When asked to review
Panyards 2005, at first I was very apprehensive.
As a musician, (particularly an arranger) we tend to become
attached and very protective of our piece of work.
Therefore, it becomes hard to accept criticisms from
outsiders who don’t know the work from it’s inception.
First, I would
like to extend my sincere appreciation to Basement Recordings
for their ongoing effort to keep everyone in the pan fraternity
abreast to the happenings and the sounds of pan in the US and
abroad.
Now let’s
review. The great thing about Panyards is that the
bands are playing at nice slow to medium tempos . Therefore,
it makes it easier to hear each section with clarity . I’m
not sure if the recording was mixed in Pro Tools or some other
high-end recording medium , but audibly it is pristine. I
think the technique used is called the ‘box in one technique’.
This technique makes each section sound clear and still
gives you that grumble of a big band without harming the
integrity of the recording. Playing with a lot of steelbands
, I’ve come to understand how to maneuver them for
recordings and amplified outdoor events. Steelbands
usually have their own overall balance depending on the
make up of instruments . Therefore, under normal
circumstances an engineer could just do an overall miking
and be able to get a good representation. However, in
this case Panyards exemplifies steelband recordings
at its best by taking it to another level. Placing mics on
just about everything all the way down to the drums and
still able to reproduce the sound of a 60-90 member steel
orchestra is a feat in itself.
Now the
bands. Remember this review is of the recording and not the
arrangements . Each band performed exceptional for the
recording and each arranger should be commended on their
work.
Patonic-
Clive Bradley ……..need I say more. He’s a master at
orchestration, harmony and motivic development. For him
to give Desperadoes one arrangement of Oba’s Action that
was worthy of high marks in Trinidad, and then to come up
with a completely different arrangement for Tonic only
speaks of his genius. Not to mention the drummer is
incredible ( my younger brother Sheldon ) I just hope
that all you pannists that play Mr Bradley’s music
really analyze and learn from him so there will be some
young Bradleys’ to come. Can’t wait to see what’s up his
sleeve for next year. |
D’
Radoes- Clive Bradley again. He took John
King’s Dahlin and made it musical enough that it was
Panorama worthy . Interpretation A+, Harmonic
Development A+, D’ Radoes A+. |
Pan
Sonatas- Yohan Popwell has proven that he’s a
force to be reckoned with in the panorama arenas
worldwide. He has single -handedly brought Sonatas
back to prominence with his arrangements. His use of
harmony and motives is excellent. His interpretation of
the Latin rhythms would make Tito Puente proud.
Tonal quality A++++. Birch Kelman need I say more. |
CASYM-
Ardin Herbert is a prime example of when an
arranger has good players , he can arrange at his peak.
This band and arranger are one, similar to Phase II and
Boogsie. They understand and execute his style with
ease. This performance is probably one of the faster
tempos on the recording . They handle all of Herbert’s
arrangement with no problems. Being a Phase II myself ,
I can tell he’s from the West and understands groove. His
interpretation A+, Harmonic Development A+, Balance
A+. |
Crossfire-
Brian “Bean” Griffith- Another West arranger that
exemplifies groove. Griffith maneuvers through Trini Gone
Wild with ease. Wonderful use of his own composition of
Trini Know How To Party in the intro. That was a genius
way to play on the title. This band deserves the most
improved award. They are 20 players away from a
Panorama title. The music is definitely happening.
Crossfire A+. |
Marsicans
– Pelham Goddard- I didn’t think it could be
done, but Pelham proved me wrong. Pelham made Shurwayne
Winchester’s Dead or Alive panorama worthy. He used the
main motive like a genius would. His use of modal
harmonies had me feeling like I was back in the old wild
West. The use of crescendo’s and diminuendo’s was
excellent. It’s a very classical style arrangement.
Pelham is the Leonard Bernstein of arrangers. If you know
good music you know who that is. Marsicans A+. |
Sesame
Flyers- Freddy Harris Jr. & Andy Aikiko- Young
and upcoming arrangers to be reckoned with. This is the
future, believe me. The first counter melody is SICK!!!
It’s Charlie Parker, Coltrane, Bud Powell, and Boogsie
rolled into one. So many be-bop lines!!! Nice to
know that people listen and see the similarities between
Calypso and Jazz. Harmonic Development A+, use of
be-bop motives A+++++++. Keep going fellas, I’m sure we’ll
battling for that top spot in NY and Trini Panorama’s for
years to come. |
In closing, it has been a
pleasure to listen and enjoy pan music at its highest level
musically and audibly . Thank You Basement Recordings .
Look out for me and my
brothers (The Thwaites Brothers) all through out the pan
scene in the US and worldwide. Check us out and Lauryn Hill’s
next album due out sometime next year. Check out our website
PanUnited.org
Peace and Pan
Sherwin Thwaites
Listen to audio samples of
New York Pan Yards
Recording |
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