Site Search
*
Facebook
*
Headlines
*
Events
*
Message Board
*
Guest Book
*
Pan News
*
Pan Radio
*
Twitter |
|
New York Steelbands - 2010 Panorama
and Beyond
- Grades AZ
An in-depth analysis of one of the
greatest annual performances of tuned percussionists in North
America
. |
|
2010
Panorama Champions Sonatas Steel Orchestra |
Congrats to all the New York steelpan musicians, organizations, organizers and support teams for another great season of steelpan music and performances.
The culture and heartbeat of the steel orchestras live. Or is this
simply a mirage?
Pan in the city that never sleeps continues to
survive. And in spite of
all the ills surrounding the instrument, its practitioners and fans,
it's pulse remains steady, strong and vibrant through the steelbands and
youth membership - and somewhat at times oblivious, to how vicarious the
situation is in reality. Indeed danger and death
constantly lurk just beneath the surface - where housing, funding,
indifferent and hostile authorities and politics, or, should we say, politricks
- in one capricious moment - can
move Pan from the endangered species list to on life support in the ER
(emergency room).
Once again the New York city steelband franchises made the necessary
modifications and sacrifices to stay afloat. And herein lies the
problem - why in the year 2010, are these New York institutions still worried about
keeping afloat?
The Good
|
|
Lisa Mayers, Andr
White and family celebrate historic feat |
This
was a 2010 season that
showcased a new crop of young arrangers to the New York steelband
panorama scene. Making their New York arranging debut were
Al Foster
(D'Radoes),
Sheldon Elcock (Dem Stars), Kareem Thompson (Sesame Flyers)
and Leon Thomas (CrossFire). The emergence of these new talents and
granted opportunities insure that there will be continued growth and
musical relevancy in the future. Arranging for New York panorama-bound steel orchestras is not for the faint of heart. The opportunities
are few and far between. It is both a golden opportunity and a potential
career-ender. By all measuring sticks, this new group for the most part
did very well. A "one and done" or the infamous "go and don't come back"
card should be assumed avoided by this crew, this year.
The steelpan instrument, music
and culture continues to explode all over the world and Pan in New York
remains among the top. The advent of social media platforms like
Facebook has contributed mightily to the expansion and popularization of
New York steelpan community franchises and operations. The When Steel
Talks (WST) network has expanded considerably through the likes of Facebook,
Twitter and Ning. Indeed, these new developments in communication and
technology have been a public relations bonanza for franchises with an active online and
internet presence. The WST network (PanOnTheNet.com,
WST Facebook,
WST twitter,
WST
interactive, newsletter). It was not too long ago that a
noted college music
percussion professor who thought he was very knowledgeable about pan in
North America, was shocked to find out that there were steelbands in New
York when he, by chance, came across PanOnTheNet.com. So in this regard
the dissemination of information and global awareness of the greatest of
the New York steel orchestras franchises have been positive by-products of these
new (ongoing) technological developments.
The New York panorama was streamed via the internet again this year. On the surface that is
a positive, but there were some very troubling aspects to this move that we will discuss in our "Bad" and "Ugly" sections.
The steelpan instrument has continued to make inroads into the New York City (NYC) school system through the efforts of
organizations
like
CASYM and
Higher Levin. They have become fixtures in the NYC
educational system.
Since the 2009 steelband panorama, in the calendar
year following, to date - outside of panorama music-related
showings and opportunities - there were a few notable performances
open to the New York metropolitan area. There was
Jonathan Scales performing
up in Harlem. The cat is bad and offers a fresh perspective on where
steelpan music can go. There was Panjazz at Lincoln Center featuring
Freddy Harris,
Leon
Foster Thomas and
Andr White.
NYU
(New York University) Steeldrum Ensemble
put on an interesting concert featuring the music of Phillip Glass. The
UWI (University of the West Indies) Arts Chorale and the UWI Steel Ensemble gave an awesome
performance at St. Francis College as part of their US tour. And
CASYM
held its annual Christmas show at the Brooklyn Museum to a jam-packed
audience.
In addition to the music performances there were some
other stellar events that must be acknowledged. The drama "The
Pan Man" as performed at the Nagelberg Theatre featuring
Ryan Joseph of Sonatas Steel Orchestra, under the dominion of the
Baruch Performing Arts Center, was a five-star event.
And the forum
Examining the Roots of Steel Band Activity in New York
facilitated by the Trinidad & Tobago Folk Arts Institute was a
historical gold mine in the age of 'reality' TV and events. Last but not
least was the New York screening at Medgar Evers College of the film
Mas Man
by panist, pan historian, journalist and film producer
Dalton Narine.
Mas Man
has won the 2010 Best Short
Documentary Award at the New York International Film Festival, others.
