Pan In the
21st Century - 2005
Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
by Paul Gitano
1. Arima Angel
Harps - Clean syncopated rhythms, skillful transitions, clean
stops - very good performance, varied and well executed rhythms,
intricate. The band set the tone of expectancy for a high standard
of performances for the 2005 edition of the competition
Tune: VOLARE
Arranger: GODWIN BOWEN
2. Invaders - Credible harmonies as they came
together in final phrase for an enjoyable overall sound.
They had less control and tightness when they launched into the "soca
section" by the fourth minute of the arrangement- perhaps a type of
"Trini madness" got the better of them, given the original context
of the song.
Tune: LET'S STAY TOGETHER
Arranger: ARDDIN HERBERT
3. Trinidad All Stars - The experienced blending of
melodies from Neville Jules, the master arranger of Bomb tunes, coupled with the
skill of all Stars came together in a predictable and skilled outcome.
Incorporation of swing tempo with superb transition back into calypso
was competently handled. So too were the melodic transitions of the
main melody to the different voices of the pans, especially too and from
the guitars. Overall, a good production, though from All Stars, a
bit more is expected performance-wise.
Tune: LOVE ME TENDER
Arranger: NEVILLE JULES
4. Sound Specialists - From the very first
notes, one could only be pregnant with anticipation for the remaining
five-plus minutes left to go of the six minute max arrangement time.
Noticeably calypso-tinged arrangement, but with key samba-type
inflexions audible into the second and third minutes. Innovative
ending, and almost flawless save an slightly over-enthusiastic player
who came down just before the rest of the band in the penultimate chord.
Tune: MORNING DANCE
Arranger: CARY CODRINGTON
5. Katzenjammers - The song that was chosen
was a gift to arrange and perform. Unfortunately, that did not
necessarily give the orchestra the edge that they should had merely from
the selection. The arrangement was basically wearing to the ear,
with difficulty in discerning the well-known melody at times. It
was a relief when the piece ended.
Tune: RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT
Arranger: AUBURN WILTSHIRE
6. Exodus -
The machine-like precision as always, of a band well-used to the
top spot in competitions, and performing like a dynamo. Not afraid
of the ever-changing chord structures and dynamics of the selection.
Literally brought the song into the 21st century. The type of
arrangement and performance of the piece that would send the youngest
members of the band breathlessly scurrying back in music history to
investigate the original song. Overall well received, though
not with overwhelming impact, at least gauging by audience reaction.
Tune: BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS
Arranger: PELHAM GODDARD
7. Desperadoes
- Captured the crowd from the first few seconds - used grand musical
chord spreads for a big sound of a current adult contemporary favorite.
Shrewd and articulate use of percussive wood blocks movements floating
above the orchestra. Soft but masterful musical movements then
evolved into full orchestral maneuvers toward the end of the third
minute. It was Desperadoes' legendary dexterity unleashed as
they staked their claim. Changing rhythms made their
appearance in the home stretch, then settled back into the original
nuances of the song. Literally - one of the most impressive
presentations of the night.
Tune: ORDINARY PEOPLE
Arranger: CLIVE BRADLEY
8. Hatters - Too much, too soon. The
band basically charged into the selection. The melody was lost
inside the first two minutes. If you did not know the song before,
you were going to be hard pressed to follow the melody from the
arrangement. Interesting ventures into rhythmic changes, but these
were never really allowed to coherently develop before jumping to a next
movement. Brief but vague attempt of incorporating African rhythms
and chants in the later section of the arrangement. Oh, finally
got a clear melody in the final minute.
Tune: THAT'S THE WAY I LIKE IT
Arranger: Dr. JEANNINE REMY
9. Sforzata
- In a nutshell - a very clever arrangement. Showed the varied
ways a Spanish-type theme could be reconstructed. Stated and
reiterated the melody in various themes and styles. This popular
Beatles classic went over well with the crowd and held the attention of
the crowd throughout the piece without straying from the original
favorite.
Tune: I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND
Arranger: YOHAN POPWELL
10. Silver Stars - Cohesive and solid
beginning. The band launched straight into the "big band" sound.
Possibly the "biggest" sound from steel orchestras of the night.
Nice, clean lines, excellent execution of "triple flicks."
Attention to detail, and ability to handle intricate passages. A
fabulous, rousing and near-perfect performance - that would make Glenn
Miller proud, and could possibly inspire him to write a few more pieces
specifically for a Steel Orchestra, were he still alive!
Tune: SWING MELODY/IN THE MOOD
Arranger: EDWIN POUCHET
11. Phase 2 Pan Groove - "Classical
beginning" - pun intended - to a classic pop song. Excellent
and concise stating of melody, with varied themes. Not afraid to
funk, and to unapologetically transfer the pop favorite straight to pan
in its original hit genre! This is what steelpan is capable of
sounding like outside of the Panorama season. Masterful melding of
George Benson's "On Broadway" inside the fourth minute. The type
of arrangement and genre that Boogsie Sharpe just nails!
Tune: BILLIE JEAN
Arranger: LEN "BOOGSIE" SHARPE
12. Humming Bird Pan Groove - Solid, competent
arrangement, well-executed by the players. Traditional and
laid-back interpretation of an easy-listening classic, with a
short calypso-style intro, and further brief flirtation with the style
later on in the performance. A credible recreation on pan.
Tune: MISTY
Arranger: MICHAEL CUPIDORE
13. Tamana Pioneers - Slightly hesitant
beginning, but more assertive in the second pass immediately after.
Drummer needed to be a bit more sensitive to the playing of the band.
Simple arrangement, adequately interpreted by the players. Nice
variations in the second half of the piece.
Tune: LADY IN RED
Arranger: PAUL CAMPBELL
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