Pioneer as one of the first women Pannists
There has always been a lively debate [as] to [who was] the first pan woman. Many of the knowledgeable historians have crossed as to who really deserve[s] this title. However, in this contentious issue stand[s], a pan woman who has indicated that she started to play as early as 1944, when she was just six years old. Her name [is] Daisy James McLean.
Daisy had two brothers Ancil and Fitzroy who were members of Casablanca steelband. One day they came home with a pan which was in the form of small bumps. Daisy took it up and started to beat it.
Her brothers soon realised that she could play, and carried her along with them unknown to to their mother. They received small sums for playing; but Daisy had to hide the money for fear of bringing the wrought of her mother [down on them], and who looked carefully [and with concern] at [the activities of] her girl child.
Daisy [who obviously won out in the end] was selected to tour Guyana (then British Guiana) with the Casablanca steelband. However her mother was quite adamant [abut not letting her go] and Daisy lost out on her chance to tour [and] to accompany such famous pannists as Ziggilee and Oscar Pile.
All was not lost however as City Syncopators, assisted by Philmore “Boots” Davidson, was formed under her mother’s home in Upper Quarry Street [Lavantille(?), Port of Spain] and it was here that she got the chance to show her ability.
With the advent of the Panorama competition in 1963; Daisy played [with the band throughout their series of appearances], but stopped in 1983, because of family commitments.
In the interim however, she accompanied Brother Mudada as a pannist when he reached the finals of the Dimache Gras in 1976.
Daisy ha[s] fond memories of City Syncopators with [a specially fond recall of] the highlights of 1966; when the band copped the trophy for the best rendition of their tune of choice Poet and Peasants.
Daisy was perfect on the pan and is one of the cherished pannist of the days gone by.
© 1997 Gideon Maxime: Pg 204; PAN THROUGH THE YEARS (1952 - 1996)[This reference is a matter of research for these pages]
