GIRL IN THE YARD
Joy Lapps. JL005.
Maybe it’s the hot, humid air of July, but there’s always been something crisp and refreshing about the steelpan, a musical instrument originating from Trinidad and Tobago that evokes cheerful island sounds.
On Girl in the Yard, though, pannist Joy Lapps goes well beyond tropical fun and gives the listener some serious jazzy-samba arrangements of songs dedicated to women who’ve had a positive influence on her life, such as her mother. Two songs are dedicated to her, including one of the more complex and intriguing, called “Eyes of Amerralys.”
“The more I experience life as a Mom, human being and wife, the more I love and appreciate my mother,” Lapps said.
There are, of course, plenty of fun moments on this disc, the fifth album in which the highly talented and versatile Lapps served as a bandleader.
The compositions are cool and heartfelt, and they provide a neat mix of stirring music by Lapps, Elmer Ferrer on guitar, Jeremy Ledbetter on piano, Andrew Stewart on bass, and Larnell Lewis on drums, plus special guests.
Lapps is a Grammy nominee whose command of the steelpan is a real pleasure to hear, not only in terms of her musicianship but also her leadership and confidence.
A 2016 Juno Award winner, she has performed with acclaimed steelbands around the world, such as Calypsociation in Paris, Birdsong Steel Orchestra in Trinidad and Tobago and Pan Fantasy in her native Toronto.
Girl in the Yard is an irresistible blend West African, Afro-Caribbean, Latin, and samba. There are some deep, introspective sounds to go with plenty of lively rhythms. Long live great percussion.
The disc was recorded in Toronto.
Lapps is the recipient of the 2014 Dr. Alice E. Wilson Award to support graduated studies from the Canadian Federation of University Women; the 2015 Caribbean Music and Entertainment Award as Top Steelpan Soloist from PenPro Productions, and the 2016 HUTTers Phenomenal Woman Award for Leadership in Community Arts.
First Published July 20, 2022, 11:00 a.m.
