The Other Side of the Coin - Kendall Williams and Pan In Motion at the 2017 Bang On A Can Marathon

by When Steel Talks

© 2017 -  All Rights Reserved.

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Ever so often one is allowed to observe  pivotal moments in the Pan music historical continuum... Jonathan Scales, Andy Akiho, Andre White, Odie Franklin, Marc Brooks and Kendall Williams—among a few other young practitioners of the art form—continue to chart new experiences and possibilities. 

WST

In Pictures

Recently When Steel Talks (WST) was presented with an opportunity to experience another chapter in the musical adventure, journey, and burgeoning chronicle that is the career of Brooklyn’s own Kendall Williams. Indeed there are many facets and sides to the multi-talented, multi-dimensional composer, arranger, panist, performing artist, PhD candidate and educator. The occasion was the 30th anniversary of the world-recognized and respected Bang on a Can Marathon at Brooklyn Museum’s Beaux-Arts Court.

Kendall Williams and Pan in Motion at 2017’s Bang on a Can Marathon
Kendall Williams and Pan in Motion at 2017’s Bang on a Can Marathon

Already known for his popular music Panorama arrangements through his work with Skiffle Steel Orchestra in Trinidad and CrossFire Steel Orchestra in New York, Williams allowed the world to experience another side of his compositional skill-set.  

Amir ElSaffar’s Crisis performed by his Two Rivers Ensemble at 2017’s Bang on a Can Marathon
Amir ElSaffar’s Crisis performed by his Two Rivers Ensemble at 2017’s Bang on a Can Marathon

Under the banner of the self-created “Pan In Motion,” Kendall was part of an eight-hour marathon of live continuous music that featured what the organizers called, “incomparable super-mix of boundary-busting music from around the corner and around the world!” The 2017 Bang on a Can Marathon featured “8 hours of rare performances by some of the most innovative musicians of our time side-by-side with some of today’s most pioneering young artists.”

Women’s Raga Massive perform at 2017’s Bang on a Can Marathon
Women’s Raga Massive perform at 2017’s Bang on a Can Marathon

The introduction and performance of Kendall’s original composition “Melodic Concepts i & iii” by the Pan In Motion steelband ensemble absolutely fulfilled the bill. On a day of performances that challenged the musical norms - Pan in Motion hit it out of the proverbial park, as all perceived aspects of what a steelband can and can’t play, or should be playing were totally shattered. Furthermore, the thematic content and optics on stage were like no other and surely won’t be forgotten by the very large audience present at this event, and those who viewed through the live stream over the internet.

Audience takes in Pan in Motion’s performance at the Bang on a Can Marathon
Audience takes in Pan in Motion’s performance at the Bang on a Can Marathon at the Beaux-Arts Court stage

Co-founders David Lang, Michael Gordon, Julia Wolfe explained that “....In our 30th year, Bang on a Can is committed more than ever to an increasing and inclusive worldwide community dedicated to innovation through music – a world where ideas flow freely across boundaries whether they are musical, geographical, spiritual.”

Pan In Motion

Tenor: Matthew Best, Zeandre Douglas, Nyesha Hernandez, Travis Roberts
Double Second: Khyah Judah, Le’roi Simmonds
Guitar: Keifer Dover, Norzika Lewis
Triple Cello: Jonathan Williams
6 Bass: Curtis Lynch Alexis Schloss

 

Kendall Williams and Pan in Motion at 2017’s Bang on a Can Marathon
Kendall Williams and Pan in Motion at 2017’s Bang on a Can Marathon

 


Slideshow


 

   Performances - Kendall Williams and Pan in Motion
 

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