Quarles to arrange for Despers

The issue of an arranger for the Witco Desperadoes has been settled with the selection of the former arranger for Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars and Pantonics of New York, Eddie Quarles. Up to late last week, management of Despers was holding talks with the band’s former arranger, Robert Greenidge, in an effort to take up the post after the death of the band’s arranger Clive Bradley last year. However, Dr Finbar Fletcher, manager of the band, told Newsday yesterday that due to Greenidge’s commitments abroad during the Carnival season, Despers could not count on him a hundred percent, so they opted for Quarles.

When contacted yesterday, Greenidge told Newsday that he was called in for talks with Despers, but that he told Fletcher that even before Bradley’s passing, he was committed to Pan Knights. He also said that bands like Desperadoes like to have their arranger “in the yard,” but “my schedule wouldn’t allow me to give 100 percent, and if I can’t give that to them, I’d rather stay out.” “I was the one that suggested Quarles because he is a good arranger,” Greenidge noted, adding that he remains a Desperado man as he has been since 1964. Quarles will be assisted by pannists Chantelle Esdelle and Andre Robley. The latter has worked with him before. The band will be playing De Fosto’s “Tribute to Bradley” and Fletcher assured that Despers will be very much ready when the preliminary judges visit their panyard on February 8.

At the Solo Pan Knights camp, where Greenidge has been the main arranger since the inception of the band, band manager Owen Serrette stated that they have no problem with Greenidge’s overseas commitments. “Robbie told us of his commitments since last year and that’s why we have Carlysle ‘‘Juiceman’’ Roberts to assist him, and we will be bringing in Duvone Stewart to drill the band just as “Juiceman” did in the past,” said Serrette. He added Robbie is the best arranger in Trinidad and Tobago, he is number one, two, and three, and we are prepared to work with his schedule.” However, when the preliminary judges visit Pan Knights’ panyard on February 5, Greenidge will be working on a movie soundtrack in the United States. He will be back in the country for the National Panorama semi-finals and finals.