Brooklyn, New York - In the Bronx there is the Yankee Stadium - the house that (Babe) Ruth built. In Manhattan there is Madison Square Garden - the house that every major music star has performed in, and the home of the Knicks - Reed, Frasier, DeBusschere, Bradley, Monroe, Ewing - and current home of “Mello.” And in Brooklyn there is D’Radoes Panyard. The house that D’Radoes Steel Orchestra ‘built’ (culturally speaking, and technically located in Canarsie and on the border of East Flatbush) burst into life at this time of the year as the New York steelband franchises hold their launches and ready themselves for Panorama.
D'Radoes Steel Orchestra pan yard in Brooklyn, New York
The massive, open, larger-than-life rectangular skeletal structure is made of steel pylons with galvanized rafters that serve as both roof to the housing, and sympathetic audio amplifier and reflector to steel orchestras. It roared and thundered from iron, steel and the pulsing rhythms of the New York iron men on this warm Summer night.
Bands set up and ready at the huge D'Radoes Steel Orchestra panyard for the 2014 band launch
Seven steel orchestras were present (nine were actually advertised) - Hearts of Steel, Pan Sonatas, Pantonic, Despers USA, CASYM, Crossfire and the host D’Radoes. The six orchestras able to perform gave an excellent musical accounting of themselves. Beyond the high musicianship, the personality of the bands came through at this launch - an aspect which is critical in any substantive critique of authentic, community-based-steel orchestras. Entertainment value and audience connectivity were on point.
D’Radoes Steel Orchestra performs at their 2014 band launch
D’Radoes left no doubt about whose launch, and moreover whose ‘house,’ it was. They came out “smoking.” With a large stage side under the musical, no-nonsense directorship of Terrance “BJ” Marcelle, D’Radoes Steel Orchestra dropped a powerful set that weaved old classics and popular hits. Visually, D’Radoes also stole the show - dressed in black tees with a red D’Radoes logo, which also featured alongside it, the steelpan notes graphic made of a reflective material whose mirror-like properties were like those of genuine chromed pans.
This was WST’s (When Steel Talks) first time hearing the Canarsie-based D’Radoes for the 2014 season. They were indeed impressive. Veteran panists, and arrangers themselves Patrick Davis and “BJ” Marcelle performed outstanding tenor solos during the group’s performance of Cher’s Believe (check out the video). It was a live musical treatise on soloing with content, skill and purpose. These performances did not go unappreciated by the audience that welled up around the group. It was an adept performance by seasoned, crafty, veteran musicians who have upped D’Radoes’ game. A special ‘Big-Up’ to the D’Radoes rhythm section anchored by champion drummer Bailey, which you should check out if you are a percussion major. Their rhythm section is life and life is rhythm.
Pan Sonatas simply gave a musical performance of excellence. Dressed in their classic gold colors, the mighty Sonatas dropped a deft set that was consistent with their 40-plus years of longevity with top-ranking steel orchestras in the world. They were a marvel to watch and hear. Their music routine (smacked of) “been here, still here, still great and moreover, we plan to be here for another 40 years!” The audience agreed by their strong applause for a performance that was both musically captivating and compelling.
Sonatas Steel Orchestra performs at D’Radoes band launch
Under the musical directive of band captain Sade Constantine, and mainly performing works of arranger Leon “Foster” Thomas, Sonatas’ repertoire was new, fresh and stimulating. Check out some of the voicings used by “Foster” in his arrangements - they are outstanding. The experienced group of youthful veteran players sounded much bigger than their actual numbers. This can be readily attributed to their tightness and musical skill set. Their instruments sounded great, and of course their music did their talking for them. Sonatas, a Crown Heights-based original - talking loud and saying something. This was also the first time WST heard Sonatas for the 2014 season.
At our previous launch outing When Steel Talks missed the opportunity to hear Despers USA Steel Orchestra in action. The “Pantastic Friday” event hosted by New York Pan Stars was cut short before Despers USA could perform. Not to worry, this time around they were able to represent.
Despers USA performs at D’Radoes band launch
Despers USA dressed in red was present and fully accounted for. Their insightful repertoire took us through the years both in terms of musical genres, styles and tunes that are instantly recognized as classics of the Despers USA musical stable. That unmistakable Despers USA touch was again on full display. From a 19th century Castilian to Kerwin DuBois’ 2014 monster hit Too Real, the imaginary “Just Listen” sign was blinking over the orchestra throughout as the audience zoomed in for a better listen.
