It is a joy to see steelband activities such as Pan on D'Avenue and the Laventille Steelband parade, that attempt to present the beauty and power of the mobile steelband.
The more relaxed pace of the music , also reminds us that the steelband has its own musical groove , and doesn't really have to compete with the frenetic pace of the DJs , but are capable of creating a pace and tempo amenable to steelband music , and allowing the public to enjoy it.
Old timers would know this was always the case ; in the early days when string and brass bands played for what was then called "historical " mas bands , they also had a pace that was much faster than the steelbands , even in the nineteen fifties and sixties.
Sadly however , one cannot help but observe that these activities are basically non-profit events.
The steelbands have ceded the carnival to the DJs and mas bandleaders , and have given away ( without a struggle ) the best period afforded by the culture for creating opportunities to generate income, based on their artistry,
And unfortunately , they have chosen instead to rely almost entirely on government funding in support of the art-form..
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"I think something about the steelband vibration is lost , with the distance created between the steelband , the natural environment , and the people."
That is true!!! I agree with that!!! But for some odd reason I love the VISUAL EFFECT (and ambiance) of looking up (from the ground) at the moving MUSICAL SPECTACLE!!! I went trying to grab this specific shot off the video last night and NEWSDAY did it for me this morning. WHAT A SIGHT TO SEE!!!
Love it! you can sense the vibration even when you are not physically there. Long live PAN!
Well Glenroy Joseph has come to accept the reality of STEELBANDS ON TRUCKS -- although he chooses to redefine it as MOBILE STEELBANDS.
All I need now is for CECIL HINKSON to put his hand on the bible to solemnly swear to accept STEELBANDS ON TRUCKS and to renounce STEELBANDS ON THE GROUND because DEM DAYS DONE!!!
And I will be a HAPPY MAN enjoying my PAN ON TRUCKS!!!
I don't like steelbands on trucks.
Like I've said many times, I think something about the steelband vibration is lost , with the distance created between the steelband , the natural environment , and the people.
Having said that , I've never been about necessarily returning to the way we did things in the last century , and I've also stated this on many occasions..
My thing is, and always have been, about the importance of the steelbands participating in Trinidad's main cultural event , the carnival street parade.
I'm convinced that modern , efficient , twenty-first century means can be used to mobilize the steelbands , but if we must settle for trucks , so be it.
I however will never accept the fact that putting steelbands on trucks is the best way to display and demonstrate the beauty and power of a steelband on the move.
Other forms of motor driven conveyances , platforms closer to the ground for example , may prove more effective., but the truck bed , though it affords a convenience we cannot deny , is certainly not my preference.