Jingle Bell Rock

I chose this piece because I enjoy the sound of the steel drums; it is a very pleasing sound to the ear. I also love finding pieces that bring the world music into a Western context in order to see how they fit together. This Christmas song is typically a rock song, however, it also fits very well with the steel drum style. The drummer is named Bob Lyons and he originates from Fort Lauderdale Florida. He grew up surrounded by jazz, reggae, and calypso so it makes sense that he eventually found his way to the steel drums.  He learned how to play in California where he met some Trinidadian players who were willing to share their craft with him. From there he played gigs everywhere imaginable. Eventually he did find his way back home to Florida after gigging in California for 10 years.