Despers USA arranger Odie Franklin
Blossoming under the musical direction of arranger Odie Franklin, and featuring arrangements by Franklin, Wilfred Kieal, Sr. and Wilfred “Junior” Kieal - this current-generation Despers USA has upheld the musical brilliance that has been associated with this steel orchestra over the decades. The Despers USA franchise remains one of the most musically significant brands in America. If you are new to the New York steelband music scene make sure you check this Bedford-Stuyvesant-based powerhouse before the band launches are over.
Defending Panorama champion CASYM was also present. They delivered a set laced with consistency and experience. Moreover, they continue to provide credible performance opportunities for their skilled and eager upcoming performing students who are ready to fill in their concert ranks. Dressed in black - uncommon for this group - CASYM serenaded the audience with their signature selections like only CASYM can. Now in their 31st year - this East Flatbush organization has done it all. The faces have changed through the years and there has been a continued infusion of youth - but when you hear that infectious classic Can’t Help Falling in Love there is no doubt who is on stage. From the late Ralph MacDonald’s steelpan love song Just The Two Of Us to Bunji Garlin’s Carnival Tabanca - CASYM kept it relevant. This was the second occasion on which WST was able to catch CASYM.
CASYM performs at D’Radoes band launch
At the last launch WST was not able to hear a complete set for CrossFire because of the curtailing of the launch by the NYPD (New York Police Department). And at D’Radoes’ band launch we were not disappointed by what we heard from the orchestra. Under the musical leadership of Kendall Williams CrossFire continues quickly on their path as one of the best upcoming young bands in New York. Their confidence level and musicianship increase with each appearance. CrossFire just keeps getting better. Like we said before - their sound is off the chart. Great instruments. Kendall’s thoughtful voicings and non-traditional approach to arranging—both dynamically and rhythmically—are taking CrossFire into expanded and unexplored territories for the steel orchestra within the Soca genre, and beyond. The automatic connect between the band and young audiences is very telling. CrossFire has simply got it ‘going’ on with a New York sound. Check out their version of Bunji Garlin’s hit Red Light District. The cultural significance of this song being performed with Shango rhythmic influence is deep.
CrossFire performs at D’Radoes band launch
Also performing at this launch was Hearts Of Steel, an original Brooklyn single pan band. There was no doubt the show had begun when they opened up the event as the first act. They jumped into their set with enthusiasm, attitude and much skill. Music lovers crowded around to partake in their ole school approach to pan; one of their steelpan instrument staples was the traditional rhythmic two-note ‘dudup’ (bass kettle drum).
Hearts of Steel performs at D’Radoes 2014 Band launch
Hearts of Steel band members are a mixture from the very young, right up to the ‘elders’ in the pan movement - some faces recognizable from their previous days with other New York steel orchestras. From their supporter-cum-tambourine lady who danced and shimmied in front of Hearts Of Steel, to the rhythm section which included some skilled and on-point ‘ole-timers’ holding it down at the back end, every one thoroughly enjoyed the unique and undeniable experience afforded them by Hearts Of Steel single pan band as part of the musical line-up. Incidentally, Hearts Of Steel started off just before 9:30 p.m.; if D’Radoes’ band launch could begin at such a time, others have little excuse for customary ‘late starts.’
Ultimately once again a steel orchestra was early, and ready to play, but did not do so. It turned out unfortunately to be Pantonic Steel Orchestra to not get their slot at performing. Also, due to the eventual (shortly after 1:15 a.m.) subsequent reported NYPD stoppage, band management of respective organizations should be casting a wary eye on these two back-to-back early shut downs (of New York Pan Stars’ and D’Radoes’ band launches) this early in the New York steelband season; it does not auger well for the rest of the period. Organizers would do well to keep this in mind, and pan lovers should re-consider their overall arrival times at band launches.
Again - there has to be better time management at these launches to insure that everyone will get to perform. WST reiterates that bands need to know beforehand what time, and for how long, will they be on. And that schedule should be adhered to as close as possible.
Arrangers Pelham Goddard and Terrance “BJ” Marcelle at D’Radoes 2014 band launch
As is usually the case at New York band launches, it is customary to sight ‘notables’ - such as former USSA (United States Steelband Association) president Keith Marcelle, veteran renowned panist and icon HueLoy Lila Yip Young, and arrangers Hillary Borneo and Alston “Little Jack” Jack. Stalwarts in the steelpan music art form were also present, taking in the music and culture. Legendary arranger and ace musician Pelham Goddard was spotted, so too was legend in his own right - tuner, pan builder and performing artist Emmanuel “Jack” Riley, to name but two.
