New York 2012 Steel Orchestra Panorama in REVIEW

ADLIB  (Uniondale/ Nassau Road)
Tune of Choice - “Baddist” by K. DuBois/D. Garcia):

ADLIB was simply the Baddist on this Panorama night. Andre White and by extension ADLIB, have figured it out. One is not only battling the other bands in this competition. You are also battling the sound system and whatever other devilish things the engineer may heap upon your performance. In a nutshell - this calls for steel orchestras to be large, extremely tight, exceptionally clean, with strategic instrument setup on stage. And even if you somehow bring all of these requirements to the table, you’re going to need a lot of divine intervention to get past the follies of the dreaded WIADCA sound terrorist.

Andre is getting better at his musical story-telling. His stories are becoming more cohesive. And he is starting to nail his transitions. As his music vocabulary and experiences grow, it is becoming easier for him to connect with audience and judges while maintaining his own voice. Of course none of this means anything without the great musicianship of the ADLIB players. They ultimately provide the means to deliver that music package. They can outright play and are well-rehearsed. Moreover, they are driven - and know what time it is, and what to do when it gets down to crunch time.

The Baddist was a great tune of choice. It allowed the audience to automatically connect to the music by choosing a popular piece that they knew, could sing and relate to. Again, New York has definitely got it going on in this department. The ability to stay current and popular is something most of the other Panoramas lack.

ADLIB looked great as usual. ADLIB’s management is always on the up-and-up as it relates to their stage visual and equipment technology. Just take a look at how far ahead ADLIB is compared to the rest of the steelband world when it comes to Panorama performance stands. Mr. Mayers (ADLIB’s resident innovator) is a genius in this department - never satisfied - always looking to improve.

Performing in position #5, with a score of 469 points - only CrossFire with 464 points performing out of position #8, mounted a credible threat in the eyes and technically, the “ears” of the judges. Again, ADLIB’s performance was very clean and tight. The sound system dropped out half-way through their performance and never returned fully to impact on their sound. This may have been a blessing in disguise...

ADLIB has won three of the last five Panoramas. And the other two times that they did not win, they came in second. ADLIB has never placed less than third in the Andre White-era - that’s six consecutive Panoramas in that time-frame and counting. ADLIB also definitely had it going on for J’Ouvert 2012.

CrossFire  (East Flatbush/ Utica Avenue)
Tune of Choice - “Action” by T. Callender/GBM Productions:

CrossFire Steel Orchestra may have been the biggest story of the night. Surprised? Not really. Leon “Foster” Thomas is a major talent who knows what he is doing. Once CrossFire gets larger size-wise (yes, size matters in NY Panorama) and fully develops the skill set to deliver Leon’s story without compromise - watch out! This could be a major game-changer in New York Pan. As it is now, CrossFire already does possess some very competent musicians and some awesome instruments. Like we said last year, “Foster” is a deep thinker. You can hear it in his counter play, transitions and successful meshing of different musical genres.

Leon aka “Foster” is a young man with an ‘old soul.’ He understands the critical nature of calling upon the time-honored Caribbean musical and rhythmic motifs that instinctively connect with judges and audience. Unfortunately, Basement Recordings didn’t get to produce a panyard recording of this year’s arrangement. The sound wizards (devils) at WIADCA’s panorama butchered a lot of the musical subtleties that Leon embedded in this piece.

Musically, “Foster” dropped some wicked transitions. In addition, “Foster” accomplished what only the great ones routinely do - that is to elevate the music, audience, spiritual and cultural connection, engagement and anticipation with each successive major segment of his portrait. Yes, the “wow” factor was present at times. As said earlier “Foster” is both a cerebral and thoughtful musician, without the need to resort to cheap runs or frivolous passages that have no intrinsic musical value within the context of his story telling. His use of tenors like violins was reminiscent of some great Bradleyesque moments. And his creative use and concern for texture and color was spot-on. His effective utilization of the full range of the family of steelpan instruments, application of dynamics and his comfort with the percussive nature of steel orchestras through rhythmic and melodic counterpoint was exceptional.