There are some special moments too. Veteran
steelband leader
Mack
Scott, president of Sonatas was honored by the New York City
Comptrollers office. Of
course When Steel Talks was most honored as the great DeFosto penned a
tune in our honor for panorama 2010 - "When
Steel Talks." The song was sung by calypsonian "Crazy."
Check below for more details on some special New York
Steelpan
moments
The Bad
No panorama emblem at the panorama.
In the land of logos and franchises, somebody forgot to bring the New
York Panorama logo, and title representing the franchise of the New York
Steelbands on a larger-than-life banner. In fact the word panorama
could NOT be found or seen
anywhere in the event grounds. It is a wonder that the word panorama
even showed up on the tickets... At the world series (think
baseball, cricket et al) or at the Olympics - can you imagine not seeing
any notification, or symbols, or logos, regarding the event that is
unfolding - once you are in the stadium or on the grounds? As Mr. Hinkson so eloquently and diplomatically
pointed out it in his article
Panorama And The
Power Of Context - it was indeed an opportunity squandered to
reinforce the New York panorama brand.
Even though the announcement of the PPV (Pay-per-view) streaming of
the panorama was in a major New York daily paper - New York
steelband franchise owners and
management claimed they were ignorant of that move on the part of the
panorama promoters and were completely
blind-sided by this development. Of course the problem here is that
there were no negotiations for revenue-sharing from the enormous
potential financial gains from this venture. This oversight again
demonstrates that no one is guarding the store as it relates to the
interest of the pan men and women. The consequences of this blunder will
be felt forever by the New York steelband community given the new
advancements in online publishing, entertainment and revenue-generation. In any regard the
steelpan community came down hard opinion-wise on the NY steelband leadership.
Check out what the pan community thinks of this oversight in the forum (NY Panorama to be streamed on internet - Pan leaders claim ignorance...).
The economics of panorama continue to make no
business sense. Nothing new here - the bands continue to invest
more, to come out for panorama knowing that they cannot break even - even
if they win panorama. However, the city and the promoters are making
millions. The panorama prizes are beyond insulting, but why should the
promoters pay more- because they are nice guys? Let's get real folks.
Curiously, WIADCA (West Indian American Day Carnival Association) sent out this communiqu "2010 Labor Day Fiscal Impact" earlier in the year stating
that the City of New York would make over $100,000,000 dollars in 2010
from the Carnival activities.
This next gaff clearly falls somewhere between bad and ugly. In any
regard a failing grade of F
is in order. How do you promote the New York panorama without a picture
of any New York bands? And to make matters worse, the picture you
do use -
is that of a
band from another country
[Grenada]? Leave it to WIADCA, the
promoters of the New York panorama, to find a way. And
the replacement graphics used to "remedy" that promotional fiasco featured a player
and his mirror image with bass sticks over a tenor. Yukk! That's
someplace between stupid and criminal. For the full story
check out An
Oops Moment for Steelband - New York Style! - New York Steelbands left
out of their own Panorama Promotion! Definitely a grade of
"F"
or lower.
Orchestras do not understand the importance
of their brand. CASYM Steel
Orchestra is one of the bands recently whose site is not only
down, but their domain name is also up for grabs.
The Ugly
There was
an attack on Sesame Flyers Steel
Orchestra's panyard in the midst of the panorama season.
There were no pictures for panorama.
NYPD
shuts down eventual panorama champs, Sonatas, and also Despers USA on
the Friday night before panorama - Children at risk. Dangerous
situation, especially with Sonatas. No previous warning. We have seen this type of war and demonization on
the steelband community and the steel orchestras before, which occurs
periodically. Back in 2000, Village Voice writer Peter Noel wrote
an article called "The
Steelband Raids - Has the City Declared War on the West Indian
Carnival?" which is still relevant in 2010.
Young Tobago steel pan musicians
terrorised into believing that Homeland Security was coming for them.
|
Panorama 2010
and more...
There is nothing like watching all the great New York
steelband tribes convening for a massive great war dance in the "battle
zone". The smoke signals can be seen for miles..
Literally, pan men and women everywhere, surrounded by thousands of
supporters and fans, with moments of reflection as the legends such as
the likes of Emanuel Jack Reilly can be seen proudly survey
the landscape of what their sacrifices has brought to bear. .This year
was no exception. It is the energy of the people that make this musical
spectacle so special. Sonatas Steel Orchestras emerged as the
2010 New York Panorama Champions. This was the second consecutive
win for Sonatas.
New
York Panorama 2010 complete coverage.
Sound: -
Fail -
The sound was again unacceptable. The tradition of bad sound
reinforcement continues. Some bands got tortured more that others. The
larger bands fared better as usual. Bands like Pantonic and Crossfire
really took a hit. Pantonic who played first attempted a sound check.
