This is the story of the legendary composer, arranger and producer-Pelham Goddard. The name is known both locally and internationally, but many are unbeknownst to how Goddard began his journey into the world of music. For years I have known him as the father of a friend and nothing more. Later I learnt that he has a name that is somewhat recognised. Today I know the story, the legend and the man. I believe that everyone should know how one of the most influential and ground-breaking artistes/ producers came to his success.
The story
Born in 1946, Goddard attended St Crispin's EC School in Woodbrook. He believes that he was born with a talent, something that is known only as an "ear" for music. Growing up in St James, Goddard found himself beating rhythms on tables and listening to steelbands and tassa from the Hosay festival. In 1959, his father, a seaman, brought home a piano. At age 11, Goddard knew that he was much more interested in music than anything else. He would play tassa, pick notes on the piano and stay late at school to play the piano there as well. His mother knew how to read music, but Goddard, like most adolescents, didn't have the discipline to sit down and learn. To this day he admits that he is glad he learnt to play music the way that he did-by ear. He had a life set in book-binding, but never saw himself doing it. It was what his mother wanted for him and he had substantial connections to make a career out of it. He scrapped the idea and continued to focus on his music. His soul was engulfed in rhythm and melody. From that day on he would practise for eight hours every day. "Music is a thing you have to practise. People take music for granted, but every day you hear something new," said Goddard.
Fast-forwarding-in 1967, at age 21, Goddard was known around the community as a musician. He had joined the combo band The Clan. In 1968, however, Goddard attended a session of the Starlift band and ended up playing with them. Ironically, every time he joined a combo-band, he ended up being the arranger.
After this, he joined The Flames combo side and stayed with them for about three years. During this period, all the bands had "jam sessions" at their respective locations. All musicians were invited to come and take a turn on an instrument. It was at one of these sessions that Goddard met Clive Bradley. As soon as Goddard was finished with his turn at the piano, Bradley said, "Pelham, you could really play boy. Now you need to learn to read the music and write the music." He then gave Goddard The Professional Arranger and Composer by Russel Garcia-a book that Goddard recommends to musicians to this day. He claims to have studied that book more than any other. Goddard continued to be motivated by playing at a Stevie Wonder concert with The Flames. Shortly after this, in 1971, Bradley invited him to join his band-the Esquires, featuring Clive Bradley and His Circle of Friends. Bradley sent Goddard to St Thomas with all the calypsonians to play for the foreign Carnival. This was due to the polio incident of 1972.
Goddard later played in calypso tents and met all of the big stars as well as practised in Bradley's advertising studio, Creative Advertising, where he learnt a lot about producing. The rest of the story is in the history books. It was in 1972 that "things just started," according to Goddard. Since there is no arranger who has won more road March titles than he has, I guess he was right. At 65 years, his career is still going strong. Goddard has just released a Christmas CD with Natalie Yorke and is producing quite a few songs for Carnival.
Christmas Treat
Pelham Goddard recently released a seasonal CD-It's Christmas-with vocals by Natalie Yorke. The disc comprises seven tracks-Trini (Parang), an exciting remake of Benji's Trini, Lennox Grays' Sha La La, My Grown Up Christmas; Oh How I Wish I Were a Child Again; Twinkle, Twinkle Little Me; Wrong House; and The Christmas Medley. With mastering by Martin "Mice" Raymond, keyboards and programming by Goddard, engineering and mixing by Calliston Pantor, and featuring cuatrista Simone Edwin, the CD was recorded at Goddard's Agra 9 studios in St James.
