Matthew Morgan Rael
This blog is brand new. I am currently working on more comprehensive promotional material, more pictures and much better audio demos will be forthcoming.
I’m Matthew Morgan Rael. I’ve been a musician and instrument builder since childhood.
I have played and recorded with rockers such as Kiss guitarist and singer Paul Stanley, Aerosmith for their permanent vacation album, with Chaka Khan on guitar and steel drum and others.
My mother sang with Pete Seeger and the Weavers, so it was a great honor for me to also perform with Mr. Seeger years later.
I was a recording session musician for Coxon Dobbs, the original producer for Bob Marley.
I’ve toured with Trinidad’s greatest calypso singers Baron and Crazy. I’ve also performed with Barbados calypso singers Ras Isley, Johnny King, etc.
For the past 11 years I have been living in St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), working with many bands and also doing a lot of solo steel drum work.
SOLO, ME ALONE WITH STEEL PAN
I’ve played countless wedding ceremonies, receptions and conventions. I am currently working with eleven wedding companies! I play a lot of calypso, the Wedding March, Pacobell Cannon in “D”, favorite American love songs, reggae and more. A song list is available upon request.
I currently have no demo of my solo steel pan playing. I am working on remedying this as soon as possible. Up till this point my reputation has kept me constantly working.
Just for fun, I sat in on a blues jam at a local bar. They were amazed I could play blues on the steel drum. A loose and wild jam, but my solo at the end of the song is a lot of fun. Take a look as long as you understand this does not represent my dress or what I play at a resort.
Although it is a 9 minute video if you hit the play button it will start just before my solo.
MY FAVORITE BANDS I WORK WITH ARE:
THE LOLLIPOPS
We are a three to five piece local band. We play authentic and familiar Caribbean music that is geared for the tastes of North Americans. You will hear a little Jimmy Buffet and American tunes, but our mainstay lies with fun renditions of Bob Marley, classic calypso and hot contemporary island music. We are constantly employed and loved at the local major resorts.
The band leader and singer, Sam Hodge (from St. Kitts) is charming and a naturally sweet fellow. You will hear lots of steel pan with lots of fun energy.
I LOVE PLAYING WITH THESE GUYS!
Our website at the moment does not represent our music well, we are currently working on it. Hopefully it will soon sound as great as we are.
SMASHING MANGOES
Hurricane Bob Is my oldest friend here on St. Thomas. We’ve played countless weddings and conventions here on island, until he injured his shoulder from performing too much. He is back and strong! We have some great new songs; island music, pop songs, Jimmy Buffet, Kenny Chesney, Paul Simon, James Taylor, etc.
We have a real professional sound, with me switching between guitar and steel pan. We perform as a two or three piece band.
I LOVE PLAYING WITH THIS GUY!
THE BECCA DARLING BAND
Rebecca is young, cute and boy can she sing! She has assembled some great musicians, our repertoire is eclectic; rock, jazz, blues, country, boogie and her original songs. I think we will become THE new star band down here on St. Thomas. With her talent it should happen.
I LOVE PLAYING WITH THESE GUYS AND GAL!
Rebecca Darling Performing a Jazz Standard
“Willow Weep For Me”
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