Clearly the engineer didn't want one or knew what to do with one. It
really is a shame that the band continue spend so much money the tuning
of their instruments only to have their sonic presentation assaulted on
panorama night by the sound engineers.
Adjudication: - NG -
.. |
|
2008 Adjudicators at work |
... We havent seen the score
sheets yet... 2010 Judges & related
personnel
Arranging:
- Pass
-
This year there were at times some real thought
and feeling being weaved into the musical works the
arrangers. There was less of that fast food
disposable mindless clichd panorama movements that if you
offered to pay someone a millions dollars to whistle
they could not remember. You know the type. However,
having said that there were still no musical gems that
we will talk about for decades to come. Moreover,
while there were some "ah ha" moments no one seemed able
to string a cohesive secession of these magical
movements that displayed a knowledge and connection with
the culture and people. No one made us go "ah ha,
ah ha, ah ha!". Now don't get me wrong many of the
arrangements were vastly superior to many of the
offerings we've heard at other similar competitions
throughout the world this year. But the standards
have been set for a New York panorama. Being
technically correct is not going to cut it.
|
|
New York Steelband
Governing Bodies: - |
|
|
Its
another year later and whats different? Beyond
taking attendance for panorama what else do they do? So
much could be accomplished if the New York steel
orchestras has competent and knowledgeable
representation. However, it's on the NY performing
steel orchestras management to find representation that
increases the value of their franchises, demonstrate an
understanding of the entertainment industry and behave in
manner that makes them appear intelligent. |
|
|
The Bands: -
B -
(overall) {Pan
in New York is like no other place in the
world...}
|
|
ADLIB Boston
Metro CASYM
CrossfireDespers
USA
DRadoes
Harmony
Pantonic
Sesame
Flyers
Sonatas
Utopia
Pan Soul; the Next GenerationSteel
Sensation
Women
In Steel
Pan
Ambassadors
Higher
Levin
Hearts
of Steel
|
|
ADLIB Long
Islands Finest
ADLIB
has secured its spot as one of the big three in New York
panorama competition. ADLIB has had three consecutive years
of top three placing's. They looked stunning as they performed
their tune of choice "Battle Zone".
Andre White, the young talented musical
director and arranger of the orchestra continues to mature
musically while learning the intricacies of panorama. Two years
has past since he created panorama history as the youngest
panorama winner ever.
However, since their 2009 win when they beat
the then champions Sonatas by a point they have not been able to
close that gap despite coming second for the two straight years.
This year they there 15 points behind the winner.
2010 Differential | -15 2009 Differential |
-10 (-2) five judges
2008 Differential | +1
2007 Differential | -35
Tune of choice:
"Pan
Army"
Last 8 Panorama Placings >>
2nd
|
2nd
| 1st
| 3rd | 10th |
10th | 10th | 7th |
Stage Side -
J'Ouvert band -
WST ADLIB Press
Picture
For more on ADLIB
click here | ADLIB
2008 review
Web:
www.adlibsteelorchestra.com;
www.ADLIB.panonthenet.com |
ADLIB on facebook | ADLIB in pictures
back to top
|
|
Boston Metro
This was the
second year in a row Boston Metro participated in the New York
panorama competition. The second straight year the sound
engineers did Boston Metro wrong
2010 Differential | -105 2009 Differential | -129
Tune of choice:
Ah Love Meh Pan
Panorama Placing >> | 10th || 9th |
J'Ouvert band -
Press Picture
For more on Boston Metro
click here
Web: |
Boston Metro on facebook | Boston Metro in Pictures
back to top
|
|
CASYM
CASYM
came to this event as they always do - looking good and sounding
good. And indeed, they were very entertaining. CASYM performed "Magic Drum" as their tune of choice
to capture the 2009 title which escaped them by a single point
across three judges last year.
Having seen CASYM earlier in the day mount
their final preparations and practice, it was clear that CASYM
was confident and ready for a fight. There was no doubt in their
body language as they put the finishing touches on their
practice run-throughs that in their minds, at the end of the
night, this was going to be another CASYM victory. With burgundy
shirts and white pants, the orchestra's rendition of Magic Drum,
a tune that seemed ideally suited to CASYM's musical
temperament, seemed to raise the odds that they would emerge
victorious. In addition they were one of the bands which had the
full one-hundred musician complement. But not even CASYM would
be able to withstand the musical volley which characterized some
of the night's performances.
CASYM is obviously one of New York's elite
steelpan music organizations. CASYM has only missed being
in the top three once in their last seven panorama entries.
Their record speaks for itself. And yet one has to wonder
why has CASYM not recorded more panorama victories?
