Freddie's Music Career

He began playing the Pan when he was a boy growing up in Trinidad in a band called, Mexitones. He then formed his own band called Dixie Harps and later joined Dixieland Steel Orchestra. They won the Island-wide Steel Band Music Festival in Trinidad in 1960, which is the greatest honour any Steel Band can achieve, and this provided Freddie with an opportunity to tour England in 1961.

Dixieland Steel Orchestra was the first Steel Band to tour most European countries under the management of Sonny Blacks. They played at Carnegie Hall, for Princess Margaret on her Honeymoon in Trinidad, and were the first Steel Band to visit and perform in Africa!

With other members of Dixieland, Freddie joined Les Flambeaux to undertake several European tours and record an album. Les Flambeaux performed at the prestigious Savoy hotel in London, together with Maurice Chevalier, made appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, the 100 Club, and had a weekly residency at Ronnie Scott's. The band also had guest performances on several television and radio programmes, including Granada's TV series, "Outfront".

Les Flambeaux was one of the first Steel Orchestras to appear in films! 'The Two Gentlemen', starring Judy Geeson and 'All Kinds of Music', with Sir Cliff Richard.

Read An Interview with Freddie from Dixieland where he talks about how he became a Tuner.

Freddie performed on Top Of The Pops many times throughout the 1970s and onwards. During this period, he performed and recorded with The Sweet, Boney M and recorded on Fleetwood Mac's Penguin Album and with Wham.

He was the Tuner and Arranger of Metronomes Steel Orchestra for many years and under his leadership, they won the Panorama and Best Band on the Road at the Notting Hill Gate Carnival.

He joined as a player in 1977 and ploughed all his energies into rebuilding the band - making and tuning the Pans as well as arranging the music. His efforts played a major part in the band winning four National Panorama titles and establishing Metronomes as one of the UK's leading Steel Orchestras.

Freddie played for Prince Charles in 1979 and once gave George Michael a music lesson!

Silver Steel Combo was Freddie's second band. It incorporated not only Steel Pans but also acoustic drums, electric guitar, bass, and conga drums. As well as many gigs and TV appearances, they won a competition at The Steel Band Music Festival, judged by Leo Sayer, for the best-arranged test piece of music.

He was the Band Master, Tuner and Arranger of the St Michael & All Angels Steel Band. The band was founded in 1996 and was made up of young kids from Brent. For 16 years he worked with the St Michael's Youth Project dedicating his time and energy into making young people exceptional musicians and part of an excellent Steel Band.

Freddie was captivated by the great classical composers and taught the children pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Strauss, and Elgar as well as a strong repertoire of popular music going back over 60 years in a variety of different styles. Through his inspiring teaching, they became the first Steel Band to perform at St Paul's Cathedral (twice), many civic events including the Annual Fundraising Ball for the Mayor of Brent and they opened for Diversity at the Novatel Hotel. All Angels played at the Houses of Parliament, the first Steel Band to have ever played there in history! They were also the first Steel Band in Brent to take part in the Notting Hill Gate Carnival since 2009.

Freddie won many awards for his success as a musician as well as his outstanding contribution and community service - helping youngsters stay out of trouble by teaching them how to play the Steel Drums. Go to Awards.

Alfred Totesaut travelled the world and has left a life-long impact on many. His legacy and music will live on for a long time to come. ♥

Freddie's family are fundraising in his name for Barnardos. Donations welcome at: alfredtotesaut.muchloved.com.

Obituary: Brent steel pan master Alfred Totesaut dies aged 83

'A great loss' - Musician and UK steel pan pioneer who played for the King

"The steel pan world is mourning a musician "of immense talent and ability", who toured Europe and Africa, played for royalty and blazed a trail on television and film before inspiring thousands of children in his community. Alfred Totesaut, known as Freddie, was the much-loved band master, tuner and arranger of the St Michael & All Angels Steel Orchestra in Stonebridge, Brent. The father-of four died on March 24, aged 83. His legacy lives on as does his music and wonderful arrangements that has inspired generations."

Read the latest article by Nathalie Raffray here: times-series.co.uk.

This website will be updated with more photos, videos and recordings of Freddie, so please visit here again soon.

Tribute Night for Freddie

ST Michael and All Angels Steel Orchestra presents
For the love of Freddie Pan Jam

Saturday 13th July 2024

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Brent Community Hub,
6 Hillside,
Stonebridge,
NW10 8BN

Find out how to get to the venue here Brent Community Hub.