Wyclef Jean in
Pantonic's yard with their president Glenda
Gamory in front of portrait of late master arranger
and music Clive Bradley
New York
-
Internationally renowned recording superstar Wyclef Jean returned to his Brooklyn roots as he broke
bread, sang, danced, counseled, hung
out and worked with New York music powerhouse Pantonic Steel
Orchestra.
Pantonic Steel Orchestra, in the
middle of feverishly preparing for the achievement of
winning another coveted New York steelband music
panorama title, opened their home/panyard to the always
progressive and socially-conscious world personality, Wyclef Jean. The Grammy award-winning artist/producer
who is in the midst of preparing for his
latest soon-to-be-released musical venture, utilized
Pantonic's musical and visual aura, charisma and global
magnetism to capture scenes for the promotion of his project labeled The Carnival II:
Memoirs of an Immigrant.
Pantonic, a group accustomed to
seeing "stars" in their midst and unphased by their
presence, was clearly appreciative of Wyclef's
earthiness, genuine respect and interest in Pantonic
Steel Orchestra, their music, the steelpan instrument,
their struggle for survival and maintenance of musical
excellence. Mr. Jean showed a keen knowledge and
sensitivity as he discussed the commitment, genius and
attitude these Brooklyn young people bring to the
steelband music arena, while a video crew present at the shoot
documented the proceedings.
.
Wyclef Jean doing
his thing for the cameras to the beat of
Pantonic
Indeed, it was interesting to watch
many of the Pantonic musicians stroll into the yard
directly from a hard day of work or a full day of
classes - unaware of or initially oblivious to Mr. Jean's presence - to
begin another five to six hours of practice on their
2007 tune of choice "Band From Space" - arranged
by Keith
Roberts. Pantonic is legendary for their intense
and somewhat spirited/spiritual practice sessions during
panorama season, that
will go into the early hours of the morning - giving
musicians just enough time to rest for a few hours, change
and head out to work or class - only to being the process all over
again come sundown.
.
Wyclef Jean
rapping with Pantonic members
Wyclef particularly took time to
encourage, recognize and talk to some members of this
orchestra, which is always 100-players strong by the
week before panorama. No subject was too trivial,
or member too small, as he interacted and conversed with players on
varied subjects from recordings to life issues.
Ironically, it was surely not lost on
Wyclef and his crew that Pantonic is a band of
'immigrants' whose members and their children hail from
all over the world, who have successfully come together
with a goal and purpose. Atop the walls and gate
of the Pantonic panyard, are various flags representing
a kind of mini 'United Nations.' Many different
countries are represented, among them - St. Lucia, Trinidad
& Tobago, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica and the US.
Pantonic, who
celebrates their tenth anniversary this year has won
five championships in the last seven years.
.
Wyclef Jean
playing pan
There is no doubt that Wyclef
Jean, already a steelband music lover, is now a Pantonic for
Life.
Wyclef
Jean Bonds with Pantonic
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