way to truly release the spirit of the drum, or to believe - that the children of ex-SLAVES – created this musical wonder.

The PAN is a story told by its own people -who are themselves descendants of the Pyramid builders and Pharaohs; a story that cannot be diminished or erased, by the passage of time.

These PAN players are the greatest performers in the world – they are performers performing with a multi-level purpose, and the CD captures the purpose of all these levels – their purpose - which is – a) when they play – to be in total spiritual communication with the Gods; b) - to win (spirit of competition that is the driving force to perfection – c) to entertain and- d) to find total enjoyment (have fun )

The PAN CD chronicles and pays homage to, the ‘masters’ at work – some of the best musical minds in the world – Clive Bradley, Jit Samaroo, ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe. If you know Beethoven – you need to know who Boogsie is.

Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe is to-- Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker; as Jit Samaroo is to-- Scott Joplin; and Clive Bradley is to-- Duke Ellington.

The Artistic Process is complete – from creation, to performance – now documented and recorded for the ages – for all time. This CD accomplishes this. In the past – none of this has been done.

This CD defines what Basement Recordings, Inc. is about – they have provided the forum for immortalization of these celestial PAN performances, by bringing technology into the creative and artistic world, to serve the artist and global public.

Compliments to the PAN players of New York who continue that struggle for acceptance, recognition, respect – and who move this art form to a new plateau.

(It is written …and the last shall be the first).