what’s the buzz?
First let me apologise to readers of the Pan Buzz for not keeping up to date on things “Pan.” The Buzz had a few challenges, but those are in the past. I promised you the David “Happy” Williams interview so here goes.
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“Happy” is ‘sad’ over pan songs
Veteran bassist/composer and singer, David “Happy” Williams is sad over the level of “Pan song” composing, and hopes that composers will put more effort into their songs. He is not enthusiastic over the idea of everybody washing his or her feet and jumping into the arena. He wants “quality and not quantity.”
An outspoken commentator, “Happy” told The Buzz that he quit the Pan song arena, because he felt unwelcome in the zone, and unimpressed with the quality of songs people were going crazy over. Now, excellence is a “Happy” trait and there is no compromise; even it if means bowing out. “Happy” thinks the Pan song arena has now become a ‘hustle;’ and Len “Boogsie” Sharpe is a victim of that “Hustle.”
He said the innovative composer (Len “Boogsie” Sharpe) of such great songs as “Pan Rising,” “‘79 is Mine,” “Rags To Riches,” “Rock It With Pan” and others is a victim of the “hustle.” He feels Boogsie’s creativity has taken a beating, and is at its lowest ebb.
However, “Happy” is happy with young composers coming into the arena, but urges them to give their songs structure and melody. “Pan song have no life after Carnival,” he reminded.
“Happy” is best known for compositions: “Happy’s Story,” “Ping Pong Obsessions,” “The Sprit” and others.
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First place could have gone either way...
The result of the recent New York Panorama can be compared to a two-horse race at a photo-finish. Really. Pan Buzz has no problem with who won. In my respectful view, the judges’ decision could have gone either way. I cool with that. First, let me congratulate the evergreen Rannie [Randolph] Babb (pictured) for hosting Pan Buzz and his team. Thanks, Rannie! That said, let me get dong (my word) to brass tacks.
The show was fantastic, the atmosphere electric, just like Panorama in Port-of-Spain. I understand this show is growing by leaps and bounds, and it won’t be long before a band from Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, decides to take on the best of New York on the Panorama turf, the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum.
Pan Buzz will give his views as follows:
Sesame Flyers: First of all, “Advantage” (Kernel Roberts/Machel Montano) was a difficult choice to execute, and there Sesame Flyers lost their ‘Advantage.’ They sounded good like the rooster in my backyard but something was missing. Nevertheless it was a spirited performance.
Boston Metro: Was smooth and musical with “Soca Night” (Nap Hepburn), but they were more like playing in a funeral, sorry, Music festival. The performance lacked the spirit of Carnival.
Pan Sonatas: Created a nice, lively mood; but their performance suffered from a lack of fluency into the passages. It sounded disjointed. Nevertheless they were all Showtime ‘bedecked’ (nice word eh?) in their glitter.
The ’Radoes: Was lively and entertaining with Benjai’s “Trini,” but could consider themselves unlucky.
CrossFire: Leon “Foster” Thomas [arranger] is still learning his craft; with a little patience, he and CrossFire will get there.
Pantonic: Was sweet like Caroni brown sugar; like Boston Metro, they lacked the spirit of the occasion.
CASYM: Their performance was all energy and captured all the ingredients of a Panorama with “Doh Be On Dat.” The band was on song with a flawless performance; until - ADLIB.
Andre White and ADLIB: Gave the judges something to think about with Len “Boogsie” Sharpe’s “Do Something for Pan”
Harmony: Was a total disappointment, and the less said, the better.
Despers USA: Was expected to deliver a death-blow, but with Trini delivered a whimper. On J’Ouvert morning on Nostrand Avenue, the band was more lively and dominating.
The NY Panorama was great. I can’t wait for the next edition. However, a prize should be given to the winner for the Best Costuming. CrossFire was outstanding. Maybe the organisers might want to grab this idea?
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CONGRATS
Pan Buzz sends greetings and congrats to Mr. Patrick Arnold (pictured), the former President of Pan Trinbago on attaining the Chaconia (Gold) for his dedicated service to the Steelband and the movement in general.
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So wherever you are in Pan’s Diaspora, keep loving up The Pan.
Comments
Hello Patrick,
Remember the time you helped me out building pans in Portland, Oregon? They were good times too.
Congratulations on winning the Chaconia.
My best wishes.
Your friend in Oregon
Jimmy Leyden