Champs Exodus take lead to the Savannah

National Panorama champion Exodus leads the field going into the semi- final round of the competition on Sunday at the Queen’s Park Savannah. After an “unbeatable” performance, according to the band’s former arranger Desmond Waithe, in the judges eyes, Exodus was the best band in the preliminary round,  but only by one point. The band’s version of Pelham Goddard’s arrangement of De Fosto’s “War 2004” gained them 273 points. The “boys from the hill” in Laventille, WITCO Desperadoes, came in for high praises with their rendition of Clive Bradley’s arrangement of Shadow’s “Cocoyea.”

The hill was alive with sweet music as Bradley took his players through a song many felt was not suitable for Panorama,  proving why he is one of the country’s top arrangers. “Despers” received 272 points, while there was a tie for third place between Solo Pan Knights and bpTT Renegades, with 263 points each. Both bands played the arranger’s “own tune.” Pan Knights gave their rendition of Robbie Greenidge’s arrangement of “Rosie” and Renegades performed their piece “Pan On The Road” by legendary composer Jit Samaroo. Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars came in fifth with 260 points for Leon “Smooth” Edward’s arrangement of De Fosto’s “Ah Pay Meh Dues.” Other bands to qualify in the Large Band category are Birdsong, BWIA Invaders, NLCB Fonclaire, TCL Group Skiffle Bunch, Petrotrin Phase 11 Pan Groove, Pamberi, RBTT Redemption Sound Setters, Petrotrin Hatters and PCS Starlift. In the Medium Band category, Valley Harps led the field with 264 points followed closely by Parry’s Pan School with 262.

Once again there was a tie for the third position with Deltones and Harmonites earning 261 points. Two bands came in at fifth position as Excellent Stores Silver Stars and Courts Laventille Sound Specialist each received 259 points. Also making it to the “Big Yard” in the Medium Band category are Belmont Fifth Dimension, Melodians, Sfzorta, Potential Symphony, Tornadoes, Curepe Scherzando, Carib Dixeland, Tokyo and Five Rivers Modern Symphony. The bands will draw for positions tomorrow at 5 pm at Pan Trinbago’s offices on Park Street, Port-of-Spain. Following is the list of 29 bands that will appear in the Savannah on Sunday from 11 am.