Showtime at the Savannah!

Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra on stage

Trinidad All Stars - At a few minutes before 8:00 p.m. on Saturday evening, the following message came across the facebook lines “Hellyard posse leaving the yard now, heading to WAR - Saturday at 7:47pm via BlackBerry”. It had begun. The Duke Street orchestra was on its way to an appointment with destiny.  Dressed in red tops and white trousers topped off with gold-banded red hats, the spiffy-looking Trinidad All Stars took the stage at the appointed time and delivered a typical All Stars performance that simply dared anyone to catch them.  They embraced the ‘showtime’ theme and never looked back.  Trinidad All Stars has historically saved their best performances for last. And as we all know now, they delivered the TKO from the opening bell for their seventh National Championship title. Oh, and they took home TT two million dollars (USD $315,955) also.

Special notes by journalist Dalton Narine -- Clive “Zanda” Alexander, architect and musician:
“‘It’s Showtime’ by All Stars was a true reflection of the rhapsodical aspect of SHOOOOW TIIIME, a serious interpretation; not a matter of taking things and pushing them here and there. The guys had the power of execution to do it. Silver Stars didn’t give me all of that. I had given Phase II the edge because the band was able to organically take all the elements of music, and give you a conclusion that satisfies all the elements of music in terms of balance, energy, drive and rhythmic interpretation.”   

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Exodus Steel Orchestra on stage

Exodus - The four-time panorama champions let it be known that the big XO was back in form. Dressed in their traditional colors of black and white, they again elected to appear canopy-less, opting to go instead with the rising stage setup and sonic reflectors in the rear. After a couple of challenging years the band from East Trinidad took the stage from position two, and as the final scores have revealed, the only band to best them on the night were the eventual winners, by two points. Their tune of choice was “Calling Meh”. They took home TT $1,000,000 (USD 157,977) for their efforts. Led by one of the most accomplished musicians and songwriters in the Caribbean, Pelham Goddard, Exodus remains one of the most professional franchises. This has been a year of vindication as the big XO received a public apology for the debacle that took place two years ago at Panorama 2009.

Exodus is all about business. They are never going to beat themselves.  They embody the personality of their manager Ainsworth Mohammed and work ethics of their drill master Pat Bishop.

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Silver Stars Steel Orchestra on stage

Silver Stars - The two-time winners and defending champions had a lot riding on this panorama. They had won two consecutive panoramas (2009 & 2010). A win in 2011 would have put them in a very distinctive category.  To date this is a special record that only a single steel orchestra holds. That is Renegades Steel Orchestra - the only franchise to have ever won three consecutive panoramas in the Trinidad and Tobago heavyweight category.

Arguably Silver Stars set the tone for this year’s extravaganza with their tune of choice - “It’s Showtime”. Their flashy performances and theatrical approach in addition to the music, have clearly changed the focus of the panorama and opened debate about the pros and cons of such an approach.  Nevertheless, Silvers Stars brought a very high-energy performance to the stage that its fans and players totally enjoyed.  They were ‘dressed to kill’. They looked spectacular and their ‘see-through’ canopies were innovative and looked fabulous.  They were able to enhance the visual nuances without too much compromising of the sonic advantage of the traditional metal canopies.  It worked well.

Silver Stars put on a show that included opening curtains and closing fireworks. They took home TT $750,000 (USD $117,169) for their efforts and third-place honors. It was in 2008 that Silver Stars left the Medium Conventional Band category to mix it up with the big boys.  In doing so they have clearly left an undeniable mark on the heavyweight division of Panorama.  The Silver Stars brand under the musical direction of Edwin Pouchet is to be reckoned with.  They are the first group in twenty years to mount any serious or sustainable threat to the ‘lock’ the ‘big five’ maintained on the national panorama championship through their musical prowess.

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Phase II Pan Groove on stage

Phase II Pan Groove - ‘Let’s get ready to rumble’ was clearly on Boogsie’s mind when he shot the early salvo across the bow of Pan Trinbago. It not only got their attention, it connected.   The blow hit Pan Trinbago so hard they stumbled across the ring mumbling something about ‘rule 5.1’ changes and ‘lyrics’ watch.  In any regard, once smelling salts were administered in their corner and their heads cleared - that nonsense about lyrics and rule 5.1 was dropped and an addendum issued. Like the great Ray Holman said on the matter, “Pan don’t play lyrics!”

