His name is Yohan Popwell and as quietly as it has been kept, he is one of the most successful steelband panorama arrangers around on the world scene. In a relatively short time Popwell has amassed a very impressive record from his work in both his native Trinidad and Tobago and New York.
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His name is Yohan Popwell and as quietly as it has been kept, he is one of the most successful steelband panorama arrangers around on the world scene. In a relatively short time Popwell has amassed a very impressive record from his work in both his native Trinidad and Tobago and New York.
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I am very pleased to know that his stock is rising, For Panorama 2010 he would be arranging for Solo Pan Knights and Harmonites joined together in the large band catergory, if this rumor is true,. I wish him success in this venture. He has shown that he has the capability to match up with the top large bands and arrangers in T&T. I wish him well.
I first saw the name, "Yohan Popwell" on one of All Stars' Classical Jewels album jacket as a pannist. A few years later, I saw a video performance of him as a solo finalist at, the "Pan is Beautiful" Competition of 1988. I later saw him performing live with the Panazz Players. Panazz won most of the now defunct, "Pan Ramajay" Competitions in Trinidad. In 2003, I saw Yohan conducting All Stars at the "Pan Fiesta" Competition. He had arranged Robert Greenidge's "Musical Volcano" for All Stars that year, and I was impressed. There was talkl that Despers USA of Brooklyn were looking for a new arranger. In February 2004, I took it upon myself and contacted Yohan Popwell. I congratulated him on his fine arranging works of "Musical Volcano" and said, "I did not know that you also arranged. He replied that, most of the panazz renditions were by arranged by him. I then asked if he would consider coming up to Brooklyn, NY to arrange for Desoers USA.
He was interested, so I passed on the info to the powers that be of Despers USA. They did not have my vision, and
now the rest is history. As I wrote in my book, "400 Questions and Answers on Pan from 1960 to the Present",
Yohan Popwell has been the leading arranger at the Brooklyn Panorama from 2004 to 2009. His arrangements won
by (18) poiints in 2004, placed 3rd in 2005, came 2nd in 2006, won by (21) points in 2007, placed 3rd in 2008, and
won by a 10-point margin in 2009. His victories with Sonatas averages a 16.33 point per win, and 157.33 points ahead
of the last bands.
Yohan Popwell has also arrange winners for Sforzata of the Medium Bands Category at Trinidad Panorama in 2005, 2006 and 2009. He has also accomplished two of these wins by performing at the No. 1 position. We all know how rarely a band captors the Judges' attention from "Jump Street."
I saw Yohan at a Desperadoes practice session this year, where I also met the his friend from from England, "Jamma."
As Mr. Popwell said to me, playing at No. 1 is just a number. Good luck to you, Mr. Yohan Popwell at Trinidad Panorama 2010. All eyes and ears will be next to you. Sincerely, Ian Franklin.
Sincerely,
Ian Franklin
I would like to ask a few questions. Will you call me at home (954) 792-1879 or cell 593-5853.
Thanks,
Ian