PAN TUNERS IN THE DARK AGES
If I had my way, I will hit every Pan tuner a hot bullpistle; similar to the one Kitch threatened to dispense on the backs of steelband men in the heady days of steelband riots. Now don’t get me wrong. We have long passed that stage. Now when I hear tuners complaining, I wonder if they are still in the Dark Ages. Haven’t they heard about the co-operative effort? Or is it that they so taken up in their own business, that they forget unity is strength?
Pan tuners and arrangers are the kings of Pan. I don’t begrudge them for the money they make, especially around Carnival time, Panorama to be exact. Why can’t a few of these get together and form their own co-operative and import their drums, rather than cry every year like an abandoned child? Pepe Francis, President of the British Association of Steelbands (BAS) has already said that drums, designed drums, are available in England (Coventry), Denmark and Holland.
He said there are also drums made to order. Pan tuners must take a leaf from the book of the crab; because if the crab don’t walk, the crab don’t eat. So if the National Petroleum machine to make drums stay down for three more months, what will they do? Play with their wiggies.
Come on, Pan tuners; wake up and take the bull by the horns; organise yourself, and as my daughter Tamu would say “get with the project.”
Ref: Steeldrum Shortage
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CONGRATS TO THE ‘OX’
Congrats go out to Allan Oxley who has now entered the fray of composing for the Pan. His debut effort “Heavy on Pan - a Tribute to Kitch” is very musical and entertaining and shows what could be achieved with determination. Allan, a keyboardist with Shandileer in its heyday, moves like he has molasses flowing through his veins. Allan has a slow wine now, but the man used to ‘pelt waist’ (or is it waste?) when he was playing the keyboard. Local TV station Channel 4 in Trinidad runs a video which, upon reflection, this former acolyte will be ashamed of. No wonder why he was excommunicated by the Pope and thrown out the Vatican. He always intrigues me for one so talented. There isn’t a thing Allan can’t do musically. This son of a breadfruit is musically gifted. We can expect bigger and better things from this master craftsman. I make no apologies for what is said in this copy...who vex lorse.”
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SEND IN YOUR CHOICES...
Pan people, remember: nominations for the third edition of the PAN BUZZ AWARDS are still open. Don’t forget to send in your choices for: Pan Song of the Year, Arranger of the Year, and the Allan Gervais Pan Heroes Award. Send choices to: Keithos_6@hotmail.com.
Thanks to the people who enjoyed my analysis of the 2011 NY Panorama, and who still love tha Buzz. Thanks again to Mr. Rannie Babb and his energetic team for hosting the Pan Buzz.
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NEXT WEEK: “LEXO” UNDER THE GUN
Wherever you are in the Pan World; keep loving up The Pan.