The five-time champions led by the legendary and often outspoken Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, came into the finals tied for first with Silver Stars after the completion of the semi-finals round. Sharpe, a lightening rod for change and/or debate and no stranger to controversy, clearly delivered some body blows and a right cross on the chin to the embattled Pan Trinbago, the producers of the panorama, when they became central characters in Sharpe’s composition for panorama,  “Do Something for Pan”.

Not affected or distracted by the noise surrounding the tune - Boogsie led his troops again on the single-minded mission of capturing the crown. Mr. Sharpe’s signature Caribbean motifs with a funk attitude were in full evidence.  The venerable Ray Holman drilled and provided musical support to the orchestra.  Boogsie Sharpe holds Mr. Holman in high esteem, never shying away from an opportunity to let folks know that he was influenced by Ray Holman in his formative years.

Dressed in all black, the band’s outfits complemented the green and gold color scheme of their racks.  Phase II, like Trinidad All Stars, continues to enjoy global support and generate international appeal.

Boogsie still did his thing and gave the community another musical gem that will be analyzed and studied for years to come. Boogsie is in a musical class by himself.

They took home TT $575,000 (USD $90,551) for their efforts and tied for fourth place.  Prior to this year on finals night, Phase II had been in the top 3 for nine consecutive years.

Special Notes by journalist Dalton Narine -- Clive “Zanda” Alexander, architect and musician:
“What I heard in Boogsie’s music was the ability to build a composition with a rhythmic feel, and to take that rhythm through the music and express it and broaden it and extend it. “Do Something for Pan” comes out of the speech rhythm of Do Something for Pan, Do Something for Pan; and you hear it in his whole arrangement organically flowing out with 3-Dimensional ideas. Boogsie was able to play three rhythmic feel at the same time. That’s a mind that’s 3-Dimensional.”

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Invaders Steel Orchestra on stage

Invaders - Under the musical direction of Arddin Herbert Invaders Steel Orchestra has begun to establish its voice and identity.  The storybook organization has never won a national panorama title but may be on its way toward achieving that goal. The orchestra was definitely a crowd favorite at this year’s competition. Dressed in colors that matched the logo of their corporate backer - Caribbean Airlines - Invaders impressed the audience.

The current face of Invaders is young and the band is on the rise.  It was great seeing this historically significant and distinguished organization in the finals along with its ‘offspring’ - Starlift and Phase II Pan Groove.

For Invaders’ efforts, it tied with Phase II for fourth place and also left with TT $575,000 (USD $90,551).

Special Notes by journalist Dalton Narine -- Arddin Herbert, Arranger for Invaders and Power Stars:
“I do music for an overall sound, allowing history to say ‘this is what Arddin Herbert was about.’ I would think what I have is unique, not a carbon copy of other arrangers. I arrange in the panyard. I like the vibes and energy there - doing it on the fly. ”

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Fonclaire Steel Orchestra on stage

Fonclaire - Ken “Professor” Philmore came to the 2011 bout with a vengeance to right a wrong that the world of pan - almost to a man -  acknowledges was done to this son of the South some twenty years ago in these same Savannah grounds. In 1990 Philmore lit up the Savannah with his composition and arrangement of “Pan By Storm” for this same Fonclaire Steel Orchestra. They lost that 1990 contest by half of a point. And this was after they had lost the 1989 contest by a point. In 1991 they lost by two points.  Talk about painful experiences.

This year Philmore was armed with “A Raging Storm” - a tune written specifically for Fonclaire Steel Orchestra by calypso and soca standout The Original DeFosto Himself.  The song immortalizes what transpired that finals night some 20 years ago (a tribute to a Panorama championship title which should rightfully have been that of Fonclaire, and Philmore as arranger, in the ears and opinion of the majority).

