There was no shortage of groups celebrating World Steelpan Day! Thursday night we caught some of Silver Stars at Desperadoes’ Pan Yard Jam, which was a nice idea to get the jamming started. Silver Stars’ youths brought their usual high energy and surprised us with an inventive version of Phantom of the Opera.
Desperadoes came out swinging with In My House, one of Clive Bradley’s masterpieces. Then they gave us an old standard, El Relicaro, also arranged by Clive. Sadly,…
There is new excitement at the Highlanders Pan Theatre and Learning Centre. Launched earlier this year, the Highlanders Youth Steel Orchestra has brought “a positive alternative for our young people” and the Success Village, Laventille community says manager Robert Hernandez.
Already 25 young people have joined the band, whose membership is open to anyone under 21. The Youth Orchestra’s manager is Kaila Jones Baptiste, and Joeth Roberts and Shaquille Gaskin arrange and teach music.
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Godwin Bowen pumped up Pamberi when he joined those talented San Juan panmen. Together, they brought new energy from the East, the way the late Earl Rodney and Solo Harmonites did decades earlier. Bowen’s arrangements gave Panorama a fresh vibe. His music was expansive and held huge promise. His melodies were emotionally charged and often nuanced. Pan lovers knew early he was a gifted arranger, and, later, composer.
Bowen came to Panorama with a bold spirit, a…
We heard some decent music at Panorama 2024, as we should expect from the top steel bands. Most arrangers are clearly trying to explore new ideas, and their choice of tunes from different periods gave the competition a nice vibe. Others stuck tight to formulaic renditions that couldn’t stir the North Stand, or anyone else.
What we can say, however reluctantly, is this wasn’t a memorable Panorama. Yeah, we know. That’s a bit sacrilegious. But no music stood out. Nothing got everyone on their feet, a sure…
