A white, Jewish musician from New York, Narell defied his geographical and cultural heritage to become one of the most prominent figures in steel drum music in the Caribbean. In 1966, he travelled to the Caribbean for the first time as a 12 year old, where Trinidadians were startled by his ability and technique. Athough he experienced a strong degree of resentment from some quarters, he forged ahead. A session ace, Narell has backed up a wide range of stars, including Aretha Franklin and Manhattan Transfer, and he has contributed to several film soundtracks, notably GHOSTBUSTERS and 48 HRS. 1996’s THE LONG TIME BAND drew inspiration for its rhythms from traditions as diverse as soca, calypso, African zouk, Brazilian salsa and samba and American jazz.