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New generation, Same Winning Ways
Despers USA Steel Orchestra in session

 

 

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Despers USA added to Basement Recordings’ premier production roster for 2009
                                                              
In Pictures
 

New York, USA - When Steel Talks (WST) tagged along with Basement Recordings as they began their annual calendar of panyard recording sessions and productions. First stop was Despers USA Steel Orchestra located on Classon Avenue, in Brooklyn, New York, who were the first to be captured last evening at their Pan Loft, performing Tunapuna Scanty’s “Bandoleros.” Despers USA joins the Basement Recordings line-up to be featured on the organization’s Pan in New York series of Pan-4-Life CD productions. One of North America’s premier orchestras, Despers USA has six panorama championship titles under their belt, and look forward to adding another one in 2009.

There was a special excitement in the air with Despers USA, one that we have not seen in recent years, and which reminded us and rekindled memories of the band’s earlier glory days. This group of Despers is special; they are extremely talented, driven, focused, and youthful, but - with the added advantage of the guidance of veteran players and management who have tasted victory many times over.

Despers USA brings much history to New York pan and its panorama landscape. They hold the record with six panorama wins – a feat still unrivalled by any other New York steel orchestra – and, realistically speaking, one which might never be equaled or surpassed.

The band takes the stage for the Steelband music panorama competition this Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum grounds, assuredly. Originally drawing a playing position of number one, the band could play actually in position two, if the advertised addition of Boston Metro Steel Orchestra to the competition line-up – appearing in position one - is in effect. Either way – get to the museum early to catch Despers USA, as the event has a scheduled start time of 8:00 p.m.

The orchestra’s instruments have been tuned with pristine clarity by their competent and veteran in-house tuner - Despers ‘elder’ Clement Franklin (pictured) - who is also one of the best and most widely respected guitar pan musicians around. In Franklin, and the band’s core group of veteran players, Despers is guaranteed not only quality instruments, but that unique and signature ‘Despers sound.’

Cracking the musical whip as drill master is the no-nonsense Wilfred ‘Wiz’ Kieal – who insists and ensures that every tonal “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed. Then, he himself takes his place behind his own cello pan, ‘throwing down’ with the rest of the band. In-house arranger and also a Despers USA ‘elder’ is Wilfred Kieal, Sr, a favorite with the young people in the band, and himself young-at-heart, deftly delivering an unapologetically at times funky arrangement of ‘Bandoleros’ that literally has the band rocking. Anchoring the band is Wayne Inniss in his capacity of captain, himself a respected six-bass player.

Last night the band also exhibited the hallmark Despers characteristics – discipline, commitment, and they were extremely ‘tight’- locked in step. But this group also brings with it a controlled execution. With all their talents, and proud history, there remains a priceless humility and respect displayed by all the musicians. With three more nights before the ‘big one’ you can be sure that Despers USA is pulling out all stops as they strive for perfection with the prize at stake – the 2009 New York Steelband Music Panorama championship title.  In any case, Despers USA is definitely back on track!!

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