Who We Are

Ross Harper is the bandleader of Island Time, a group of accomplished musicians whose musical passion is performing the music of the Caribbean (Calypso, Reggae, Salsa, Bossa Nova). Besides specializing in authentic traditional music from the islands, they also incorporate contemporary music to create an exciting variety. The main instrument featured in Island Time is the steel drum.

Ross received his formal music training at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree as a percussionist. While in college, Ross was introduced to the steel drum by America's premier pan player, Andy Narell. Ross received his informal music training through playing with the musicians in Southern California's Caribbean music scene and has had the privilege of playing with many of the world's greatest pan players, including Robert Greenidge, Andy Narell, Boogsie Sharpe, and Liam Teague. His love for the steel drum took him to Trinidad, the birthplace of the steel drum, where he played with the local bands for the Panorama competition.

Ross has also had a long association with Dr. Michael Carney, director of percussion at CSU Long Beach. Ross has performed, arranged, and composed for the CSULB Steel Drum Orchestra, as well as been musical director for Michael's professional group, Pandemonium Steel Drum Band. Together they have performed as guest artists with symphony orchestras across the US.

Since moving to Los Angeles, Ross has been active in the Caribbean music scene. He has performed at over 2000 events from private parties and weddings, to corporate events and concerts. He has recorded a jingle for Corona beer and played on the soundtracks for the movies The Distinguished Gentleman and Speed II. He made his television debut playing on Deal Or No Deal with Howie Mandel.

Ross' group Island Time can be tailored in size from a solo steel drummer to a full 6-piece band depending on what is appropriate for your event and budget. They are the perfect combination of musicianship and professionalism with a varied repertoire ranging from lyrical ballads to the exhilarating tempos of Caribbean dance hits. Ross Harper's Island Time provides exciting and uplifting entertainment for all ages.

Ross Harper  818-786-7380

panmanross@aol.com

Songs We Play 

This is a partial song list. Let us know in advance if there is a special request and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Calypso/ Soca:

Day-O (Banana Boat Song)      The Hammer                         Hot, Hot,  Hot                        Island in the Sun                    Jamaica Farewell                   Jump in the Line                    Kiss the Girl                          Lion Sleeps Tonight                Mary Ann                               Matilda                                  Somebody                              St. Thomas                            Sugar Bum Bum                      Under the Sea                        Yellow Bird  

Contemporary / Pop:

Brown-Eyed Girl                 Changes in Lattitudes          Cheeseburger in Paradise       Come Monday                     Dock of the Bay                  Fields of Gold                       
Fragile                                   Iko, Iko                               Just the Two of Us                Kokomo                                 La Bamba                         Margaritaville                      Moondance                          Ob-la-di Ob-la-da                  Pirate Looks at 40                   Smooth Operator                  Son of a Son of a Sailor         Surfer Girl                             This Masquerade                   Volcano                              Wild World                            You Are the Sunshine of My Life

Christmas / Holiday:

Feliz Navidad                    Have Yourself a Merry Little     Christmas                              I'll Be Home for Christmas Jingle Bell Rock                Jingle Bells                     Santa Baby             Silent Night                         The Christmas Song            The Little Drummer Boy    

Reggae:

Buffalo Soldier                       Can't Help Falling in Love       Could You Be Loved?               Don't Worry Be Happy             Exodus                                   I Can See Clearly Now            Is This Love?                         Jammin'                                 Kingston Town                      Love is the 7th Wave            No Woman, No Cry                One Love                               Pass the Dutchie                    Red, Red Wine                   Stir it  Up                        Three Little Birds                 Waiting in Vain

Brazilian Bossa Nova:

Black Orpheus                    Blue Bossa                          Brazil                               Corcovado (Quiet Nights...)  Desafinado                         The Girl From Ipanema          Meditation                          My Little Suede Shoes            One Note Samba                Quando, Quando, Quando   Ross' Bossa                     Samba De Orpheus             Wave

Latin Jazz / Salsa:

Besame Mucho                      El Bombon De Helena         Guantanamera                 Morning Dance                 Never On Sunday               Oye Como Va                   Quiere Bembe               Sofrito                          Tequila                            Toca Bonito                     Watermelon Man

Wedding / Classical:

Ave Maria                        Canon in D (Pachelbel)          Here Comes the Bride           Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring   Rondeau (Moret)                    Wedding March