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New York
- Sometimes less is indeed more as was the case at Pantonic’s 2010 band launch. Whenever
you bring
three past
New York
panorama
champions -
Despers USA, CASYM, Pantonic
and the reigning champion, Sonatas
- together in
the same
setting, you
are going to
get a
memorable
music
experience. Also, added
to the mix and not be left out was the young
Higher Levin Steel Orchestra. Tradition,
pride and
protocol demand
that no panorama champ ever give anything less
than an outstanding performance - less they risk
getting their feelings hurt and cast into ‘panman purgatory.’
And this is what makes the annual Pantonic
Steel Orchestra Launch so different from all the other band
launches. There are always a limited
number of invites to the Pantonic Launch and
they are usually of championship class.
The reduced amount of performing orchestras allows
the bands to give the audience a more rounded
and respectable musical account of their
abilities as the time-restricted format when
there are numerous bands to be heard - usually
only permits a “one and done” scenario
- leaving both the audience and performers less
than satisfied. The Pantonic yard has
great acoustics for a steel orchestra.
Higher
Levin
performs
at the
2010
Pantonic
Steel
Orchestra
Band
Launch
Both audience and performers got their fill
last night. Higher Levin opened the program
with a medley of popular reggae tunes.
The young Higher Levin is well on its way
towards establishing its organization among the
New York steelband fraternity. For many,
this was the first time they had heard the
group. The comments we heard were all
quite favorable. Despite by far not having the
best instruments on the night and performing in
a lineup with seasoned orchestras, Higher Levin
did very well in engaging the audience
throughout their performance.
Sonatas
perform
at the
2010
Pantonic
Steel
Orchestra
Band
Launch
Sonatas followed with a stage side that
seemed a little smaller than what we saw at previous launches but just as effective.
Their multi-faceted repertoire again showcased their
considerable performance skillset and ability to
comfortably handle a number of different musical
genres. Their effortlessness and abundant
talent often mask just how young many of their
musicians are. They remain one of the best
orchestras
in North America.
Despers USA
perform
at the
2010
Pantonic
Steel
Orchestra
Band
Launch
The unmistakable Despers USA sound and touch
were out in
full display. Almost from the first note,
it was clear Despers was in the house. The
distinct smooth, soft hands and controlled
performance approach/techniques required by the
orchestra clearly resonated with the audience.
The ‘soft touch’ approach entices the listener to open
the ears and absorb the full sonic effect of
their performance. Indeed, the phrase
“sweet pan” and Despers USA have become
synonymous. It is at times difficult to
realize that we are looking at new generations
(in many cases literally the off-spring) of
Despers USA players who are just as effective as
the previous.
CASYM
performs
at the
2010
Pantonic
Steel
Orchestra
Band
Launch
CASYM’s spirited performance is its trademark.
Last night the orchestra performed signature
music pieces like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and
“Pan in ‘A’ Minor” with the well-known CASYM hallmark. In
addition the orchestra showed its ability to
introducing new players to its performing fold
without sacrificing quality.
In spite of the late start which clearly
affected attendance - as many attendees
opted to not hang around but instead left in
disappointment and frustration -
there were a lot of good performances and music at
this launch. The late start of the event
was illogical, given the presence of the
orchestras on site.
As is customary, the steelpan community can
always depend on the support through their
attendance, of several elders and veterans in
the New York steelpan cultural community; this
night was no different. Among those who
were at the Pantonic band launch, was long-time
Despers USA panist Verne Rosemin - himself a
former Vice President of USSA (United States
Steelband Association). President of
D'Radoes Steel Orchestra, Junior “Mann” Samuel
was also present, among others.
Former USSA President Horace L. Morancie had
also been sighted much earlier in the evening.
|
Verne Rosemin |
Junior “Mann”
Samuel - center |
The New
York
steelband
music summer
season is in
full effect
now.
There are at
least two
major steel
orchestra
music
functions
every week. This pace
will
continue
right up to
the NY panorama
competition - D’Radoes later tonight and Utopia and
Sonatas next weekend.
In
Pictures
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