Wayne Ricardo Gibson's passion for playing started late at 15 years old, back in Barbados. My neighbour had a Steel band and I privilege to be able to pass to time in his pan yard trying my hand at the instrument there. Playing turn out to be great fun and together with my friends, we tried every instrument available to us.

The steel drum is a unique instrument, very satisfying and rewarding instrument to play. Over the years I have developed a playing style that seems unique as there are very few players that can play this way. Melody and harmony with 4 sticks not unlike a vibe player.

I still on some occasions keep up my skills on other instruments by playing live on most of my recording in the studio. Bass, Guitar and kit Drums. The concert flute is now only for my private pleasure.

Not forgetting my roots, my musical interest range far and wide. Soca, calypso, salsa and the reggae sounds of the Caribbean are still on top of my performance list. Although I very much enjoyed my musical endeavours as a Steel pan soloist playing Jazz and the mellow Latin Bosa nova. POP, Blues, Classical and even Indian music have some colour for me, and I have played them all with the Steel Drums.

Apart from my professional engagements as a musician, Teaching children can be a most uplifting experience. It’s a joy to see the smile on a kids face after they have play something you’ve taught them.

Recent Educational projects include:
Teaching, arranging and performing in a musical concert at and for HMS Prison Bullingdon in association with Trading Face Theatre Group. A challenge at the start but rewarding in the end. Although I have often taught for many years in and around the South of England, the prison project is still one of the most memorable.

Other projects:
Mudeford Junior school steel Band (teacher & arranger )
DEED – Development Education in Dorset (workshop)
TAPS - Traditional Arts Project & One World band.
Porchester School. (performances & workshop)
Southern Arts (performances & workshop)

A big thanks to all my many friends that I have played with over the years: S W Storm & Island Fury (Soca band) - Street Level (Jazz band) - Mike Sealy (jazz Guitarist) - Lloyd Denny - Iqbal Khan Pathan (Taps) - Rainbow Steel Band. And all those not listed here. They all had a hand in moulding my playing style, making my playing most memorable and enjoyable for me.

"Keep music live." as the musician union say. And I plan to be playing for a long time to come.

Wayne Ricardo Gibson is available for Workshops and Events.