Panorama Notes
by Dalton Natine
Trinidad & Tobago - The 2011 Panorama wormed its way through the Carnival, resistant to salt in its wounds. So it didn’t fold and die. Or tip open a Pandora’s Box of unbridled angst.
Panorama came home and made us comfortable, spinning tales that opened our eyes to its truth and our hearts for its soul.
It is in such context the following notes were written, to be shared for its pithy eloquence, even induce a laugh or two.
Leon “Smooth” Edwards, Arranger, Trinidad All Stars (Panorama morning, 1:00):
“Trust me, we WILL win tonight. This song is every bit a classic as Curry Tabanca, Unknown Band, Woman on the Bass and Soca Warriors. When I do stuff like this I expect it to make history based on how the public accepts it. And this is no different. All Stars is about show, and we’ve put the show in “It’s Show Time.”
Clive “Zanda” Alexander, architect and musician:
“‘It’s Show Time’ by All Stars was a true reflection of the rhapsodical aspect of SHOOOOW TIIIME, a serious interpretation; not a matter of taking things and pushing them here and there. The guys had the power of execution to do it. Silver Stars didn’t give me all of that. I had given Phase II the edge because the band was able to organically take all the elements of music, and give you a conclusion that satisfies all the elements of music in terms of balance, energy, drive and rhythmic interpretation.”
“What I heard in Boogsie’s music was the ability to build a composition with a rhythmic feel, and to take that rhythm through the music and express it and broaden it and extend it. “Do Something for Pan” comes out of the speech rhythm of Do Something for Pan, Do Something for Pan; and you hear it in his whole arrangement organically flowing out with 3-Dimensional ideas. Boogsie was able to play three rhythmic feel at the same time. That’s a mind that’s 3-Dimensional.” :
“I do music for an overall sound, allowing history to say ‘this is what Arddin Herbert was about.’ I would think what I have is unique, not a carbon copy of other arrangers. I arrange in the panyard. I like the vibes and energy there - doing it on the fly. ”
Arddin Herbert (pictured at right), Arranger for Invaders and Power Stars:
“I do music for an overall sound, allowing history to say ‘this is what Arddin Herbert was about.’ I would think what I have is unique, not a carbon copy of other arrangers. I arrange in the panyard. I like the vibes and energy there - doing it on the fly. ”
Liam Teague, associate professor of music, NIU, arranger for Starlift:
“I go for more impact in terms of power, and try to maintain a nice balance between musicality and getting the audience involved, and to please the adjudicators as well. It’s quite a balancing act.”
Boogise Sharpe, Arranger, Phase II:
“....In “Do Something for Pan”, I did brand new music, so why don’t they ‘do something new’ for Pan. They can’t be innovative if they’re stupid and have no sense, not smart. I say the president bought a new Benz weeks after he took office. Pan people don’t talk about that. So I put it in a song. Now, it doesn’t get much airplay - if any at all.”
“All he needs to do is make sure that nine months a year - it have Pan out of this country. Ninety per cent of steel bands should be out of this country for nine months. So many festivals around the world where we could play. The world really hasn’t discovered this instrument yet, you know.”
Replies
Wow... Very interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing this with us Mr.Narine.
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