“Foster” never left the tune. More so than any other arranger on the night CrossFire embraced the concept of ‘Panorama’ without eliminating the spirit of carnival and the road. This was indeed the fancy sailors tune and dance, merely up-tempo. None of the individual parts were very difficult or complex, but when it all came together there was a very high level of sophistication. “Foster” clearly understands how to effectively use harmony and voicing to invoke emotional empathy, and his wise and selective use of doubling throughout the composition to cut through and punctuate important passages was outstanding.

The only low point in this arrangement was the exit. It came across as an abrupt need to end. The ending did not bring the story to a climax. With better time management and an ending that matched or surpassed the level of musicality of the earlier passages and we might have been looking at CrossFire as the Panorama champions of 2012. One has to be careful with tunes that have a naturally built-in beginning and need no real intro. Rebecca and Ben Lion are examples of this and more specifically, how the late master arranger Bradley handled these pieces. There was a minute of intro time that could have been used for a killer ending and a resulting ‘game over’ finale.

CrossFire’s tune of choice Action was another WST (When Steel Talks) favorite. It kept with the return to the past New York panorama themes of popular tunes that the audience can relate to. Action was a perfect fit for the personality of CrossFire.

Can CrossFire take the next step? That all depends on commitment of management, the players and arranger towards that singular goal. Can they tune out the noise and not shoot themselves in the foot? We have seen other franchises get this close in the past only to falter and become nothing more that a historical footnote in the annals of New York panorama history. If they can pull it and keep it together New York and the Pan world are in for a musical treat. CrossFire has all the potential. The question is - can they realize it?

With a score of 464, CrossFire was the only credible threat to ADLIB, this year’s winners. That 5-point total difference across 5 judges indicates that CrossFire has arrived.

Again CrossFire was dressed to kill. Their fashion designer is extraordinary. They brought the visual “wow” factor to the surface. Indeed, they are HD ready. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about the WIADCA production at that moment. The sound system did a hatchet job CrossFire’s performance.

How significant was this year’s panorama 2nd placing? Well 2012 was the first time CrossFire has placed higher than 5th. Leon “Foster” Thomas has been at the helm since 2010 (the last three panoramas).

Like many of the greats Leon afforded the audience a peak into his most private abode - his musical soul - to tell this story. We look forward to seeing what this CrossFire collaboration will produce next year.

D’Radoes  (East Flatbush/ Ralph Avenue)
Tune of Choice - “Bacchanalist” by K. Phillips/K. Dubois:

Let’s be honest - would anyone be surprised to hear that Radoes won Panorama in any given year? Absolutely not! They are that talented. Would anyone be surprised to hear that Radoes did not win Panorama in any year? Absolutely not! They are that enigmatic.

Terrance “BJ” Marcelle is the first arranger—since the late Clive Bradley was at D’Radoes’ musical helm—to arrange for consecutive years. That’s equal to six different arrangers over seven panorama entries. That in itself is pretty much the story. The paradoxical and yet enchanting D’Radoes exudes probably more so than any other organization, all the personalities of a New York steel orchestra. Sometimes to the extreme. Radoes has been searching for an anchor and compass for a talent-laden ship that is filled with personalities. Terrance “BJ” Marcelle appears to be that entity. For two consecutive competitions Radoes has placed 3rd. This has been a serious move towards the front of the pack as opposed to the prior placements in recent years. Moreover the word “stability” can now begin to be associated with the D’Radoes franchise.

So should Radoes be satisfied with third place? Absolutely not! Given their caliber of players they should always be a favorite to win. The reality is, with a score of 446 which represents a 23-point difference between the 1st-placed ADLIB and themselves - in the eyes of the judges Radoes really wasn’t in the running. One reason for this may be that many of the intricate passages were not delivered as cleanly as, say, ADLIB or Sonatas. And although Radoes was very powerful, tightness matters. Especially with a bad sound system. In any regard, no excuses. Radoes had the wheels, horses and performed last. They had the final say. They simply did not slam the door shut.

