by When Steel Talks
When ah pumping with energy
Different side ah me
They go see...
Different Me -- “5Star Akil”
The legendary Desperadoes Steel Orchestra have got their swagger back. And they are letting everyone know that we are about to experience a transformed Desperadoes. And yes, for Panorama 2016 "Different Me" is the operative descriptive for the musical juggernaut.
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra performing at Panorama Semi-Finals 2016 - North Stands view
Embracing a host of significant changes for a franchise that has been steeped in tradition, resistant to change and locked in the "Desperadoes way" - is, for lack of a better word, very "different" - maybe even shocking.
Indeed one of the most intriguing happenings for the 2016 Panorama season, has to be the pairing of veteran arranger and respected jazz musician Carlton “Zanda” Alexander with Desperadoes. The move to switch from long-time champion arranger Robert Greenidge and give the musical directive reins to “Zanda” sent shockwaves through the steelpan music continuum that were felt globally. The phrases - “Yuh lying!” “Wow!” “Say what?” “Come again?” “Really,” “WTF,” “omg,” and “smh” were seen over and over as the initial responses over social media.
Of course that initial response was immediately followed by a very public embrace - great choice, this is going to be interesting, can't wait to see what they do together. In retrospect, “Zanda” is probably the only arranger that could garner the respect of the players, organization and community to pull off such a move. The trust factor is huge here. As the late great leader of Desperadoes said - “The band belong [sic] to the people of Laventille” - both locally and globally. The community has much invested in the organization.
“Zanda” is eccentric, blessed with awesome musical skills, always thinking outside the box and challenges the musical norms, while skillfully and without apology embracing the norms of calypso, soca and traditional Trinidad folk music. Most importantly: his mind is young. He connects with young people musically and spiritually.
The tune of choice is the current, extremely popular 2016 “Different Me” by 5Star Akil. Talk about flipping the script and raising eyebrows. No one saw that coming, but it is very consistent with something “Zanda” would choose and do justice to... (remember ‘I’m not Drunk’ and ‘Radica’).
The truth be told Desperadoes has embarked on a much-needed bold make-over, and it might work. There is ‘buzz’ around the franchise again. It has shaken off the doldrums and is now the subject of Panorama talk again all over the world.
Coming out of the semi-finals Desperadoes found itself in 3rd place with a score of (271) and more importantly a mere three points behind the current leader Phase II Pan Groove (274).
Desperadoes has once again captured the imagination and hearts of its community and fan base worldwide with the vaunted Despers sound, attitude and pride. No doubt "The Hill" will be fully present in Queen’s Park Savannah for the Panorama finals, supporting and cheering on their band in hope of capturing another championship, to add to the ten titles the orchestra already possesses. And in keeping with that symbiotic, life-sustaining relationship between the orchestra and people, the tradition of Desperadoes rear racks facing the North Stands is in full effect and acknowledgement. The rear racks are adorned with the beautiful signage that says “North Stand Posse, Nobody Badder Dan We!! - Desperadoes - Different Me.”
Desperadoes rear racks facing the North Stands at Semi Finals
Desperadoes is not turning their backs on anyone. A ‘different me’ indeed. Message understood. Look for the ground under the North Stands to quake from the enthusiasm during Desperadoes’ performance on the Big Stage on finals night.
PerformanceDesperadoes Steel Orchestra 2016 Semi Finals Panorama Performance - North Stands view
