Sparrow's "Bongo" by Solo Harmonites, arranged by Earl Rodney(Panorama 1969 Live)
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In addition to the volume and power created by the Harmonites band, Rodney produced an arrangement of Lord Kitchener’s “The Wrecker” which set a new standard for fast tempos in Panorama. Based on available recordings, Rodney’s arrangement of “The Wrecker” was played at an unprecedented tempo of = 135. Prior to 1968, the fastest winning arrangement presented was Bobby Mohammed’s “Sixty Seven,” at = 125, with the other previous winning arrangements falling between 100-122. Rodney also used Latin American musical influences such as syncopated bass lines, minor keys, and jam sections which he called Montunos. While these techniques may not appear to be “traditional” Latin styles they must be taken in their Trinidadian contex “... where listeners are sensitive to subtle departures from calypso melodic phrasing, harmony, or rhythmic structure.” Minor keys, syncopated bass lines, and montunos (or jam sections) are found in nearly all contemporary Panorama arrangements.
Source: CHALLENGING THE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PANORAMA CONSTRUCT:
AN ANALYSIS OF COMPOSITIONAL STYLES OF RAY HOLMAN, LIAM TEAGUE, AND ANDY NARELL.
PDF pg 27 Earl Rodney.
This is an example of panorama tempo in the late sixties. Obviously , Solo won't have played at this speed on the road , except at stand still competition or judging points , not while on the move.
Tight and sweet. It must have been awesome in person. I hear them calling Shango...not bongo !
Listening to this sweet music reminds me that panorama arrangements on carnival Saturday night were forgotten by carnival Monday morning, in 2012. However arrangements from the '60s and '70s memorable and still enjoyed, if not unforgetable. Where have we gone wrong?
This early panorama performance by Solo Harmonites remains one of my all time favorites ( along with "The Wrecker", of course).
Rodney was and remains one of our greatest, most accomplished pan arrangers.
I remember this performance with great pleasure. Great memories, thanks very much for livening up my day.