“BJ” is an arranger that is bringing it to the table every time he arranges. His music creations and old-school approach allow him to relate to the audience and the players big-time. The latter are a fun bunch.

The tune of choice was Bacchanalist by K. Phillips/K. Dubois. A most appropriate selection. I can’t think of a better arranger/band combination for such a popular tune. It’s been a long time since have we seen an arranger handle the popular tune variety in a panorama arena with such confidence and craftiness. Again, in New York Panorama you have got to be able to make a musical statement with popular music. Just take a listen to “BJ’s” arrangement of Action for La Brea Nightingales in the large band category at this year’s 2012 Trinidad and Tobago panorama, which reportedly brought both the North Stand and Grand Stand to their feet - apparently the only band to do so. Conservative, stiff, stodgy and boring have never been really a part of the Big Apple panorama landscape. “BJ” does not suffer from any of these maladies.

The sound system did some strange things to the band’s sound. Luckily they, Radoes, were large enough (100 players) to negate a lot of sonic horrors the sound system was perpetrating on the audience and judges. Again, we are sorry that Basement didn’t get a panyard recording of this group. “BJ” had some very interesting things going on musically. “BJ” and D’Radoes have proven to be a formidable musical combination which will always have to be reckoned with.

Radoes looked great. They always do with their urban approach to Panorama attire and colors. Look for “Mann”, Radoes captain, to have them ready to make their signature push next year for gold.

As usual Radoes did their thing on J’Ouvert and had the crowd rocking on the road - as long as you were not waiting for them to come down Nostrand Avenue; due to an unforeseen mandated “diversion” by NYPD (New York Police Department), the band turned into Bedford Avenue instead.

Sonatas  (Crown Heights/ Sterling Place)
Tune of Choice - “Gie Dem Tempo” by E. Pouchet/ A. Daniell:

Expectations are always high with this organization that showcases its black and gold colors so proudly. Sonatas has won more Panoramas than any other New York steelband franchise. Alas, there was to be no championship banner-raising this year. So what was different in 2012? First of all Sonatas played first and there was no sound check. Not even a fake attempt like last year. Question: How does one know what will come out of the speakers if you haven’t taken some sample before hand? Needless to say the system was brutal on the group and the ears of all the humans present. Sonatas has some of the best instruments and players in NY but you would not have known it from what the sound “wizard” delivered to the audience.

Sonatas’ tune of choice was Gie Dem Tempo - a song that is within the previous Sonatas ‘winning selections’ types. So there was nothing special or odd there. However, in the past when Sonatas has won they blew out the field by a wide point margin. Popwell’s arrangement of this tune was one of the best for the year. His harmonic content was far richer and substantive than his previous arrangements. Popwell’s melodic development was on point. The wide gap between Sonatas’ point total and the eventual winning orchestra would suggest that sonic gremlins of the sound system did more harm and coloring than anyone would like to admit. Luckily there is a Basement panyard recording of Sonatas. So we will get to hear what was really intended.

With a score of 442 (27 points behind the leader of the pack) the judges either did not like, did not hear or did not remember what Sonatas did from position #1.

Sonatas is a victim of its own success. The ten (10) time New York panorama champion finds itself in an unenviable position of not placing in the top three two years in a row. They came in fourth. While most steel orchestras would love to have Sonatas’ recent Panorama history, the standards and bar have been set pretty high by the storied organization for itself. This is the first time ever that Sonatas has not placed in the top three - for consecutive years - in over 31 previous Panorama participation.

Nevertheless, Sonatas brought the full package to the stage - both tight music performance and choreographed movements to accent the live visuals digested by the audience. Their  only major weakness is that we never got the impression that Sonatas had already won and that the others were fighting for second place this season. Hopefully this was not a case of complacency.

