I am re-posting this for one primary reason. The format of this discussion forum is not friendly to multiple pages of postings on a single topic. I hope that software challenge gets corrected in the near future. So instead of leaving Bob's HISTORIC CONTRIBUTION buried at the bottom of an old topic (a topic which is dear to me) I am bringing it up to the top for MAJOR DISCUSSION. It could not be MORE TIMELY!!!
As a junior member in the pan industry but a senior in Caribbean entertainment, I beg to intervene in a somewhat very interesting conversation. One that has intrigued me for years. Ever since I saw the results of a Tripoli performance in 1972 in Niagara falls NY which was a disappointment for the pan advancement in a higher level I sought to a remedy that would justify an otherwise tragic event.. The performance? First class, The problem? wrong venue, wrong audience, hence the cancellation of the rest of shows which were to last a week but ending after 3 shows.. The mistake made was thinking that Americans and the rest of the world see pan the same way we do...Not so , not so at all.The majority of Americans who could promote pan to its rightful status see pan as a beach, under coconut tree entertainment the same way they see limbo.Then Ken Edwards and Shemika Charles proved them wrong That's why Ken ended up on the "Merv Griffin" show and Shemika on "America's got talent". This proves that if we impress theses big wheelers with our infinite talent we could end up like the Beatles when Ed Sullivan discovered them..The big question, can we do it? Answer, certainly..Will we? in trini terms ah eh no. That's a big move it takes discipline, motivation ambition and cooperation to achieve a goal so beyond our realm. I say that because as far as pan goes what first comes to mind is panorama, Patronized by most trinis until the finals and its back to rap and dub, saying to pan men you had your turn now its time to party...No other country does that. Back then when I was a teenager and lent kicked in I didnt know of any other music that was put on hold and no one made a big issue at the time.. But now its here to bite us, in a modern world where the music industry is in the front row of our lives and pan right up there potentially but struggling to emerge to its platform we see more questions than answers. I would like someone, anyone to tell me that a concert featuring, men like Robert Greenige, Boogsie Sharp, Andy Narrell, Teague, Othello, Rudy smith and others whether a solo performance or parts thereof isnt warranted a sellout in many parts of the world, in other words , has the world ever seen the like of such a show, isnt it time we the pan supporters pay tribute to the creators of this world wonder by finally introducing it to the world in a way to assure acceptance in style and grandeur worthy of its production.. Well I do, and I'm quite willing to do my part if and when called upon...Bob Diaz...
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Casablanca was in concert here in Brooklyn at BAM during the 1980's and to sell out crowds. Enjoyed every minute of it. Pan has been featured in American movies as well as songs, children's cartoons, and a few other instances. People are curious about the instrument, but the fact is, Trinidad needs a pan ambassador who is knowledgeable and passionate about pan. We have to do the work, how else can we get it done? We have to invest in what is ours, not sit and let others do it for us. How do we expect pan to be at the forefront of musical instruments, when we celebrate this precious gift once a year? Aren't we tired of singing the same ole tune day after day? We could beat the devil and chase him out of hell long before we Trinidadians do something for pan. I have contributed financially to the startup of steel bands here in NYC and proud to see such bands partaking in events across the state and other areas. But I am just one person who loves the instrument and will put my money where my heart is. And mind you fellas, I eh rich eh, just a supporter. As I've mentioned on this forum before what will be will be. It jus eh de pan time yet.
Inez: You got me thinking when you mentioned that "pan ambassador" about why no single individual has emerged from that New York pan incubator to lead the global charge. Pan has been in New York for over 60 years and the participation and educational opportunities have been abundant. Yet no STAR/AMBASSADOR has emerged.
Not to mention all the access to recording facilities with some of the best music producers and sound engineers in the world floating around Bed-Stuy.
Every year WST congratulates student after student for academic accomplishment at the highest levels and the WOMEN IN PAN series has identified long lists of talented pan players. Still, no ambassador or recording artiste or star performer has gained the limelight.
Hard to figure out!!!
Claude;
It is only at this moment that the young people in New York are starting to move out of the shadows of their forebears and are starting to behave like they were born and live in New York and not Trinidad.
Academic achievement is one thing - a Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, Prince, Beatles, Earth Wind and Fire or Aretha Franklin coming out of the Pan world is another.
bugs
Bugs: I don't want to be nice to you and compliment you -- because you sided with the English Lady against a fellow Trinidadian (if you can call me that) -- but that opening sentence was an insightful sociological gem that could only come from a keen and objective observer.
Yet, I am still holding out hope that some kind of gene mutation occurs in ONE of the New York born Trini pan children and they bust out like a Hendrix or Miles or Prince or Minaj.
Claude there is a chance. The young New Yorkers have a worldly approach to everything, except pan, until now. They have much attitude and talent. The proper attitude, that is. They have a different reality.
If a man believes and behaves like he is in a cube 3 feet high, it won't matter that he is really in a cube 100 foot high. He will not be able to take advantage of it.
Tally ho chap --- bugs
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Freddy Harris 3 is trying stuff pretty soon he'll hit something.
I believe the Codrington Pan Family could make it big time, if only they had someone in foreign to promote them.
But I do agree with BOB! If you take Liam and Andy and the Codrington girl and you set up a WORLD TOUR for them that could be the BIG BREAKTHROUGH. If the English girl was nice to me I would have sent her on that WORLD TOUR too!!!
We have to look at the people that buy CDs and go to concerts and make music for them. that's the ONLY solution.
It's just that Bob emphasis is on the caliber of the players, I think we need a brake through song. These guys are only big to us, we are talking Global here.
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