More recognition needed for one of the country’s top arrangers
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Winning arranger of four out of eight attempts at Panorama (a 50 per cent winning achievement with second and third places thrown into the mix) is not too bad of a record for a “country-boy come to town” to jam against the likes of Bradley, Holman, Jules and other “big noise” arrangers of the day.
Earl Bostic Rodney intervened in 1968 in the Panorama competition with Kitchener’s The Wrecker.
“It was an opening with drama and excitement that had not been previously experienced in a Panorama,” says Rodney, beating out the opening bars of his arrangement that won Solo Harmonites the Panorama competition. I wish I could reproduce on paper his verbal simulation of the arrangement. Check it on You Tube.
The arrangement was among the first in the evolving trend of taking up the tempo but still weaving in the melody of the piece with extrapolations on the theme—there are those who would argue, Rodney amongst them, that the Panorama arrangements of the present era lack sweetness of melody, demonstrating only pan-playing virtuosity, but that’s another argument for another time.
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Well said Glenroy. A true statement.
I am proud to say Earl's achievements were recognised and celebrated in the UK when, in 2007, he was presented with the BAS Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award. He is indeed an Ambassador for the music and culture of pan.
"there are those who would argue, Rodney amongst them, that the Panorama arrangements of the present era lack sweetness of melody, demonstrating only pan-playing virtuosity, but that’s another argument for another time",
Oh , this is so true.
And they also lack the ability to emphasize the sweetness of the instruments themselves , the vibrations of the pan thar resonates through the body.
Its all about speed and technical skills and dexterity, as if that is all there is to steelband music.
Earl Rodney - Friends and Countrymen
We thank Earl Rodney for his contribution to Steelband Music.
Earl Rodney one of the best Panorama arrangers ever
Yes, one of the greats! from '68 - '74 always in contention!