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 sign that a band has moved the audience. Not that the bands didn’t try. But it takes a lot to move those people in the savannah…