Panchromatic Steel is Madison’s homegrown steeldrum band. Steeldrums, or “pans”, were first crafted in the 1940s from 55-gallon oil drums on the island of Trinidad and are heralded as the only acoustic musical instrument newly developed in the 20th century. The use of the pan became popularized in the musical styles of “calypso,” a folk music known for story-telling and social commentary, and “soca,” a high-energy dance music born of the 1960s that incorporated elements from Indian classical music as well as American funk. The instrument has also been applied to wide range of other musical styles, including jazz, classical, reggae and pop.
Founded in 2016 by Chad Bartell and Josh Pultorak, Panchromatic Steel hopes to honor the history of the steel pan by featuring standards of the idiom as well as creative and improvised music. In its first year, Panchromatic performed at The Edgewater Hotel, Art Fair On the Square, Capital Brewery, High Noon Saloon, The Nomad, Tyranena Brewing Company, Robinia Courtyard, The Harmony Bar, Alchemy, and Great Taste of the Midwest.
Based on what the entertainment calls for, the band can present itself in duo, combo, or full ensemble form. Contact: Chad Bartell, cgbartell@gmail.com