Are they so good at what they do one can say
that they are taken for granted? Or are their
strategy of an intense late surge of practice during the season
backfired and rob them of the practice time need to adjust their
arrangements to catch and to musically separate themselves from the
front runners? Or is it simply that their instruments
can't match up with those of the frontrunners? It's
probably a combination of all of the above. Plus the bands
know how to prepare for CASYM and have borrowed liberally from
the CASYM panorama presentation book.
With 100 players, CASYM has the ability to
lesson the negative impact of the sound system and engineers-but
not maybe not enough given the quality of instruments.
No one at CASYM's level enters panorama with
anything but one single agenda and that is to win. So this
year we will simply say "mission not accomplished".
All the bands are performing on a high level - so CASYM will
have to do a serious musical self evaluation it wants to
separate itself from the pack.
CASYM's music education activities continues
to be one of the best at training young people how to play the
instrument.
Tune of choice:
"Magic Drum"
2009 Differential |
-19
2008 Differential | -1
2007 Differential | -21
Last 7 Panorama Placings >> 3rd
| 2nd
| 2nd
| 1st | 4th | 2nd |
2nd
Stage Side -
CASYM h has a competent and able stage
side.
Press Picture
For more on CASYM click
here | CASYM 2008 review |
CASYM in Pictures -
facebook -
PanOnTheNet.com -
WST Ning Network
Web:
www.CASYM.com |
www.Casym.panonthenet.com |
CASYM on facebook back to top |
|
CrossFire
Crossfire
played in fourth position, and called on Pan Redemption maybe in
an effort to pull off a September surprise for all time.
Arranger Khuent Rose employed a thought-provoking and at times
complex harmonic themes and structures in his interpretation of
Pan Redemption. Unfortunately a lot of it may have been lost in
the distortion-filled music system, which was particularly
vicious and unforgiving on the smaller groups.
Crossfire continues to be on of the more intriguing panorama
outfits outthere. Their non-conventional/ non conformist
approach to panorama norms and musical expectations are both
inviting and perplexing. But either regard the
expectations for such an approach is very high. Moreover
the attention span and time in with to connect with the judges
and attendees is very short as the group is operating outside of
the expected panorama norms and taste. Therefore a musical
comprise may a have to made to ensure fair hearing.
Even though you are capable of running and developing advance
and complex mathematical algorithms one still has to demonstrate
the ability to connect with the masses through simple math.
Khuent Rose remains one of the steelpan music world's most
talent and gifted musicians . And and he Crossfire also
continues to attract a fields of the heavy music minds and
performer.
Crossfire secured the services of musical standout Khuent Rose as arranger this year.
Khuent Rose is a major talent who has his own
voice and will be a major player and influence in the
future of steelpan music. This was his first
opportunity at guiding an orchestra through a panorama
competition. Crossfire showed that there are many
other musical movements from the Caribbean experience
that can be easily inculcated within the panorama music
structure to tell a wider and detailed music story from
the diasporas. We look forward to
Crossfires next entry.
Tune of choice:
"Pan Redemption" 2009
Differential | -159
2008 Differential | -57
2007 Differential | -47 Last 7 Panorama Placings >> 10th |
9th
| 8th
| 8th | 7th | 5th |
13th
Press Picture
For more on CrossFire
click here |
Web:
www.crossfire.panonthenet.com
back to top |
|
Despers USA
Don't
blink! You heard it here first. It's official
Despers USA is on its way back. We saw signs of it last
year but now it was clear - Despers USA is ready to return to
the top of the heap. All through the panorama season
you could sense the focus and confidence growing in the young
players. The panorama orchestras simply to its cue from
the stage side which had been flexing - quite successfully we
may add - its musical muscles during the panorama preseason and
launches.
This Despers USA is young, talented and hungry. Add their
veteran guidance in background and you have a recipe for much
success. Wilfred Keal Sr., their veteran arranger has
bonded musically with this young group in way that is
reminiscence of the way the late Clive Bradley connected with
his young players. He has found a way to be modern and
meet the taste and expectation of the youth without sacrificing
musicality.
Don't be fooled by the forth place finish. Despers USA has
cut the gap between them and winning band by 19 points since the
last time there was a five panorama adjudication system in 2007.
The young and revamped Despers USA which were
definitely up for the challenge and they themselves came as
Bandoleros - but from Bedford Stuyvesant. Wearing red and black
plaid ponchos, they lifted them and threw them back over their
shoulders on cue, revealing not what would traditionally have
been pistols, but thee band's weapons of choice - pan sticks -
the gamut was thrown down. They raised the bar, and pores, with
their performance, with many in the audience rising to their
feet in homage. But the early playing position proved to be a
factor in eventually being unable to withstand the musical
barrage that was to follow. One can only wonder what would be
the outcome had Despers USA performed later in the lineup, close
to the end.