D’Radoes is a community organization that lives and promotes the spirit of family within their orchestra. You are greeted by everyone (from captain to cook) as ‘family.’ At no other launch will you find such a large presence of young people, from babes in strollers, others riding high on their parents’ and grandparents’ shoulders, and still more - tiny tots running around, etc. Many of D’Radoes musicians are themselves parents and their children are with them constantly, in the panyard. They are an important part of the culture and fabric of the D’Radoes steelband music community - many of whom will become players themselves and lifetime supporters of the music, culture and artform.
Youngsters (age is no limit) take turns at playing with D’Radoes Steel Orchestra
Few organizations can boast of the active presence of so many young people at their events. Indeed the human investment in pan and their future is very tangible, and is to be applauded. Case in point, while D’Radoes Steel Orchestra was playing—during one or two selections at the band launch—a few little ones (one younger than five years, with his sticks in hand as he stretched to reach the pan) took turns playing the guitar pan set up at the back of the band. Others stood in front the orchestra looking on at the performance.
The D’Radoes launch was another example of the strength of pan within the Brooklyn community. Unfortunately, the steelpan community is not immune from the ills of society. One person through extremely unacceptable conduct, created an incident which could have jeopardized and tainted all the good will of and toward, the steelpan music community. It is a sign of the times - we must be vigilant and proactive in protecting our legacy and our greatest asset - our people and culture.
In the era of the disappearing panyards and billionaire mayors - it is panyard one moment - and luxury condos the next. There need be no ‘hastening’ this phenomenon through untoward behavior and the like.
Big-up, D’Radoes, for the ‘house’ that you built.
2014 Band launches
- New York Pan Stars June 27 launch - review
- D’Radoes July 12 launch - review
- Steel X Plosion USA Showcase July 19.
- ADLIB band launch on July 26.
- Despers USA August 3 launch - review
- Harmony band launch on August 9.
- Sonatas August 10 launch - review
Next up:
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Contact CrossFire: 1 (347) 262-5746
Crossfiresteel@yahoo.com
Contact Sonatas: 1 (718) 496-5133
Contact CASYM: 1 (718) 735-6708
casymsteelband@gmail.com
Contact D’Radoes: 1 (917) 554-3944
Contact Despers USA: 1 (347) 526-9886
despersusa@live.com
Contact Hearts Of Steel:
Tenor - Giselle Desir, Zeandre Douglas, Isaiah Daniel, Norzika Lewis, Ayana Wright, Sciyahn Koonkoon
Double Tenor - Khyah Judah
Double Second - Warren Webster
Guitar - Keifer Dover, Sukinah Porter
Cello - Arielle Chase, Danielle Edinboro
Six Bass - Nia Jacob, Alexis Schloss
Drums - Jerry Guy
Arranger/Drums - Kendall Williams
CrossFire Steel Orchestra after their performance
Tenor - Kazz Martin, Imari Bactowal, Darrel Spence, Chanel Walker, Tiye Betaudier
Double Second - Sade Constantine
Guitar - Andrea Parks
Cello - Natasha Isaac
Tenor Bass - Zaria Neckles, Akira
Bass - Edward Clarke
Percussion - Kadeem McShine, Latisha Scott, Mack Scott
Drums - Dashawn Wallace
Members of Pan Sonatas Steel Orchestra after their performance
Tenor - Alyssa Cain, Elizabeth Fidel, Shakim, Kamicha, Christopher, Tremaine Greenidge, Garvin Thorne, Jr.
Double Tenor - Jeremy
Double Second - Tiara Cadet, Kiara, Natasha Riberio
Double Guitar - DJ, Devon Holder, Rashawn
Triple Guitar - Justyne Simon, Kernel Simon, Quesha Banfield
Tenor Bass - Isiah
Bass - Raven, Alyssa Gamory, Daryl Gamory
Rhythm - Wilfred Kieal, Sr., Terrance Greenidge, Garvin Thorne, Sr., Wayne Innis, Chalo, Edgar Gamory, Verne Rosemin, Dwayne
Drummer - Wilfred Kieal, Jr.
Despers USA Steel Orchestra members after their performance
Tenor - Travis Roberts, Lance, BJ, Brittney, Abiola
Double Tenor - Daneisha
Double Second - Kyle, Haajar, Isaiah
Guitar - Sheianne Danglade, Siboney, Tyler
Cello - Jonathan
Bass - Curtis Lynch, Lakeisha Danglade, Juquan
Percussion - Elroy Primus
Drummer - Jahlani Roberts
CASYM Steel Orchestra performs
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D’Radoes’ 2014 Band Launch - in Pictures
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