Balconies In Bloom

52Frames - Week 10 - Black And White

Scottsdale, AZ

Under a beautiful late afternoon light, the plantings on the balconies against the striking patterns in the architecture caught my attention while sitting at a traffic light.  Captured this scene through my car windshield.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro @ f2.8 1/850 9mm (155mm equiv) ISO 25

Photographed 3/5/25

Rhythm Is Life

I heard the melodic sounds and thought there was a multi-piece group playing near the pool deck of our resort.  I was very surprised to find one guy playing a single steel drum that created such beautiful sound.  No multi-piece band, no synthesizer, only a microphone, amplifier and speaker.  The tablet shown held only sheet music.

I learned that these drums were handcrafted from old, abandoned oil drums in Trinidad & Tobago.  Each drum was pounded into shape and tuned to generate specific notes when struck on a specific part of the drum.  It was quite remarkable.

Many thanks to Cole for sharing his music and information.  You can check out Cole’s band at https://www.instagram.com/rhythmislifesteelband/ and https://m.youtube.com/@rhythmislifesteelband/videos.

Rhythm Is Life 1

Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/250 | 200mm | ISO 160

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Rhythm Is Life 2

Sony A7Cii @ f4.5 | 1/250 | 108mm | ISO 160

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Rhythm Is Life 3

Sony A7Cii @ f6.3 | 1/160 | 200mm | ISO 160

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071