With Yohan Popwell at the arranger’s helm, Sonatas has racked up an impressive success record which includes 4 Panorama wins and 7 consecutive top three placings within that time span. However, the reality is that it is getting crowded at the top. Look for Sonatas to retool, recommit and come out swinging in 2013.

Despers USA
(Bedford Stuyvesant/ Atlantic Avenue)
Tune of Choice - “Prophet of Pan” by T. Forde):

The advancement of Despers USA continues. In only his second year at the musical helm arranger Odie Franklin’s forward progress is undeniable. Ultimately, this investment by Despers USA will pay off big dividends if they stay the course and resist the temptation to essentially digress. Few, if any, arrangers have met with instant success in New York. There are many very prominent and noteworthy arrangers who have never won a New York panorama title. New York is a hard town. Odie is right in the thick of things. Patience is the word.

Solid arrangement with a big-time intro - Odie is solidifying his voice and style. He is coming along nicely and has developed much in his sophomore year, displaying great sensitivity and attention to detail - two ingredients critical to any steel orchestra on the path to success.

Despers USA delivered a competent and well-executed arrangement of Prophet of Pan.  Mr. Franklin knows what he is doing and moreover, is up to the challenge...

Beautiful introduction. Clearly one of the best for the night. No band stated the melody better than Despers on this night.

Harmony  (Crown Heights/ Erasmus Street)
Tune of Choice - “Vibes” by M. Loquan/D. Garcia/K. Philmore:

The story for Harmony this year was Marc Brooks. This was his maiden voyage as a Panorama arranger, taking over the musical reins for the band in the 2012 season. Things should only get better from here for the talented Mr. Brooks. This was indeed a competent showing.

Mark has already earned his stripes as a credible stage side arranger. The leap into the Panorama arena is a very challenging one particularly in New York, because of all the “pressure” that accompanies being a New York Panorama arranger.

This initial joint venture between Mark and Harmony illustrated potential. And the question becomes: what has Mark learned from this experience, and what will he bring to the table next year?

In Mark we have a great blend of talent, intellect and youth; the future is very promising.  He is a perfect addition to the great youth movement in Pan that has begun globally. Like all young arrangers there is the ongoing battle of “too much” at times. Mark like many of the new arrangers, will figure out that delicate balance of where less is more, and the matching of one’s creativity with the ability of your players.

Sesame Flyers  (East  Flatbush/ E 42^nd Street)
Tune of Choice - “Mr. Fete” by M. Loquan/D. Garcia/K. Philmore:

What ever Sesame Flyers may have lost with the judges they clearly made up with the crowd, as the Freddy Harris, III-led orchestra dropped their version of the 2012 soca hit Mr. Fete. Segments of the audience were very much into their performance. The multi-talented and always effusive Freddy Harris, III brings the “fun” factor to the Panorama. Panorama should always be enjoyable for all parties involved the - arranger, the players and of course and paramount - the audience.

It could be reasonably argued that a sizeable portion of the NY fraternity applied the Freddy Harris, III formula or approach to Panorama, when they embraced popular tunes and 2012 hits as tunes of choice this year. Routinely facing an uphill battle in terms of instruments, size, players and ability, Freddy has met this challenge head-on and for all practical purposes prevailed. While indeed Sesame Flyers has participated in 14 consecutive Panorama competitions, and should be applauded for this accomplishment, the group has never placed higher than 4th. Many of New York’s finest panists got their initial introduction to the steelpan instrument through Sesame.

USA East Side Symphony (Bedford Stuyvesant/ Pacific Street)
Tune of Choice - “Vibes” by M. Loquan/D. Garcia/K. Philmore):

USA East Side Symphony made its first panorama appearance with veteran arranger Wilfred Kieal at the musical helm. It ain’t easy bringing a band to New York Panorama - anytime. Bringing out a new band in 2012 is even more ambitious. This band however made it to the stage, and unmistakable in their bright yellow T-Shirts and unapologetically bold green instruments, delivered their musical statement to the delight of supporters and other attendees. Kieal is a competent arranger who has of course given good musical accounts of himself during the years - most recently his memorable work on Bandoleros for Despers USA. With a few veteran faces on the New York pan scene anchoring USA East Side in the competition, and commendable representation from other players, Kieal’s vision of Vibes came to life when the band faced the judges in position six for the evening. The count appeared a bit slow for the Panorama performance, but it did not diminish from the obvious enjoyment of the players on stage, nor the attention of the judges which eventually merited the band eighth place overall in its first NY Panorama appearance.

