East big bands shine

Both Supernovas and Exodus gave performance like they intend to take the National Panorama Festival title back to the east.

Supernovas played the Amrit Samaroo arrangement of his and Mark Loquan’s composition of “Rumble in the Jungle” and for seven minutes and 20 seconds the massive audience was held in suspense as the band’s welltuned pans rang out a presentation packed with sweet music at the Surrey Village, Lopinot Road, Arouca panyard.

In St Augustine, Republic Bank Exodus broke with tradition and brought in arranger BJ Marcelle to assist their arranger Pelham Goddard. Without a doubt Marcelle brought an energy to Exodus that could well see them in winners’ row. Theirs was one of the most energetic performances seen in the Large Band category.

The players delivered “Good Morning” sung by Barbadian soca artiste Peter Ram, and written by Trinidadian Jovan James, with precision and delight. Hundreds of supporters thronged Exodus’ panyard with the crowd spilling on to the Eastern Main Road.

Accomplished pannist Mia Gormandy is the only female arranger in this category for 2017 and she chose birdsong to create history. Her bravery is outstanding as she is now in the ring with the likes of Robbie Greenidge, Carlton “Zanda” Alexander, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Leon “Smooth” Edwards, Arddin Herbert, Duvone Stewart, Ken “Professor” Philmore and Professor Liam Teague.

Birdsong played a Mark Loquan composition, “Pan Kingdom” and received a very warm reception from its supporters including the Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly.

It was the band’s first Panorama performance at its new home at 14 St Vincent Street, Tunapuna, since being evicted last year.