There was a lot of anticipation going into the 2011 finals that this could be the year that a South band brought the Panorama title home. This turned out not to be that year.  In any regard, Fonclaire delivered a credible showing and looked great.  Their dramatic intro with thunder and lighting was impressive and the thunderbolts insignia on their uniforms looked real cool.

From a musical standpoint Professor and Fonclaire presented one of the most musical and cohesive presentations of the evening. Special mention to the orchestra’s rhythm section - they were taking no prisoners.  Check Fonclaire out on the DVD when available.  Because of the way Ken “Professor” Philmore spreads his voicing and executes his movements the orchestra should sound really nice. By the way, “Professor” looked real comfortable in front the band this year.  He was enjoying himself and his presence came across well.

They took home TT $500,000 (USD $78,112) and sixth place in the finals for their efforts.

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Desperadoes Steel Orchestra on stage

Desperadoes - For the franchise where second place is not an option, the legendary music institution from the hills of Laventille came into the season looking to add to their leading ten national panorama champion titles.  It has been a while since the name Desperadoes has been hoisted in the winning spotlight.

In the absence of their regular champion arranger Robert Greenidge, Desperadoes called on the leadership of proven past glory.  None other than the respected Beverly Griffith was summoned to lead the orchestra musically in this year’s campaign.  The marriage between Beverly and Desperadoes had already driven down champion’s row together years before - so expectations were at their peak. Also, assisting Mr. Griffith were Eddie Quarless and Andre Robley.

The band’s tune of choice was one of the runaway hits for the 2011 Trinidad Carnival season, “Trini”.  Initially, eyebrows rose across the globe when it was revealed that Desperadoes was entering the competition with “Trini” as their choice. It just didn’t seem like a tune that would suit the group’s personality. And again the perceived limited musicality of the tune seemed like an obstacle. However, who better than a master like Beverly Griffith, with a musical juggernaut like the irrepressible Desperadoes as your vehicle - would you want taking on this challenge? Then it hits you: if this comes together properly this could be a slam dunk.  Some of the most beautiful musical passages ever arranged for pan were done by Mr. Griffith.

Desperadoes remains one of those steel orchestras that can be recognized as soon as you hear them.  That classic Desperadoes sound is unmistakable. The arranger cleverly weaved musical themes that represent the diverse multiculturalism of Trinidad and Tobago - including Spanish, Chinese, East Indian and African. There was a subtle hint of the country’s National Anthem and of course the past monster hit “Trini to the Bone”.

Desperadoes looked great, dressed in the country’s national colors, and sounded great.  Their working of the canopies to look like a complete village from the aerial shots was awesome.

They took home TT $425,000 (USD $66,395) for their efforts in a two-way tie for seventh place.

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Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra on stage

Siparia Deltones - With both steel pan instruments and players clad in Trinidad and Tobago’s national colors and hailing from South Trinidad, Siparia Deltones put on a credible performance and are serious contenders in this heavyweight conversation.

Under the musical direction of arranger Carlton “Zanda” Alexander  Siparia Deltones dropped down a masterful musical storyline like only one other in the history of panorama music could - and that’s the late Clive Bradley.  While Bradley found ways to go - and deliberately went - out of his way to accommodate all levels of musical thinking, understanding and appreciation, Zanda on the other hand “doesn’t play that”.  He challenges, or should we say ‘requires’ - the listener, audience, judges and/or student to come with a minimum amount of experiences, history and feelings. He is not going to serve it up to you on a silver platter.  That’s too easy.  But it is indeed all there.

For 2011 Siparia Deltones came with Benjai’s Trini. Trinidad & Tobago’s culture is wrapped up in Pan, Calypso and Carnival.  These elements are the basic tenets used to tell ‘Trini’s’ story.  Zanda’s interpretation of “Trini” is a venerable history lesson on the musical movements that are both instinctual, and form the foundation of the Afro-Caribbean Calypso spiritual and cognizant musical understanding.

“I’s ah Trini, ah Trini, I’s ah Trini, ah Trini”, Zanda never moves from the central theme of the song. “Are you a Trini?”  Zanda seems to ask, and at the same time reminding the listener who he or she is.  If you are a real Trini, then - here is a Trini movement for you... and here is another one... and if you think that was something here is another one - that, from your great, great, great grandfather’s time.  Now deal with this movement that only a Trini fancy sailor could move to.  And we get to the minor mode that is fighting music for a Trini Jab Jab or Badjohn.

Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra on stage

On the surface “Trini” appears to be simply a melody on top of a basic two-chord structure. And there lies the beauty of Zanda’s telling of the Trini’s 500-plus-year story through these movements that he skillfully moves around the family of steelpan instruments in Deltones, while all the time keeping the melody.

He challenged the audience, musicians, the dancers and the storytellers “do you know where I’m coming from? This is your history  -- this is you...  If you sing to these [musical] movements, you are singing as a Trini.  If you dance to these movements you are dancing like a Trini. If you feel the story behind these movements you are part of the Trini experience.”  And when he dropped Kitchener’s “No Wuk for Carnival” motif, well: it was over:  Goodnight.  All “Trinis” understand this.

Cerebral, spiritual, instinctual, natural, cultural - whatever you want to call it - it is just a matter of time before the judges finally pick up on what Zanda has been doing (hopefully). Clearly the young people in the orchestra have, and their ancestors would have also. Yes, Zanda is eccentric and a non-conformist, but he’s also one of the baddest panorama arrangers out there.  We suspect if Deltones had the class instruments to bring out what Zanda is doing, this conversation would be over.

And in a two-way tie for seventh place with Desperadoes who played the same tune, Siparia Deltones also claimed TT $425,000 (USD $66,395) playing in the penultimate position on stage that night.

Oh, for the record, it was only back in 2008 that this enthusiastic band of young musicians competed in the Panorama’s Small band category, also lead by Zanda.  In 2009 they leap-frogged straight into the Large steel orchestra arena, bypassing the Medium option completely; Siparia Deltones has not looked back since.

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Redemption Sound Setters on stage

Redemption Sound Setters - They were the sole representative of sister isle Tobago in the heavyweight division and stepped into the ring with the intention of teaching their southern relatives a thing or two when “It’s Showtime.” Dressed for prime time, Redemption Sound Setters put on a performance filled with choreographed steps. Led by arranger Winston Gordon, the orchestra gave a very colorful rendition of the song.

Never in short supply of enthusiasm and/or confidence, the orchestra made another credible showing in the final phase of the competition.  As one of Tobago’s finest, Redemption Sound Setters has had a virtual lock on making it to the finals, but has not yet cracked that glass ceiling to the panorama championship.

They took home $400,000 (USD 62,490) for their efforts and came in 9^th place.

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Starlift Steel Orchestra on stage

Starlift - Led by Liam Teague musically with “In She Rainorama” Starlift presented an interesting performance.  Undersized in a division where size matters, Starlift’s showing was commendable.  Liam Teague’s arrangement presented some thought-provoking and at times attention-grabbing voicing and colors to tell the story.

Teague’s approach to steelpan music storytelling is not as boisterous as is the norm with the genre, but nevertheless it is loaded with motifs out of the calypso and panorama tradition.  Teague’s classical influences bring an undeniable musical sound and well-constructed approach. The only thing missing was the madness and heat of carnival. That may have more to do with Starlift being moved out of its historical home a few years ago, and presently not having the traditional surroundings of community 24-7 as a constant reminder of who they, as a band, represent - to generate that spirit.  When a band is moved out of its community it can lose its soul. Teague did a great job in spite of these probable challenges.  His arrangement and the band’s performance of “In She Rainorama” is definitely recommended listening.

They too took home TT $400,000  (USD 62,490) for their efforts and finished 10^th overall.

Special Notes by journalist Dalton Narine -- Liam Teague, associate professor of music, Northern Illinois University, arranger for Starlift:
“I go for more impact in terms of power, and try to maintain a nice balance between musicality and getting the audience involved, and to please the adjudicators as well. It’s quite a balancing act.”

“When I arrange a piece of music, I look at the elements of the melody, like using motifs that stick out to me and would stand out. And I try different ways of manipulating those motifs, be it rhythmically or harmonically. I strive for a lot of melodic material in the basses and other times they’re more complimental. As a composer I think about the full spectrum.”. As a composer I think about the full spectrum.”

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