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Clive Bradley on the 2004 Trinidad & Tobago Steelband Panorama

a Dalton Narine interview

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Global - Always thought-provoking, educational and interesting, here is an introspective from Master arranger Clive Bradley on his approach to the creation of one of his most interesting music arrangements for Desperadoes Steel Orchestra before Trinidad and Tobago’s National steelband panorama music competition.  The piece is Shadow’s “Whap Cocoyea” and the year is 2004.  Award-winning journalist Dalton Narine again captures a precious moment and history for the steelpan music fraternity as Master Bradley briefly shared on the creative visions and methodology in play for the musical selection.

Although Desperadoes with “Whap Cocoyea” did not win the competition, it is one of the most fascinating arrangements ever made for the steel orchestra. Moreover, the marriage between arranger, band and community through that song is the ultimate realization of a panorama piece.

Intro from Dalton Narine, interviewer

Desperadoes’ supporters wave golden cocoyea brooms in the Savannah in 2004
Desperadoes’ supporters wave golden cocoyea brooms in the Savannah in 2004

“When I went up the hill to interview Desperadoes’ arranger Clive Bradley two days before the 2004 panorama finals, there were two panists hanging around, and I thought about Calvary. Will they crucify him down there on the recycled wooden stage set up in the Cyclops’ eye, the Savannah, the maco vision of Port of Spain? Will they bring back karma to him just for releasing Shadow’s Whap Cocoyea? Will they treat him with witchcraft, not for the music, but for the cocoyea broom posse that could be raking and sweeping the big yard in their face, this, the most interesting, no, make that colorful, band to perform in any panorama, puffing its chest and blowing dust? With brooms fashioned from the spines of coconut leaves?”

Clive Bradley on stage with Desperadoes in 2004, stands adorned with golden cocoyea
Clive Bradley on stage with Desperadoes in 2004;
pan stands adorned with golden cocoyea

“But, no, Bradley has never been an Obeah Man or the Messiah, and Despers’ aficionados are not the Calvary crosses some people make them out to be. Listen to Bradley speak candidly about his choice of tune, his wariness to push the music to a realm far, far from The Hill to an area of the soul only he knows well; and hear him talk also about iron men. Then see for yourself how literate and outspoken, well, not that, but how inventive and experimental an arranger he was. ”

Contact Dalton Narine - narain67@gmail.com

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