Johann Chuckaree is experiencing a musical awakening. The 34-year-old pannist says the challenges of the past five years of surviving the global Covid-19 pandemic and losing his father Michael has increased his sensitivities and stimulated deep personal growth. “Over the last few years, life as we know it has changed and evolved in so many ways.
Experiencing the passing of my father, enduring the Covid pandemic and many other challenges in my life have forced me to grow and evolve. To show more compassion, to be thankful and grateful for every day that we have on this earth, to focus on both my mental and physical health and to live life to the fullest in every way,” Chuckaree told the Kitcharee over WhatsApp on Thursday night. That evolved perspective is reflected in his new music, Chuckaree said.
The Phase II Pan Groove frontline tenor plans to showcase his musical metamorphosis at “The Awakening - A Musical Experience”, this evening, at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s. “The Awakening is a celebration of this growth and a reminder that life is short, and it must be celebrated, in my case, through my passion for performing and the steelpan,” he added. Tonight’s showcase is Chuckaree’s second solo concert.
The Woodbrook-born pannist says while there is rarely time to stop and reflect on the path he is blazing and the part it plays in securing the longevity of the national instrument, knowing he is bringing new listeners to pan makes it all worthwhile. “It’s alw.
