Biography of the steel drum man
Nigel Thomas was born on the exotic, sun drenched, spice island of Grenada. He was surrounded by soca, calypso, and reggae. His mom was born in Trinidad, the home of steel drum, and his dad from Grenada. His parents often brought him to steel band house called “The Panyard,” at a very early age. This experience exposed him to melodies that he would later fall in love with. At home, the continued rhythmic sound of the steel drum resonated from the stereo system.
Nigel started playing single tenor at the age 8, with a friend of his mom in the next village. There were many steel drum bands or steel band, all over the island, at that time. The problem was deciding which band he wanted to play for. Since then, Nigel has played throughout Missouri, Indiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, Grenada, Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica and Antigua performing in numerous Concerts, Expositions, Cruise Ships, Night Clubs, Weddings, Ecological Events, & Benefits.
Nigel has been entertaining audiences for more than 20 years through his innovative music that combines the melodic brightness of the Caribbean steel drums with the driving rhythms of Calypso and Latin Jazz. His unique sound is inspired by Lord Kitchner, Mighty Sparrow, King Ajamu, Hitman Inspector, Harry Belafonte, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, UB40, Eli Manette , Boogsie Sharp, Andy Narell, David Rudder, Augustus Pablo, Van Morrison, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Santana, Elton John, and Billy Joel among others.
Nigel further enhanced his dexterity by playing under the leadership of ace arranger Cecil Noel and Andre Greenidge at Grenada’s annual steel band competition. There he played with Commancheros Steel Band. He also played with Desperados TX, Caribbean Pan Ensemble, Hacyon Steel Band, and Cunard Cruise Ship.
Nigel played along side friends Andre Greenidge, Ainsley Joseph and Rhoda Hall. He felt fortunate to open in a concert with Darren Dyke from Austin. He also took stage with Yard Squad.
From Texas Nigel moved to Missouri, where he pursued graduate school at Washington University in St Louis. He usually plays at mass at St Alphonsus Rock Catholic Church. He continues to strive to let his music be a blessing to his audiences wherever he plays. He likes to "let the music do the talking."
Special thanks to Andre Greenidge, Cecil Noel, Rhoda Hall, Ainsley Joseph, Sparkle Washington and Alan Black for their influences and support. Special thanks also to Ray Decoteau (RIP,) who provided him with all his instruments whilst he was out of Grenada. Ray was pivotal in ensuring that Nigel always had premium instruments to obtain the best sounding music.