Pantonic (East Flatbush/ Albermarle Road)
Tune of Choice - “Play Yourself” by C. Telemaque:

Again another example of where one’s placement in Panorama does not tell the story. A closer look at this incarnation of Pantonic “2.0” reveals that they are a very young and immensely talented group that is hungry and improving quickly.

Once they figure it out, watch out. And they will figure it out. They have the perfect blend of youth and accomplished veterans to move them forward into the elite class. Just remember you heard it here first.  Just like when WST predicted many, many moons ago when we said ADLIB, then a bunch of kids never considered a force to be reckoned with, would be the next Pantonic.  If this group can avoid the normal ills and distractions that can befuddle a young talented bunch in New York - watch out! It all starts with the core group that makes up the stage side.

As far as their Panorama presentation, the biggest shortcoming was attention to details. The veterans have to take full responsibility for not settling the band down during the overall Panorama season excitement, and fully setting the tone for the proper execution of loud and soft passages.  They were stuck at one volume - loud – which is not good, when you have a sound system manned by an ineffective and unprepared sound crew, a situation which automatically leads to distortion and allows very little equipment headroom. Dynamics are a critical part of winning Panorama, particularly when you are inundated with a bad sound crew.  A steel orchestra utilizes a very large dynamic range and a very wide frequency spectrum.  Everything needs some time to breathe and reset - that includes the ears of both the judges and audience, the diaphragms of the microphones, etc.

Having said all this, Pantonic is the most complete, dangerous, ‘low-placed’ band since a previous version of Pantonic also placed next to last (just like this year) back in 2004. And while we are indeed not making direct comparisons between the two versions, we all know what that previous version went on to do in 2005.

Big-up for these young people for bouncing back so quickly after Panorama. Pantonic was simply fabulous on the road for J’Ouvert.

The late great master arranger Clive Bradley proudly boasted that with his ‘Pantonic Kids’ he could beat any band in the world. This generation of Pantonic kids is not as experienced or tested as the originals - but be sure they have the ‘Tonic DNA’ - they have the potential to be as dynamic and successful as Pantonic 1.0, with musical guidance.

Metro (East  Flatbush/ Fenimore Street)
Tune of Choice - “Prophet of Pan” by T. Forde):

The name Metro has great significance in New York Pan. It can be rightfully argued that Metro is the grandparent, parent, sibling and/or god parent of every Panorama champion outside of ADLIB or Sonatas in the last 30 years. And of course there is the D’Radoes connection. Big Tony, Metro’s manager, is one of the most industrious figures NY Pan has ever known. A Tony-led orchestra will not be at the bottom of the heap for long.

Panorama placement does not always tell the story. Metro placed last in this year’s panorama but they had a very difficult season with lots of challenges.

With Kareem Thompson at the musical helm you are talking serious business; do not be fooled by his quiet demeanor; Kareem is the real deal.  He is a top-tier arranger. Give “Big Tony,” the original problem-solver, the time and resources to set Metro in motion and on the correct path, and he will deliver a credible product. Give Kareem the players and their proper support, size of band and instruments and he will deliver a championship. Things have changed for Big Tony and the Metro Steel Orchestra of the early nineties, when championship banners were hoisted for the band three years in a row 1990—1993. Look for Tony to adapt and mobilize.

Click for full RESULTS

 

Up Next - a complete look at New York Panorama 2012 -  "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly - and the completely Absurd"

Click for 2011 NY Panorama ReView

2010 NY Panorama ReView

2009 NY Panorama ReView

search PanOnTheNet.com for more reviews