Five takeaways from the Republic Day J'ouvert Jump up

1) Trinis love pan , and always will.
It's in their DNA

2) Steelbands have their own rhythm and tempo , and that doesn't mean trying to keep pace with the DJs.
(Incidentally , this was always the case . even when we had brass bands on the road , back in the day)

3) Modern soca music does not bring out the sweetness of pan.
As much as the arrangers try, the relative "lightness " of the tunes make them boring after a while , even though arrangers try their best to enhance the music with musical tricks , gimmicks and "razzle dazzle".

4) the music best suited for pan at the calypso tempo are old school calypsos ( that were created to be played on pan , back in the day when steel-bands ruled) ballads , classics and show-tunes of yesteryear.
It is why arrangers return to these tried and true tunes of old , because they bring out the true "pan vibration".
BTW , there are many old school calypsos that would be sweet on the pan , but were never really popular , back in the day.
With a little research of old calypso catalogs , I would bet arrangers could find some relatively unfamiliar musical gems.

5) I don't care what anyone says , the traditional steel-band street parade ( pan on the road ) in the best way to demonstrate and enjoy the power , the sweetness , the vibration of the steel-band.

Period.

If and when we ever get real about tourism as an integral part of the economy ,a way must be found to make the steel-band the centerpiece of the carnival parade.

It is our most valuable cultural asset.

Replies

Jennifer Ire September 27, 2018 at 10:45am

I completely agree. And the in body experience of the sweetness, joyfulness and almost ecstasy of the sound of pan is indescribable and can only be experienced inside a steelband moving on the street -in my experience
- Claude Gonzales > Jennifer Ire September 27, 2018 at 11:33am
  
  Jennifer: Why yuh coming and SUPPORTING this BACK TO THE FUTURE TING?
Cecil hinkson September 27, 2018 at 10:34am

Aye Bugs, wid all dem concussion Claude gettin he cud just keel over anytime.
- Claude Gonzales > Cecil hinkson September 27, 2018 at 11:32am
  
  GOOD ONE CECIL!!! But I good for the NEXT 15 YEARS!!!
  
  Hey we have to talk about the VISA TING ... but ah busy listening to the RAPE STORIES this morning!!!
Sherwin Campbell September 26, 2018 at 10:35pm

If Brooklyn understands that pan on the road is the only way to enjoy the true sweetness of the instrument, then that should be really second nature for Trinbagonians. We created the instrument. That is one thing no one can dispute, deny or try to take away from us.
- Bugs > Sherwin Campbell September 27, 2018 at 8:36am
  
  What up Sherwin...
  
  Tell dem!
  
  You give Claude a a big concussion right dey.
  
  Some people can't handle the truth. But then again that gangsta Giuliani says "the truth is not the truth".
  
  hmmmm
- Claude Gonzales > Sherwin Campbell September 26, 2018 at 10:55pm
  
  Mr. Sherwin Campbell: How yuh could do that to me? I trying to educate (inculcate?) GLENROY and MERCER RAMDOO and CECIL and EVAN LOBO on the BEAUTY and NECESSITY of PAN ON TRUCKS and you coming here on THIS FORUM and ENCOURAGING DEM FELLAHS in this LONG TIME PUSHING PAN ON THE ROAD TING.
  
  THE SIXTIES done DEAD AND BURY just like SUGAR AND OIL.
  
  Ah hope yuh really grow up in TRINIDAD and could handle ah little OLE TALK!!!
evan lobo September 26, 2018 at 12:54pm

and keep pushing the pan

better vibes
- Claude Gonzales > evan lobo September 26, 2018 at 4:52pm
  
  Evan Lobo: Yuh went and join GLENROY and CECIL on that PUSHING PAN ON THE ROAD VIBE?
  
  Ceck this out man!!!
  - Mercer Ramdoo > Claude Gonzales September 26, 2018 at 5:11pm
    
    Pan on the road beats Pan in the air any time, Claude.

of 2

This reply was deleted.