Follow When Steel Talks
WST google search WST Forum WST facebook page WST on Twitter WST RSS feed WST Steelpan music videos on You Tube WST Newsletter Global Steelband listings

  Bookmark and Share

Pan On Fire for Solo Contest - Tristan Japsi Victorious

USSA holds first solo competition - But Steelpan Folks Curiously Missing...

A When Steel Talks Exclusive

 

Brooklyn, New York - First off, very few have been as critical of USSA (United States Steelband Association) over the years as When Steel Talks (WST); however, if the truth be told, the last couple of events produced by USSA have been great ideas. Moreover, USSA has moved their ideas from thought to action and actually produced some solid events.

The latest USSA event was the Pan On Fire solo competition held at the Tropical Paradise Ballroom in Brooklyn.  This was indeed an event that should have been standing room only - but curiously enough the turnout and support of the event was surprisingly disappointing. The contest was designed to showcase the musical talents of the young up-and-coming steelpan musicians—of which Brooklyn is in no shortage of—through a solo competition.


Pan on Fire Solo Performances

Each contestant was required to perform their interpretation of Ary Barroso’s ‘Brazil’ (Aquarela do Brasil) as a test piece. In addition, the contestants performed a tune of choice that further demonstrated their versatility and command of the  steelpan instrument although they were not scored on that piece.

The three contestants were Brandon Waldrop on double second -  (Pantonic), Tristan Japsi on tenor -  (Steel Sensation) and Jahlani Roberts on tenor - (CASYM).  Each contestant performed very well. Moreover, each displayed a deep sensitivity for the instrument that is often lost in these types of forums. Their solos showed thoughtfulness and were thankfully devoid of cliché runs designed to invoke hysterical responses from often times musically challenged audiences.  For their tunes of choice Mr. Waldrop delivered “Missing You,”  Mr. Japsi delivered “Donna Lee” while Mr. Roberts sounded off with “Gold.”

Left to right -  Brandon Waldrop, Tristan Japsi and Jahlani Roberts
Left to right -  Brandon Waldrop, Tristan Japsi and Jahlani Roberts

Brandon Waldrop is twenty and has been playing the steelpan since 2008. He is currently a member of Pantonic Steel Orchestra. Eighteen-year-old Tristan Japsi, a recent graduate of Floral Park Memorial High, has been playing the steelpan instrument since the age of three. He is currently a member of Steel Sensation Steel Orchestra. Jahlani Roberts has been playing the steelpan for six years now and is currently a member of CASYM Steel Orchestra.

The audience was also treated to a solo performances by veteran panist Patrick Davis, and Martin Cain of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra - both of whom saw the tremendous value in supporting the event.  Judges were Ms. Gail Blanch, Mr. Kendall Williams and Mr. Wilfred Kieal Jr.

Judges, left to right - Kendall Williams, Gail Blanch, & Wilfred Kieal, Jr.
Judges, left to right - Kendall Williams, Gail Blanch, & Wilfred Kieal, Jr.

For this edition of the Pan on Fire Solo competition Tristan Japsi took first place honors, followed by Jahlani Roberts and Brandon Waldrop. Again, these young musicians accounted for themselves very well. Look to hear much from these talented young men in the near future as their musical careers progress.

Tristan Japsi and Jahlani Roberts
Tristan Japsi and Jahlani Roberts

Current president of USSA Keith Marcelle briefly spoke on the “priceless work” the New York steel orchestras were engaged in and the continued need for growing a business knowledge base among the New York Steel orchestra franchises and fraternity.

In this instance USSA and its event organizational crew should be  commended for providing such a chic performing outlet for area panists. Such performing opportunities are critical to the development and sustainability of the steelpan music community - particularly the young people. While the attendance was not what WST or the organizers would have liked to have seen, there were many distinguished supporters of the art form like Learie Harrigin, Vincent “Hueloy” Lila Yip Young and Garvin Blake, among others, present to take in the experience and lend support to the next generation.

Last year USSA produced its first “Bomb” competition. It was an excellent steelband music exhibition at the Old Boys High Field in Brooklyn. Hopefully this is not a ‘one and done’ occurrence and USSA will again sponsor such meaningful events, and the steelband music enthusiasts of New York will be there to support it. Simply put, the New York steelpan community cannot have it both ways - complaining about quality events for Pan performances outside of Panorama - and then not be there to support same.

Leave a comment in the WST forum