Phase two of a star called Renegades

by Sandra L. Blood

"Coming from 2nd-to-last in the semi-final rounds of the Golden Jubilee national Panorama competition in Trinidad, to 3rd in finals...entering the competition emotionally and psychologically embattled (hoping to maintain its hat trick, and grieving over the burial of their fallen pan peer two days before the finals),

Renegades -- against all odds -- truly sent shock waves through many, given the results of semi-finals." - Sandra Blood

Trinidad and Tobago - For four straight hours after the medium bands made way for the big guns in the panorama race on February 9th 2013, the music riveted. Live and direct…love was diffused throughout the world to those who it reached. All were bouncing and driving to the sweet blend of musical harmonies on the night of the most anticipated event during the carnival season – the Panorama Final (large band) competition.

But based on the favourites that arose out of the semi-final round, no one, except perhaps its players and supporters, envisaged the star on final night would have emerged as the BP Renegades Steel Orchestra.

Renegades Steel Orchestra

Playing in position three – two after Silver Stars’, their rival in tune-of-choice Shock Attack and delivering a fiery and captivating rendition – Renegades, in comparison, appeared mediocre…not as tight, fired-up or shocking, but that was merely the perception coming on the heels of that vibrant performance. Minds were still wired.

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it's all a matter of interpretation!

As you know only too well A.L. my brother, the strain when at the top for a lengthy period creates a weakness that requires going back to the drawing board and introspect, reflect, strategize, etc -- it's the transition period -- thus, it is indeed 'tongue-in-cheek' for those who understand expressiveness. How in God's name can the best band in the world sit idly by and simply allow others to walk all over them?

We have to be stark steering mad!

And again, whether we were 'shoved' out, we volunteerily walked out or were respectfully escorted out of the 2011 final-night line up, the reality is the band was out, and it's simple as that.

From an objective perspective, and someone who has played in many winning performances including our hat trick, "uncertain" in the context means, while start to end was beautiful, an opening must be with a vengence. Nothing was wrong, per say, with the music, it's simply began a little softer (uncertain) then built up momentum. And that really speaks to the killer instinct effect.

I also think it warranted "second berth" but to push stronger towards Premiere Renegades from 2014 is the mandate to have the others running behind us.

Tough love and harsh criticism are both healthy components to propel much higher.

Let's continue sharing our thoughts!

Replies

Andre-Roger Dellevi February 18, 2013 at 2:16pm

Renegades bounce-back-back may not (yet) have ALL the smokes-and-mirrors "tricks" some of the others incorporate into the performance, but I thoroughly enjoyed their 2013 presentation. I congratulate them and look forward to even more in the future.
A.L.Nunes February 11, 2013 at 11:04pm

Between '98 and '07 Jit did not leave his home nightly to put down his music because ’we can’t be selfish, we giving our contenders a chance to create a good credit rating…enjoy victory’, nor was his bed wet! Neither did Amrit nor Ken. I know it was said tongue-in-cheek,so I make the distinction so that the non-informed may not be mis-informed.

On an equally meaningful note Renegades did not "fall out of the final line-up in 2011" which is to say, they failed to qualify - they were factually "shoved" out.

I witnessed the formation of this year's arrangement from start to finish and at no point was anything, be it at the entrance, middle or coda "uncertain". On the contrary Duvone mirrors Renegades' finals' assured performance, which in my view certainly warranted second berth!
- Sandra L Blood > A.L.Nunes February 15, 2013 at 6:40am
  
  it's all a matter of interpretation!
  
  As you know only too well A.L. my brother, the strain when at the top for a lengthy period creates a weakness that requires going back to the drawing board and introspect, reflect, strategize, etc -- it's the transition period -- thus, it is indeed 'tongue-in-cheek' for those who understand expressiveness. How in God's name can the best band in the world sit idly by and simply allow others to walk all over them?
  
  We have to be stark steering mad!
  
  And again, whether we were 'shoved' out, we volunteerily walked out or were respectfully escorted out of the 2011 final-night line up, the reality is the band was out, and it's simple as that.
  
  From an objective perspective, and someone who has played in many winning performances including our hat trick, "uncertain" in the context means, while start to end was beautiful, an opening must be with a vengence. Nothing was wrong, per say, with the music, it's simply began a little softer (uncertain) then built up momentum. And that really speaks to the killer instinct effect.
  
  I also think it warranted "second berth" but to push stronger towards Premiere Renegades from 2014 is the mandate to have the others running behind us.
  
  Tough love and harsh criticism are both healthy components to propel much higher.
  
  Let's continue sharing our thoughts!
Noah February 11, 2013 at 2:34pm

Renegades actually came fourth several times in the years since their last win in 1997. Saying they "swayed around in the bottom half of the competition" since then is inaccurate...
- Sandra L Blood > Noah February 15, 2013 at 6:15am
  
  Comment very much appreciated as I actually performed during the years. It speaks to the worst-case scenario hence the the word "swayed" and not maintained, but noted.

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