Tune of choice:
Bandoleros
2009 Differential | -47
2008 Differential | -27
(three judges)
2007 Differential | -68 Last 7 Panorama Placings >> 4th | 4th | 10th
| 5th | 5th | 8th | 6th
Stage Side -
Press Picture For more on Despers USA
click here | Despers USA 2008
review
Web:
www.despers.panonthenet.com |
Despers USA on facebookback to top |
|
DRadoes
If
DRadoes had been capable of following in the footsteps of
world-record holder Usain Bolt, they would have been able to
out-run their competition with their chosen panorama tune penned
in his honor, Rocket Man. But this was not the case. What
musical ammunition they were armed with, came with the
assistance of veteran arranger Earl Rodney. For
the forth time in four years DRadoes took the panorama stage
with a different arranger. This year they were under the
musical leadership of Earl Rodney. Earl Rodney
is a legendary arranger and D'Radoes have not been themselves
since the passing their other legendary arranger Clive Bradley. DRadoes aka
Radoes turned over the arrangers duties to veteran
Eddie Quarless, who last year arranged for Despers USA. This
years tune of choice was Oil & Music
by
M. Montano & D. Rudder. That choice went over well with pan fans because of the
popularity of the song.
DRadoes played first
and as is customary, was crucified by the sound system.
They suffered the worst of all the bands from the sound system
on this night.
Booming bass one minute, followed by severe dropouts. Yuk!
A steel orchestras nightmare! The sound engineer was
practicing on them. Nevertheless we have been told for years that
the live sound has no effect on what the judges are hearing.
Please... If you believe that you will believe anything.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The judges table was
flanked by the two massive banks of speakers, which were almost
aligned with respect to the table, and at an approximate
distance of a mere fifteen or so feet.
Having said all this, DRadoes approached this years panorama with
a non-conventional tempo. It was a deliberately slower tempo
- in
stark contrast to the expected fast-paced execution. All
the parts should have been distinctly audible - if the sound system had
not been the vying with and overwhelming the orchestra, thereby
most probably coloring the adjudication process. DRadoes 8th place finish suggests that the judges either didnt connect
with the tune, adjudicated the distortion the sound system
dispensed of the orchestra, or an unfortunate combination of
both. However they
pretty sure connected
with people on the road on
JOuvert morning with the same tune. DRadoes owned
JOuvert. They were the life of JOuvert.
Last 7 Panorama Placings >> 7th
| 8th
| 7th
| 4th | 2nd | 4th | 3rd
2009 Differential | -63
2008 Differential | -42
2007 Differential | -47 Tune of choice:
Rocket Man
Press Picture
For more on DRadoes
click here
Web:
www.radoes.panonthenet.com
back to top
|
|
Harmony
This
is the second year of Harmonys association with veteran
arranger Ken Professor Philmore in their concerted
push to cop the championship title, which was clearly Harmonys
goal this year. In choosing
Hooked
by
M. Loquan, K. Philmore
and D. Garcia, the band once more opted for a panorama selection
that was popular and resonated well among its enthusiastic and
mainly youthful membership.
After a good performance in 2007 Harmony
came into this season looking to close the gap between them and
the
big guns. And in this regard, based on their fourth place
showing, on the surface they appeared to have accomplished that feat.
However, last year Harmony came in seventh
place, but was only 9 points behind the
third-place finisher. This year, climbing up three spots
to fourth place, they were 19 points
behind. So in reality Harmonys young upstarts did not
gain on the pack musically but actually fell further behind.
But to put this in proper perspective - only three of
five adjudication scores were actually used (the highest and lowest
were dropped). This was not the case last year, when
all five scores for each band counted. Nevertheless, Harmony showed much growth and excitement as the
group hit the 100-player limit for this panorama. The
sound system was less than complementary to Harmony as they came
across noisy and distorted with booming bass through the
speakers.
There is a concern that Harmony may have
grown too fast, and in the process lost its innocence and the
things that made it a special organization. When
Steel Talks own
personal experience in Harmonys yard this year raises many concerns
for Harmonys ability to control key factors that could impact
adversely on their progress.
Last 7 Panorama Placings >>
5th |
4th |
7th |
8th |
12th | 9th | 12th
Tune of choice:
De Trini Way
Press
Picture
For more on Harmony
click here
Web:
www.harmony.panonthenet.com back to top
|
|
Pantonic
Past
champions Pantonic steel orchestra hoped to present a
performance with their version of Pan Redemption that would
stave off any challenges or talk from Bandoleros or Magic Drums
taking home the coveted first prize. This was not to be their
day, or year. Presenting more of a shell of their glory years,
when other bands quaked in fear at the mere mention of Pantonic,
there were still moments that evidenced that smoldering musical
fire which threatened to erupt. Musical director and arranger
Keith Roberts laid down a competent musical war plan. It might
have been the execution of the arrangement, and performance that
did not captivate the judges.
