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FAIR ROLL OF THE DICE, PLEASE

Today I take issue with hosts of Pan shows in Trinidad and their bias. I am asking them to clean up their act. Pan Buzz has led the fight tirelessly in a lot of areas where steelband (and steelpan) development is concerned, and anything to push Pan is my concern. What has been happening, is that I have been getting negative feedback about some radio hosts who are spiting singers or Pan song composers they have problem with.
 

Come on guys, leave your garbage outside the studio door, and play the music across the board. Last year I set up a Monitoring Unit, and the trend we are seeing is not too nice. On a friendship basis some singers (and composers ) are enjoying healthy rotation of their songs, while others are thrown in the dustbin for some ‘bad mind’ reason. I will not call names as yet, but if this nonsense persists, I will have to go public. This is a gentle warning.
 

If a Pan show host has a problem with a composer or singer, I don’t see why this should be extended to the man’s music. The Pan world is filled with hypocrisy; there are men who talk about a love for Pan, but yet spite singers and Pan song composers. They know who they are. Now let me make it clear: Pan Buzz don’t owe anybody anything. Pan Buzz only owe the bank... full stop.
 

However, the Monitoring Unit is already up and running.

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Do Something for Pan Song Composers

Pan song composers are subsidizing the Panorama and this can no longer continue. Every year a composer puts out his money and creativity and gets nought for it. So it is high time that Pan Trinbago organises something for these forgotten soldiers of Pan. All they get is congratulations; we cannot go on this way. A few years ago there was the Pan Song Competition, but that has gone the way of all flesh. Pan Trinbago must innovate for Carnival 2012 with ideas to boost the Panorama. You know there is no shortage of ideas with Pan Buzz. Here are just two:

1. How about the reintroduction of the People’s Choice (voting by ballot), plus Best Dressed Steelband?
    

2. A Pan song competition of 10 contestants, followed by the Pan Dance 2012 (both shows as one). You have to give people value for money and make it attractive.
   

The composer of the most popular Pan song of the competition must be given a cash incentive. Pan Trinbago cannot lose. They must set the pace in ideas and creative solutions with the exercise of some grey matter. Keith “Bald head” Diaz does not have a big head for nothing. Get cracking!

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TWO CDs TO MAKE YOU DANCE... AND PRANCE

Exciting things are happening in the steelband world.  Len “Boogsie” Sharpe is ready to rock with a CD called Tribute to Sparrow, played on the Percussive Harmonic Instrument (PHI) pan (pronounced fie).
 

The CD is sweet like Caroni brown sugar. The pan playing is exceptional, as only “Boogsie” can, as he ‘reclothes’ (nice word eh?) songs like Rose, Jane, Memories, Education, Drunk and Disorderly, Dan Is The Man, Royal Jail, Panman (aka Carnival Time), Sa Sa Yay and Saltfish. The name of a young engineer Davis Chow headlines the collectors’ item.  Holy Moses, this CD is awesome.
 

Another CD that is raising eyebrows is the long-awaited King of the Hill by Jason “Peanuts” Isaac. This CD contains all the big songs like Jamboree, Hard wine, Ruction, Vibes of a Madman, Ten Commandments of Pan and the famous Pan Redemption.
 

The 2012 song Pan Turbulence is also there. I can’t wait to get my hands on both CDs.

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Remember - wherever you are in the steelband world, keep loving up The Pan.

Ask “Boogsie,” not “Lexo” 
 

Why the abuse of songwriter/lyricist Anthony “Lexo” Alexis by a “Boogsie” goon? Why? What has “Lexo” done wrong? If pan people want the facts about the break-up, they should ask Len “Boogsie” Sharpe... not “Lexo.” If I know “Boogsie” as well as I do, he has nothing to do with this primitive behaviour, by a disciple who feels aggrieved with “Lexo” linking up with Jason “Peanuts” Isaac. Both men are riding a wave of success with “Pan Turbulence,” the first of many efforts.
 

I have been reliably informed the “Lexo” broke none of the agreements - verbal or legal - over the years. Ask “Boogsie” what happened, or what he has done to sever the bond of Panorama’s most successful combination.  These men were magical.  Here's their success chart:
2002 - Do What You Want
2003 - Music In We Blood
2004 - We like To Play
2005 - Trini Gorn Wild
2006 - This one’s For U, Bradley
2007 - Sharing Licks
 

In 2008 “Lexo” sat on the sidelines. He moved away from “Boogsie.” Both men clashed over money matters. In 2009 a reconciliation effort resumed with both men planning a ‘together again’ song to signal their return to roots. What happened?  “Boogsie’s” creditability took a beating as he switched his “Magic Drum” to Kernel Roberts. The writing was on the wall. Another attempt was made at reconciliation, but it fell flat.
 

“Lexo” has moved on, and a Phase II goon, with his breath smelling like carbide, should stop behaving like we are living in the age of ignorance, because “Lexo” could mix it up if it becomes necessary. I am telling you. Get off his back!
 

We pass that stage.
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Steelband Music Festival in 2012?
 

The postponement of the Steelband Music Festival is a blessing in disguise for Pan Trinbago. It now affords the national body the opportunity to stage a bumper festival with all the big bands signing on.  I have said it once, and will say it again - big bands must participate in the Festival. The last festival held in 2008 was pathetic in terms of turn-out.  I was there at the Jean Pierre Complex.  You want to tell me there are 7,000 panmen and the Festival buss? Panmen have money for everything else, except supporting Pan Trinbago events.  For them, Pan is only Panorama and the stipend. I say to hell with that approach.  They quick to pass they mouth on President Diaz and his executive.  Is this fair?
 

However, Pan Trinbago now has the opportunity to plan a bigger and brighter Festival with the big bands in the fray. I am talking about Despers, All Stars and Phase II.  Stop the pussyfooting. Let us look at August, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), as the country celebrates 50 years. With the momentum of the Panorama at their backs, bands can move into Festival gear. Let us go for it!

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Nominations for Pan Buzz Awards

Remember to send in your nominations for the various Pan Buzz Heroes Awards, Top Ten Pan Songs, Arranger of the Year and Pan Song of the year.  Send them to:  Keithos_6@hotmail.com

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Until next week, wherever you are in Steelband World, keep loving up The Pan!