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Back In Time - ‘90s in the House of Pantonic

New York steelbands come out to play - Wet-fete and all!

Another When Steel Talks Concert Review


Back in Times Video

Brooklyn, New York - So not even the torridness of the then-unfolding heat wave or the downpour of rain, could put a ‘damper’ on last weekend’s Pan fete. It was “Back in Times” through the ‘90s, New York style. Yes it has begun - “Pan in New York” - there is simply nothing like it.

As part of a continuing series of self-sponsored events by members of the New York steelpan music franchises—in this case organizer, host and promoter Pantonic Steel Orchestra—it was the latter’s first official presentation for the 2012 Pan season.  It was titled “Back in Times” featuring the music of the ‘90s. On hand was a host of New York’s finest steel orchestras - Despers USA, Sonatas, CASYM, Higher Levin and host Pantonic.

Higher Levin Steel Orchestra
Higher Levin Steel Orchestra

Higher Levin got the audience quickly into the ‘90s spirit as they opened the show with their trademark reggae-laced repertoire. Richie Stephens’ Trying to Get to You, gave way to Tony Tuff’s The First Time I Met You, followed by Beres Hammond’s classic Tempted To Touch. They then dropped Barrington Levy’s Too Experienced to much applause. Higher Levin then changed the pace with Lauryn Hill’s version of Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You. Kitchener’s Pan in “A” Minor was then followed by Tambu’s Free Up - and that was a wrap.  And so the tone for the rest of the evening was set for some great performances.

Despers USA Steel Orchestra
Despers USA Steel Orchestra

Up next was the unflappable Despers USA. Not to be outdone they opened with a true ‘90s classic Fire Coming Down. Cool, calm, composed and deadly - Despers executed a set of gigantic music hits from the ‘90s with a purposefulness that only Despers can command. David Rudder’s Dus’ in Deh Face, Faces, Merchant’s Rock It, Hot and Groovy by Militant and their closer -  Baron’s Tell Me Why, were all thrown down in the musical gauntlet. Again Despers USA reminded the audience, why they are so fortunate to have the group as one of the home orchestras among the New York cadre of elite music performing organizations.

CASYM Steel Orchestra
CASYM Steel Orchestra

The New York-original CASYM was of course its normal effervescent self. Always ready to be the life of the party, CASYM brought a real fun attitude to this event. Baron’s Somebody, Machel Montano’s Big Truck, Kitchener’s “Gimmie de Ting,’ the timeless Dingolay by Shadow and Militant’s Passion had the crowd singing along despite the heavy rain that opened up during their session. CASYM brought back memories of great party moments with these well-loved ditties.

Sonatas Steel Orchestra
Sonatas Steel Orchestra

Sonatas is a blueprint in consistency and greatness. Decades and eras come and go, and players change - however you can always count on the ‘black and gold’ Sonatas, to deliver and make a musical statement.  They too dropped a serious reminder as to why they are one of the best in the business; their tightness, quality instruments and overall musicianship are outstanding.

The group opened with two David Rudder classics back-to-back: Ganges and the Nile and Calypso Music. Umbrellas locked in their open positions, pouring rain and evening heat ever-present - and still the crowd thickened, continued to cheer on the band, and danced as Sonatas belted out a beautiful rendition of Baron’s  Sweet Soca Man and This Melody  Sweet. Pump Me Up by Krosfyah and Push Back rounded out the ‘90s set.  The band decided to cement their time in the spotlight that evening, with 2012’s party favorite Action by SuperJigga TC.

Pantonic Steel Orchestra
Pantonic Steel Orchestra

Pantonic, the host, closed the show with a bang. By now it had become a full-blown wet-fete as the skies opened up and the rain just kept coming. And the crowd loved every moment of it. The band moved through a slew of ‘90s favorites that are not only period pieces, but are also summarily identified in the steelpan music community as ‘Pantonic standards.’ This young group of “Tonic” players is truly “Pantonic - the next generation.”  The majority of them are too young to have known or played under the late great arranger Clive Bradley, yet they embraced the band’s legacy with poise. Fiery, Trini to D Bone, Action, Someday, Rock It and more - the hits kept coming.  And when called upon for an encore, like Sonatas before them, it was a taste of today, that is, Bacchanalist/Vibes Cyah Done (Kerwin du Bois/Machel Montano) for all those ‘wining waist’ in the rain.

Rhythm Masters
Rhythm Masters

To round out the full package of entertainment, Pantonic as the host was not remiss in bringing onboard a traditional rhythm section in the form of “Rhythm Masters” which kept the tempo going in between band performances and music by DJ Goose Crew.   The latter made sure there was no drop in the ‘nineties’ momentum as the Crew maintained the nineties theme throughout the breaks and steel band transitions.

And as in almost all Pan events in the New York area, there was ample food and drink on hand for all who opted to make it the total ‘outing’ of an experience, especially those who came with several younger family members, including babes in strollers.  For those who were so inclined, some tables and chairs were thoughtfully provided by the host for an all round Sunday evening ambience.

More, more, more - look for Pan in New York Summer 2012 to be exceptional.

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Despers USA Steel Orchestra performers

Odie Franklin, Daryl Gamory, Garvin Thorne, Alyssa Cain, Anasa Blugh, Justyne Simon, Samuel Andrews, Kernel Simon, Sharon Samuels, Seymone Simon, Kendall Williams, Natasha Rebeiro, Jerry Guy, Wilfred Kieal, Jr.

Despers USA Steel Orchestra
Despers USA Steel Orchestra


CASYM Steel Orchestra performers
Tenor:  Travis Roberts, Lance Maximin, Brittney Horsford, Tiffany Danglade, Isa Chan; Double Second:  Londyn Leslie, Sophronia Williams, Isaiah Adams; Cello: Johnathan Williams; Guitar: Matthew Best, Sheianne Danglade; Bass: Lakeisha Danglade, Jaquan Philips, Kurel Mattes; Drums: Jahlani Roberts; Engine Room: Michelle Williams, Khuent Rose

CASYM Steel Orchestra
CASYM Steel Orchestra


Higher Levin Steel Orchestra performers
Jacquel Sutton, Damany James, Kyanne James, Franklyn Richards, Shane McDonald, Dyneal John, Chad Layne, Jada Charles, Stephany Peters, Jamiah Braithwaite, Kerwin Bailey, Nicole French, Tichard Chapman

Pantonic Steel Orchestra
Higher Levin Steel Orchestra


Pantonic Steel Orchestra performers

Pantonic Steel Orchestra
Pantonic Steel Orchestra


Sonatas Steel Orchestra performers
Joshua McPherson, Orisha John, Sade Constantine, Trevonne Samuel, Sapphire Borneo, Tristan Samuel, Imari Boctowal, Darrel Spence, Jerome Cummings, Tori Borneo, Andrea Parks, Remi Boctowal, Kadeem McShine, A J De Forteau, Joe
Sonatas Steel Orchestra
Sonatas Steel Orchestra

Pantonic’s “Back-in-Times” Fete - in Pictures
 
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