DESPERADOES - MUSICAL CONQUERORS

Son of Laventille soil, Edison Holder is a veteran Trinidad journalist and veteran pannist of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, having migrated to the United States 30 years ago, Edison has penned a comprehensive and compelling book - "Desperadoes-Musical Conquerors" - and launched the publication in Trinidad in October.

As a Desperadoes pannist, Edison has performed with the legendary Laventille steel orchestra in 12 National Panorama competitions, two National Steelbands Music Festivals and did stellar performances with the band at the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, and Brooklyn Academy of Music, in New York, and, the Philadelphia Academy of Music. Edison is the holder of a Bachelor of Science degree in Corporate Communications from the University of Baltimore.

Edison Holder

"Desperadoes-Musical Conquerors" takes the reader on a chronological journey of the history of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, noting several critical events and paying homage to key personalities, such as Lennard "Spike Jones" Edwards, Carl Greenidge, Clive Bradley, Rudolph Charles, Roy Cape, Dr Pat Bishop, Raymond "Artie" Shaw, Robert Greenidge, David Davis, Ursula Tudor, Dennis "Tash" Ash, Carlton "Zanda" Alexander, just to name a few.

Chantal Esdelle

It examines the Orchestra's place in the political and social climate of the time and provides several anecdotes and personal testimonies to support.

Edison's background and experience makes him well-positioned to document the history of Desperadoes, having first-hand knowledge and experience, especially during an era where the Orchestra was representing Trinidad & Tobago in prestigious spaces around the globe.