The 2008
panorama season was filled with surprises and challenges for Pantonic
Steel Orchestra. They experienced extreme practice
issues. In fact up to two weeks before the panorama they
had not secured and settled into a new yard, and this is what
makes them the other band that could have been absent from the
competition this year - which
would have then seen only seven orchestras without Pantonic and
Crossfire, the other band with a critical panyard dilemma. For any group as large as Pantonic
this kind of situation at the last minute, would be major trauma. To their credit Pantonic
management and players pulled together and made a creditable
run.
Pantonic took the stage with only 85 players
- far less than the 100-plus juggernaut to which we have become
accustomed. However this served Pantonic well this year and the
band was much tighter and cleaner in its presentation.
Pantonic was awarded an uncharacteristic 7th place. While
the arrangement and performance may not have registered with
judges, the audience gave the group an ovation after their
performance, and sure made their displeasure with the judges
decision known.
Keith Roberts is now in his third year at
the helm as arranger for Pantonic and has established his voice and
style. Pantonics history says that whenever they have not
placed in the top three - watch out for the next year. Look
for Pantonic to be back in the mix for 2009.
Last 7 Panorama Placings >>
7th | 7th | 3rd | 3rd | 1st
| 12th | 1st
2009 Differential |
-65
2008 Differential | -31
2007 Differential | -35
Tune of choice:
"Pan Redemption"
Recorded
"Pan Redemption"
for Pan in New York 2009
Press Picture
For more on Pantonic
click here
Web:
www.Pantonic.com |
www.Pantonic.panonthenet.com
|
Pantonic on facebook back to top |
|
Sesame Flyers
2008
marks the second year for veteran and champion arranger Pelham
Goddard of the famed Exodus Steel Orchestra, at the helm of New
Yorks Sesame Flyers.
The operating title or expression would be the project
continues. As we said last year Mr. Goddard is committed
to developing Sesame Flyers into champions. And similarly
there is no doubt that is also the goal of Sesame Flyers
management.
The Sesame Flyers Steel Orchestras homegrown
musicians are becoming increasingly more comfortable with the
style and expectations of a Pelham Goddard arrangement.
There is no question that the group has improved
considerably. And in this regard, they have now put
themselves in position to turn the corner and challenge the
front runners. If Sesame Flyers puts the work in during
the off season, look for them to step-up into contention.
Sesame Flyers remains one of the
most progressive steelpan music organizations around. They have
an understanding of the need to properly document their
performances and events with the best that modern technology has to
offer. Sesame is one of the few steelband
organizations that has continually produced high
quality video and audio recordings of their music works.
As weve said before, Sesame Flyers Steel Orchestra is more than
a mere music organization.
At the panorama Sesame took a bold and calculated
risk and removed their canopies for their performance. It
is WSTs opinion that this move actually hurt Sesame on a
number of fronts - lighting, sound and video.
First, from a
visual stand point under lighting, the decoration of the racks with shining
and glistening ornaments reflecting in the spotlights bring an
excitement to the bands performance theatre. Indeed - the racks
bouncing, dancing and swaying in time with a bands music is an
added visual advantage and connection with the crowd. The
racks and canopies serve as the traveling, housing and theater from which audience and judges will hear and view the
bands performance. In other words, it is a traveling home
court advantage. The removal of the canopies should have
allowed for a better view of players, but since the producer
of the show had no game plan to take advantage of this, it had no
relative impact.
From a sound stand point
- the band did not
project forward which now became a relevant factor with the
removal of the canopies, that served as a natural and cohesive
sound amplifier when they came together. The sound engineers could have
counteracted this as just part of everyday sound engineering
responsibilities, but from the looks of their poor mic placements they were
also not prepared to deal with, or take advantage of, the removal
the canopies. Video-wise, from the audience view of the
jumbotrons, there were no outstanding or distinguishing video
angles from those of the other canopied bands.
Maybe in the future Sesame, as the only band
without canopies, should sit down with the sound, video and
lighting teams as to identify ways in which they can function in the
bands favor.
The recent opening ceremonies at the Olympics in
Beijing showed that viewers are not so interested in individuals,
as they are with the drama, story and statement they make when
they come together, with supporting visual elements.
Comparatively the coming together of the
racks as the overall backdrop for the entire musical and visual
performance influenced by the interactive movement of the
musicians, characteristically create a similar statement for the audience.
