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United
Kingdom - The following is a lasting memory I have of the
greatness of Clyde and his captivating music. This episode of my
life is often relived when his music is played.
In 1998,
Clive
Bradley musically directed Nutones Steel Orchestra to capture
the coveted title of National Panorama Champs with his
captivating arrangement of David Rudder’s ‘High Mas’. In 1999,
he returned ‘up de hill’ to his old haunt, Desperadoes.
Initially there were mixed feelings of using Bradley’s musical
talents instead of Robbie Greenidge’s but he soon changed that
with his musicality. WITCO Desperadoes won the 1999 North Zonal
Finals amassing a convincing 460 points with their nearest
rival, Phase 11 Pan Groove, trailing by 17 points. Phase 11
continued to trail Despers in the National semi-finals but
narrowed their lead to 15 points.
Feelings were running high as Pan lovers congregated at the ‘Big
Yard’ on February 13th 1999, to witness the finals of the
National Panorama finals. Fonclaire was billed to perform first
at 8 o’clock. Half an hour after the scheduled time Fonclaire
still had not taken to the stage. Their pans had not arrived
from South Trinidad and inevitably they were disqualified. BWIA
Invaders who should have appeared second took to the stage in
first position. Pan lovers were treated to an explosion of
‘Sweet Pan’ throughout the show. The North & Grand Stands were
packed and the atmosphere was buzzing. Then at position 10 when
Solo Pan Knights were due to appear Fonclaire took to the stage
even though they were disqualified. In the finals of such an
important competition, with tensions running high, why was
Fonclaire allowed to play. Speaking to Robbie Greenidge after
the show he stated ‘We were ready to go, the band had finished
their warm up on ‘the pitch’ and about to take to the stage when
Fonclaire was allowed on. They upset our rhythm and broke the
adrenalin rush we had established.’
But the night belonged to Desperadoes who played in final
position; they started the competition how they meant to finish
with Clyde’s musical masterpiece being executed with timely
precision. Clyde’s rendition of Oba’s ‘In My House’ certainly
personified Oba’s message. On that night he left everyone
open-mouthed at what a man and a pan can do. Desperadoes
produced the most sensational performance; they sizzled and took
the crown. Once again Bradley had commandeering himself and his
band to the winners’ podium. His musical prowess in the
competition continued with Nutones who had captured third place
with his musical arrangements. Bradley then went on to achieve
the hat trick of wins with Desperadoes in 2000. What an end to
the century. Clyde has duly given more than his fair share to
the art form, his music will continue to inspire many young and
aspiring pan musicians for a very long time.
| Robbie
Joseph, is the PRO for the British Association of
Steelbands. In the 1990s, Robbie was writing for the
Socanews magazine and was able to establish a page
dedicated to Pan entitled, ‘Down in the Panyard’. He is
also the creator of the
Pan Podium
- a
site dedicated to promoting the work of steelbands
and pannists in the UK and around the World ...
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