Last 6 Panorama Placings >>
6th | 6th | 5th
|
6th |
9th | 7th | 15th
2009 Differential |
-61
2008 Differential | -30
2007 Differential | -38
Tune of choice:
"Magic Drum"
Recorded
Hooked
for Pan in New York 2008
Press Picture
For more on Sesame Flyers
click here
Web:
www.sesameflyers.org/steelpan.htm |
www.sesame.panonthenet.com |
Sesame Flyers on facebook
back to top
|
|
Sonatas
Sonatas
rolled in with their signature black and gold basses; as usual
those instruments went well with their attire - fitted black
vests, black sombreros and all. When the lights hit them, these
Bandoleros were stunning.
In addition to their traditional row of front
line pans, there were a set of quads, three on either side, that
to the uninitiated eye - looked like some kind of secret weapon.
Their float was rhythmically bobbing in time with the music.
They carpet-bombed the museum, sprayed musical bullets, and just
in case there were any more disbelievers, their execution of
Popwell's arrangement was as musical snipers in play, deployed
to pick remaining disbelievers.
Sonatas
came into this years panorama as the defending champion and the
favorite. And they again put on a great choreographed,
performance-filled arrangement that from the onset, captured the
attention and interest of the crowd. Now in their fifth
year with Yohan Powell at the arranging helm, Sonatas has
settled into a groove. Sonatas is never going to beat
themselves - they are too good. Anyone who wants to win the
championship will always have to go through Sonatas.
Sonatas tune of choice was the Ten
Commandments of Pan. They dressed and played the
part. The only thing left was for Moses to appear
and part the sea. Too bad a professional video
crew was not there to capture the performance. HD,
anybody?
The judges had an eight-point separation
between the winners and Sonatas. The judges have been
essentially the same every year so this is something to watch.
We have not seen any of the score sheets yet but that of Sonatas has got
to be one of the more interesting. Of course, that is
assuming the judges remembered to make noteworthy comments...
Special mention is once more in order for master tuner
Birch Kelman, as Sonatas again showcased the best sounding
instruments in New York - maybe North America.
Unfortunately, if you only heard Sonatas through the sound
system you were robbed. If you were some of the fortunate
people that caught Sonatas as they warmed up before taking the
stage, you heard pan instruments at their best, and how they were meant to be heard.
Last 7 Panorama Placings >> 1st
| 3rd | 1st
| 2nd | 3rd | 1st | 4th
2009 Differential |
+10
2008 Differential | -8
2007 Differential | +21
Tune of Choice -
BandolerosRecorded
Bandoleros for
Pan in New York 2009
Press Picture
For more on Sonatas
click here
Web:
www.sonatas.panonthenet.com back to top |
|
Utopia Pan Soul: the Next Generation
Utopia Pan Soul: The
Next Generation continues to be that organization
which is doing it. Far beyond being a steelband of top
notch musicians, they are event producers, recording artists,
talented developers and educators. Man for man (player for
player) - no other
orchestra surpasses Utopia Pan Soul in sheer music talent and
steelpan performance ability. However, it is Utopias
vision and purpose that separate this maverick steel orchestra
from the other talented music organizations in New York city.
Like we said last year, while most other people are
talking,
Utopia is doing it. That is not to say that
they are not continually faced with the challenges of
running a successful steelband in an urban setting like
New York, including practice space.
Look for Utopia Pan Souls musical
offerings on CD in the near future. They recorded
tracks for the project this summer. Musically there
is no other group with a musical voice such as that of Utopia Pan
Soul. Their colors and approach to voicings on
the steelpan family of instruments are unique.
Utopia is unafraid to challenge our sense of the
accepted norms in regard to steelpan music arrangements;
they deliver new, striking, and thought-provoking musical
passages that leave you wanting more, and challenge your
normal sensibilities.
Once again Utopia was strong and on message on JOuvert morning
with Zans popular 2008 ditty for the road Out on de Road.
Press
Picture
Recorded
Musical Vengeance
for Pan in New York 2008
For more on Utopia Pan
Soul
click here
Web:
www.utopia.panonthenet.com back to top |
|
Steel
Sensation
Steel Sensation
continues to be one of the special, non-panorama organizations
whose focus is on musicianship and performing. They
continue to attract unique performance opportunities such as
those at New Yorks Tavern on the Green, while maintaining
probably the most diverse repertoire of any New York steelband.
The band continues to maintain a strong JOuvert presence,
and were on the road once again for 2008.
Press
Picture
For more on Steel
Sensation
click here
Web:
www.steelsensationband.com back to top |
|
Women In Steel
Women In Steel (WIS)
is a critical component of the New York steelpan music
landscape. The all-woman group continues to inspire and
blaze new trails and opportunities for female players.
Ironically, WIS may have to consider spearheading a program to get city
males back into the steel orchestras, where the overwhelming majority
of players is now female, a reversal of what was the case many
years ago.
Press Picture
For more on Women In Steel
click here
Web:
www.womeninsteel.panonthenet.com
back to top |
|
Pan Ambassadors
Pan Ambassadors, very quietly continues to do its thing.
Years ago they made the business decision to no longer get
caught up in the panorama madness. This has worked well
for them - as Pan Ambassadors has avoided many of the
destructive pitfalls of running a steel orchestra in this
competitive urban market. Indeed, there are several great
NY steel orchestras now defunct, that may still have been around
had they avoided the panorama crunch until they were amply
prepared for all the rigors competition requires. Pan
Ambassadors does provide an alternative working model.
Press
Picture
For more on Ambassadors
click here
Web:
www.Ambassadors.panonthenet.com
back to top |
|
Higher Levin
Higher Levin Steel
Orchestra is one of the special steel orchestras
that is developing out of the many steelpan music programs that
are now found throughout the NYC Board of Education school
system. In addition to their normal school
performances Higher Levin can now be seen participating in
other festivals throughout the region.
Press Picture
For more on Higher Levin
click here
Web: http://www.higherlevin.com
back to top |
|
|
The Show:
- C -
Insufficient seating as always, no Event program,
listing participants, etc. - are we missing
something here?
|
Media Facilities -
While it eventually worked out due to extreme
persistence on the part of When Steel Talks, what is the relevance of
press passes given out by the event promoters, if their larger than
life personnel determinedly erode press access? Fortunately,
WIADCA officials Michael Young Lau and Yolanda Lezama-Clark stepped in
and brought common sense to severe nonsense. Stage Size
- Same as Last Year
Prizes /
Appearance Fees -
Same as last year, but again, a non-issue -- once bands
sign on the dotted line --
Post-Production and Follow Up
We are looking forward to the HD versions with full 7.1 surround sound
of the soon-to-be-released DVD of the panorama - with supporting full
color magazine special. In addition, there will be downloadable panorama
ring-tones for your mobi devices - yea! And special panorama releases for
your PS2s! And there are going to be vivid giant color posters of all the
bands available. Sorry - not!!!! We are just joking!! As
far we know, there are no plans for a CD/DVD to be made available for
public purchasing.
Access (bands,
players, management, arrangers, fans): -
B+-
The NY Steelpan community has been ready for prime time for
quite a while now.
JOuvert: - B
- JOuvert was enjoyable as usual. But while the crowd was still quite
significant, it was reduced from that of 2007.
JOuvert 2009 -
in Pictures
- click
>>
JOuvert 2008 Pictures
- In Review
Audience: -
A -
The
New York audience remains knowledgeable, supportive and extremely
tolerant. The composition of the audience is again changing as it
parallels the diverse make up and backgrounds of the young
people in the New York steel orchestras. In the early 70s
there were individual steelbands representing almost every island in the
Caribbean, peppered throughout the city. Now, New York steel
orchestras continue to reflect not only people from those islands,
but also include non-Caribbean Americans, all amalgamated within the
various orchestras, especially during the panorama season. And
by default, the audience mirrors that varied constitution of the
orchestras. |
Stage Sides: - B
- |
Special Mention: - When Steel Talks is thrilled to
recognize several brilliant and up-and-coming young steelpan musical
talents either beginning college, or continuing their musical
studies at renowned institutions, with a focus on the steelpan
instrument. This illustrious list (which will be updated)
includes, but is not limited to:
- Iman Pascall of Utopia Pan Soul: the Next Generation
- now at Berklee College of Music, continuing on from Florida
Memorial University
- Andr White of 2008 Panorama champions, ADLIB Steel
Orchestra - brand new freshman at Berklee College of Music
- Kareem Thompson of Jambalasi, who continues his
studies
- Sheldon Thwaites - drummer for ADLIB Steel Orchestra
this year, and who maintains connections with the New York
steelband community, continues on at Berklee College of Music
|
Side Bar
Leave your opinion at
opinions@panonthenet.com
|
Connect with When Steel Talks
on
facebook |
|
|
Join the tens of thousands of
in–the–know fans worldwide who receive WST News |
JOIN US
|
|
|
|
Recordings |
|
The famed recordings series continues... Basement Recordings again captures the
prominent steel orchestras of
New York City, the North American
Mecca of pan, in their panyards as
no other in the world... |
|
|
Related Links
|
|
2008
Pan In New York CD Available Soon
An
educational, historical, cultural and artistic masterpiece that
showcases one of the most vibrant live music performance movements
in the United States today...
Pan yard recordings from 2002 through 2007 are
available at
www.Pantonic.com/cds
1 (718) 421-2042
pantonicds@aol.com |
|
Search for Anything Steelpan
Music Related |
|
|
|
|
|
|